Andhra lose but retain title

Andhra Pradesh retained the title in the 25th South Zone senior interstate women's cricket tournament at the Sri Ramachandra Medical college grounds in Chennai on Friday.

Andhra lost their last league game in the five team round robin to hosts Tamil Nadu by 63 runs and finished with six points from four games. Air India, by defeating Kerala by 134 runs, also ended with six points. But Andhra were declared champions as they had defeated Air India in the match between the two teams.

Taking advantage of fielding lapses, Tamil Nadu which was put in to bat, hit up 161 for nine in 50 overs. Kamakshi was the top scorer with an unbeaten 57 while Snehal (21) and Subha (21) chipped in with useful contributions. The holders were dismissed for 98 in 44.3 overs. Vidisha was the wrecker-in-chief taking five for 10 while Snehal took three for 15.

In the other match, Air India rattled up 230 for four in 40 overs with India captain Anju Jain top scoring with a splendid 103. Another India player Anjum Chopra scored 76. Kerala were shot out for 96 in 40 overs with only Anita showing some fight with 40.

While Andhra and Air India finished with six points each, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka with two wins and two losses had four points. Kerala lost all their matches.