Smriti Mandhana was a dejected captain as India on Sunday (March 21) suffered a six-wicket defeat from a strong position in the second T20I against South Africa.

After losing the opening T20I by eight wickets, the hosts were in for a chance to square the three-match series as the Proteas Women needed 19 runs from the last two overs while chasing 159 to win.

But Harleen Deol's conceded two fours in the 19th over while Arundhati Reddy bowled a no-ball when South Africa needed 6 from the final 2 balls as the visitors overhauled the target on the last delivery.

"It's a bitter pill to swallow. I thought 80 percent of it was our game but lost it in the end," Mandhana said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

"We have a lot to learn and the way we fielded, we didn't deserve to win the game. We have to work on our fielding standards."

She, however, was pleased with the performance of her batters.

"The way our batters batted was amazing to watch and to get us to a 150-plus total. A lot of positives but a lot to learn as well. We have to pull our socks and we are practising hard," said Mandhana.

On the other hand, South Africa women skipper Sune Luus was elated as her side played fearless cricket to clinch another victory in the ongoing India tour.

"We backed ourselves, playing fearless cricket which is what you want. It's so good for our future. We know these players coming in, we back them, they back themselves and get the results.

"Lot of work being done back home to get to where we are. It's a chance for us to make it 3-0. Need a level of professionalism to give it our all."

(With PTI inputs)