Mithali Raj smashed a quick-fire 51, but failed to hit a final ball six that would have tied the scores, as the Indian women's cricket team lost their Twenty20 [Images] international against Australia [Images] by two runs in Sydney on Tuesday.

Chasing a victory target of 143, India were two wickets down for 11 runs in the third over, and the required run-rate quickly shot past nine per over. But Raj and captain Jhulan Goswami dragged the visitors back into contention in the final eight overs with an unbroken 60-run partnership at the Hurstville Oval.

The experienced duo steadily built the innings and needed a six off the final ball to tie the match and force a bowl-out, but Raj could only manage a boundary.

Raj's 51 came of 45 balls. Apart from her, the other top scorers were Sulakshana Naik (32) and Goswami (27 not out) as India mounted a spirited run chase only to end up just short of the target.

Earlier, a dazzling innings of 44 from 23 balls by captain Karen Rolton guided Australia to 142 for 4 after being sent in to bat.

Despite suffering a thigh injury early in her innings, Nitschke (49 from 40) was the other main contributor with the bat for the hosts. She batted with the aid of a runner and hit four boundaries and two sixes.

Rolton, later adjudged player-of-the-match, smashed eight boundaries on way to her 44.

Australia and India start their five-match one-day international series on Friday at Hurstville Oval.