After being tied 1-1, the Indian duo fought tooth and nail in the decider to win it 2-6, 6-4, 6-7 (11/13) after a tussle lasting 77 minutes.

With this victory, the Indian pair, which lost its opening tie to the USA, not only kept itself afloat in the tournament.

Earlier, Sania overcame a stiff challenge from Molik and won the women's singles clash 2-6, 6-2, 4-6 to give India a 1-0 lead.

However, Bopanna lost the men's singles match to Luczak 7-6, 6-3 and allowed the sixth-seeded hosts to level the contest.

Sania, who had almost lost the final set after being 5-1 up, acknowledged that it was never easy against a tough opponent like Molik.

"I almost lost that one. 15-40, love-40, it does not matter, she can come up with a big serve at any time," she said.

India now have one win and one loss record. The top team in each group advances to Friday's final.