Hyderabad, Sep 7 (TIWN) The women cricket teams of Andhra Pradesh and Tripura had a narrow escape when lightning struck during a match at Perecharla in Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh on Sunday.

A palm tree outside the Andhra Cricket Association cricket ground caught fire as the lightning struck the area.

The women players, umpires and other officials had rushed inside the building after the rains lashed the ground. Minutes later, they heard a thundering sound. The players and others scurried for cover.

According to eye witnesses, a palm tree outside the ground was in flames due to the lightening.

The players and others rushed to the buses and the friendly match was abandoned.

Lightening accompanied by heavy rains claimed 20 lives in Andhra Pradesh. Three of them died in Guntur district.