NEWS
Follow UsIn one of the most awaited doubleheaders in the group stages of the T20 World Cup in South Africa, England edged past India by 11 runs to inch closer to securing their spot in the semi-final of the competition.
While the Women in Blue fell agonisingly short in the run chase, there were plenty of positives for them, starting with a five-wicket haul from Renuka Singh earlier in the day.
The right-arm pacer scalped five for 15 in her four overs, the best figures by an Indian bowler across men and women in T20 World Cup to rattle England early in the innings.
In the post-match press conference, the speedster was thrilled with her performance and stated that the idea was to hit the right areas on a wicket conducive for bowling.
"I did not know that it is the best because I had not thought about five wickets. I was just thinking that for quite some time, I've not hit the ball on a good area or taken a wicket. I thought the wicket would come automatically if I hit a nice area."
"I think the way the wicket was played, and it was very good for the bowling and the pace attack. So maybe we gave 10-15 runs extra from the bowling side," she said.
Despite some lukewarm performances prior to the World Cup, Renuka continued to stick to her basics and enjoy the process, something she feels has worked really well for her.
"Everyone wants me to enjoy, and even Troy also tells me to just enjoy the game and the process, which gives me good confidence. So whenever I enjoy, my performance comes out pretty good and It made a lot of difference to me," she said.
On the other hand, Sophie Ecclestone was in all praises for her fellow spinner, Sarah Glenn, as she scalped the prized wicket of Smriti Mandhana to dent India's run chase.
"She held her nerve so well against some of the best batters in the world, and she really backs herself now in this environment. It's great to see her excel like she did and getting Smriti's wicket, I know it means a lot to her," Ecclestone said.
The number one ranked T20I bowler also heaped praises on Renuka Singh and Richa Ghosh, who almost pulled off the run chase with an unbeaten 47 off 34 deliveries.
"Renuka bowled really well with the new ball, and I think that was something that batters will look at in case we come up against India again. She used her slower balls really well and she deserves her wickets," she said.
"I met Richa about three or four years ago playing for Trailblazers in Dubai, and I thought she was amazing then. She's still so young, and she's going to be an annoying player for me to bowl at when she gets a bit older. She's got a big future ahead," she concluded.
