India suffer second defeat in Fed Cup

Bangkok:

Sania Mirza's injury layoff continued to hurt India badly as they suffered their second successive defeat, going down 1-2 to New Zealand in an Asia/Oceania Group I Federation Cup tie on Friday

Isha Lakhani was the lone member of the team to register a win as she rallied to beat Sacha Jones 6-7 (7), 6-1 6-4 in the first rubber.

However, yesterday's lone winner in the tie against Indonesia, Sunitha Rao, was handed a 0-6 6-7 (7) thrashing by Marina Erakovic as the Kiwis drew level.

The Indians cut a sorry figure in the deciding doubles match and Leanne Baker and Erakovic dumped Lakhani and Shikha Uberoi 6-2 6-2 to seal it for their team.

After back-to-back defeats, India face a tough task as they take on top seeds Australia in their third and final tie on Friday.

Sania is likely to miss tomorrow's tie also as she continues to nurse her hamstring injury.

Meanwhile, Australia suffered a stunning 1-2 defeat at the hands of Indonesia today. In the other group I ties, Uzbekistan beat Thailand 2-1, while Taiwan defeated Hong Kong 2-1.