Air India derails Indian Railways

The much awaited title clash in the CricInfo Rani Jhansi Trophy women's tournament between Air India and Indian Railways got underway at the MA Chidambaram Stadium this morning. Both teams came into the match unbeaten. At the end of the day however, Air India were just too good for Indian Railways. Their 178 run total proved 48 runs too many for Indian Railways.

On winning the toss Air India captain Purnima Rau had no hesitation in electing to bat. However, when she played down the wrong line to a straight one from Sunita Kanojia the skipper couldn't have been too pleased. She was trapped plumb in front and Air India had lost a big wicket.

Anjum Chopra came in and gave Air India fans something to cheer about with some fine batting. Playing with a straight bat, Chopra made good use of a field that was spread out. Taking no risks, she forced the scoring on.

When Anjum tried to cut a ball from off spinner Rupanjali Shastri things went wrong for Air India. The ball was too close to the stumps for the shot. All she managed to do was drag the ball back onto her stumps. She looked good for a big score but managed just 24.

Soon after Anjum was dismissed, Anju Jain followed. Her 40 had come in quick time. However, the fall of her wicket meant that Air India's top three were gone.

Mithali Raj took on the role of senior batswoman and proceeded to play a priceless knock. Though wickets fell around her, she stuck to her task admirably. When Sunaina Mehan used the long handle to good effect in the late overs, Air India managed to put up a more than competitive total. Sunaina's clean hitting inspired Mithali further and the two shared a partnership of 65 that took the game away from Indian Railways.

Sunaina made a crucial 29 while Mithali was unbeaten on 45. Air India had ammassed 178, a lot more than what looked likely in the middle of the innings.

Starting their chase in the worst possible manner, Indian Railways opener Rajini Sharma hit a full toss towards Seema Malhotra at mid off. Diving low, Seema came up with the catch. There was some doubt about how cleanly she had caught the ball. After consulting the fielder, umpire Sumathi Iyer declared Rajini out.

The target was too daunting for Indian Railways after they lost a few quick wickets. Sensing this, the Air India bowlers tightened up their attack. This put the squeeze on the Indian Railways side and they batted without purpose.

Renu Margaret livened up the proceedings with a fighting unbeaten 42, but it was a case of too little too late. When Anjum Chopra fired the ball in to the 'keeper and ran out Neetu David, there was unlimited joy for the Air India side. Celebrating victory by 48 runs the whole teamed sang and danced out in the middle. All stumps were quickly removed and will no doubt find their way to showcases and mantlepieces around the country.