While Kerala suffered their second straight defeat in two days, Air India were down to holders Andhra on the second day of the Senior inter-state South Zone women's cricket championship at the Sri Ramachandra Medical College Grounds in Chennai on Tuesday. Karnataka, who lost to the hosts Tamil Nadu on Monday, scored a convincing 116-run win over Kerala while Andhra defeated Air India by three wickets. This was Andhra's first match while it was Air India's first defeat in two matches. Yesterday, they had beaten Karnataka.

Batting first, Karnataka scored 170 for nine in their 50 overs. Deepika Babu was the topscorer with 36. M Jini (3 for 32) and R Nikita (2 for 28) were the most successful bowlers for Kerala. When their turn came to bat, the Kerala eves were all at sea. Nooshin (5 for 10) ripped through the Kerala line up as they were shot out for 54 in 38.2 overs. Vilasini (16) was the only batswoman to reach double figures.

In the other match of the day, the Air India side took strike first but were all out for 163. Indian skipper Anju Jain was the top scorer with a fine 48 with six fours. Rumeli Dhar (29) made a useful contribution. The wickets were shared all around with Swarnalakshmi (3 for 16) being the pick. Andhra in response were home for the loss of seven wickets in 45.2 overs. Monica top scored with a fine 65 inclusive of nine boundary hits. Kusum made a valuable contribution with 38 inclusive of five fours. Jhulan was the best of the bowlers with figures of 2 for 36. Though Andhra are the defending champions, their victory was a surprise for Air India was fancied to win.

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