Karnataka edge out Goa in thrilling tie

At the RSI ground on Friday, Karnataka rode on the all-round skills of Rakshitha Krishnappa to pip Goa in a match reduced to 21 overs a side due to overnight rains. Rakshitha top-scored with an unbeaten 28 as Karnataka laboured batting first, making just 99 for six from their allotment of overs. Goa appeared to be on course through Salma Divkar (38), but Rakshitha (3/16) and Rajeshwari S Gayakwad (2/19) struck telling blows as Karnataka restricted their opponents to 97 for eight.

In the top-of-the-table clash, Tamil Nadu defeated Hyderabad on better run rate to establish themselves at the summit by remaining the only unbeaten team after the first three sets of matches. Hyderabad were kept down to 131 for nine from their 35 overs and Tamil Nadu had reached 103 for four in 26 overs when the match had to be called off.

Brief scores: Karnataka: 99/6 in 21 overs (Rakshitha Krishnappa 28 n.o.; Teena Volvoikar 2-15) bt Goa: 97/8 in 21 overs (Salma Divkar 38; Rakshitha Krishnappa 3-16, Rajeshwari S Gayakwad 2-19). Karnataka 4 pts, Goa 0.

Hyderabad: 131/9 in 35 overs (Sangeetha 25, Mamtha Kanojia 35; Vilasini 3-27) lt to Tamil Nadu: 103/4 in 26 overs (Niranjan M 34 n.o.; Diana David 2-10). Match, originally reduced to 35 overs a side, called off due to rain, Tamil Nadu won on better run rate. Tamil Nadu 4 pts, Hyderabad 0.

Kerala: 107 all out in 31 overs (Shani T 34; S Monika Sai 4-15) lt to Andhra: 108/8 in 30 overs (J Rameshwari 43; Shani T 2-23, Asha S 2-22, KK Sulaja 2-18). Match reduced to 31 overs a side. Andhra 4 pts, Kerala 0.