In an intense encounter during the Billie Jean King Cup Asia-Oceania Group I tournament, India’s women’s team overpowered Thailand with a 2-1 victory in Pune. Ankita Raina and Prarthana Thombare pulled off a winning performance under pressure in the decisive doubles, sealing victory for India.
The day started on a positive note for Team India when young talent Shrivalli Rashmikaa produced a dominating performance in the opening singles match. Even against a higher-ranked opponent, Thailand’s Lanlana Tararudee, Rashmikaa was in top form, winning in straight sets 6-2, 6-4 and putting India ahead early.
But the second singles encounter changed the fortunes in Thailand’s favor. Sahaja Yamalapalli played against Mananchaya Sawangkaew in hot weather conditions, with the match being conducted under blistering temperatures. Yamalapalli, having lost the first set 3-6, fought resolutely back to take the match into the second set tiebreak after levelling the match. She then had to retire in the deciding set after suffering from excruciating cramps, evening out the tie at 1-1.
The onus was on Ankita Raina and Prarthana Thombare to deliver the win in the doubles decider. The battle between them and the Thai combination of Peangtarn Plipuech and Patcharin Cheapchandej was neck and neck. The Indian pair won the first set in a tiebreak, lost the second, but turned around in the match tiebreak to win 7-6(3), 3-6, 10-3.
Team skipper Vishaal Uppal lauded the performance of the players, particularly Sahaja, for her gallant effort, and wished her speedy recovery before they face their next encounter with Hong Kong. The outcome puts India in a commanding position in the group and keeps them on course for qualification.
In another match in the group, New Zealand beat South Korea 2-1 by a narrow margin, while an upset victory went to Hong Kong against Chinese Taipei. With every tie becoming key as the competition goes on, the fight for top positions within Group I is intensifying.
India’s win was an amalgamation of youthful promise and veteran determination and shows the continued strength of women’s tennis back home.
