Astana (Kazakhstan), Feb 6:
Sania Mirza combined with Prarthana Thombare to win the deciding doubles rubber and help India beat New Zealand 2-1 in the last Pool D match in the Asia/Oceania Group II competition in Fed Cup, here today.
Playing her first live match, Sania and Prarthana beat Maria Erakovic and Abigail Guthrie 7-5 6-1 to win and put India atop Pool D.
Prarthana had put India ahead by winning the first singles against Dianne Holland 6-1 6-4.
However, Erakovic, who is world number 32 in doubles, brought her side back in the tie with 6-1 6-2 win over Ankita Raina.
The doubles became crucial and Sania, used all her experience to win it for India.
Now India will play Hong Kong, winner of Group A, tomorrow. (PTI)
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