Predictably enough, Railways retained the title in the Cricinfo Trophy National women's cricket championship at the Jorhat stadium in Jorhat on Monday. Having gained a huge first innings lead of 145 runs, and with the second innings restricted to 45 overs a side, it was only the margin of Railways' victory that was being discussed when play resumed on the final morning. Railways, 13 for two overnight in their second innings scored 166 for nine in the allotted overs. Air India, in quest of an almost impossible victory target of 312 in 45 overs at the rate of 6.93 an over, ended with 189 for seven in 45 overs.

In their attempt to maintain a good run rate, Railways lost wickets at regular intervals in the morning. The overnight not out batswomen opener Rajani Sharma and Rajani Venugopal made 25 and 34 respectively. But it was Balvir Kaur, coming in at 58 for four, who gave the scoring a real impetus, scoring 62 off 75 balls with three fours and three sixes. She was out to the last ball of the innings. Kusumlata was the most successful bowler taking three for 46.

Air India, in their second innings, also lost wickets at regular intervals as they went about their hopeless task. But valuable contributions from skipper Poornima Rau (26), Anjum Chopra (39) and Mithali Raj (35 not out) saw Air India keep Railways' victory margin down to 122 runs. Deepa Kulkarni who sent down 14 overs was the most successful bowler with three for 50.

This was Railways' 13th triumph in the competition. They won it outright for the 11th time and finished joint winners twice. The match was a personal triumph for skipper Diana Edulji. The former Indian captain has been playing from the inaugural national tournament held in 1973. As a player, this was her 24th National out of which her team (either Bombay or Railways) emerged victorious for the 16th time.

Anjum Chopra of Air India with an aggregate of 208 runs from three matches was declared the woman of the series. Punjab's Gulshan Sharma was declared the best batswoman, having scored 182 runs with two not outs. Deepa Kulkarni of Railways, with a haul of eleven for 81 was adjudged the best bowler.

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