The Indian women’s team succumbed to a 31-run defeat in the second Twenty20 International at Vijayawada against West Indies, who took a 2-0 lead in the three-match series. After being put in to bat first, the Windies posted a stiff total of 137/5. India’s response was tepid with little resistance shown barring skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (43), and folded up for 106 in the penultimate over of the match.

The West Indies batters got off to a solid start through openers Hayley Matthews (27) and Stafanie Taylor (47) and quick runs scored by big-hitters Deandra Dottin and Merrisa Aguilleira ensured that the hosts needed to score at nearly seven runs an over to stay in the series.

Debutantes Meghna Singh and Deepti Sharma showed attacking intent despite losing the early wicket of Smriti Mandhana. India, however, lost wickets at regular intervals as they looked to clear the ropes. Harmanpreet Kaur was waging a lone battle and was the last wicket to fall in the Indian innings after playing a terrific hand. The third T20I will be played on November 22 in Vijayawada.