Renuka focuses on the big prize after starring in Asia Cup semi-final 

Bangladesh’s decision to bat first after winning the toss in the Women's Asia Cup T20 semi-final backfired soon after they took the field as India seamer Renuka Singh ran through their top order.

Her 3/10 gave India an early advantage, which the Women in Blue held on to secure a ninth-straight appearance in the Women’s Asia Cup final.

The 28-year-old was happy that she could execute the plans to perfection.

“I am very happy. It was a big match for us, and to do well is a good feeling. The idea is to work on the basics. I executed what we prepared yesterday,” Renuka said after winning the Player of the Match award.

But the seamer was already focusing on the big game on Sunday, 28 July.

“Our aim is to win the final. We’ve played good cricket so far, and we want to win the Asia Cup,” Renuka said in the post-match press conference.

Discussing her match-winning performance, Renuka mentioned how she factored in the wind during her spell.

“Sometimes the wind can be a bit of a challenge. It also helped me at times, but perhaps the wind was too strong today.

“I wanted to pitch in the right area to make the best use of this wind.”

Her game-changing spell also helped her to 50 T20I wickets, making her just the eighth Indian woman to achieve the landmark. However, the player wasn’t aware of the feat till it was brought up to her at the press conference.

“Actually, I wasn’t aware of the fact that it was my 50th T20I wicket. Obviously, I’m very happy after contributing to my country’s cause.”

Renuka also detailed her partnership with fellow pacer Pooja Vastrakar, calling it a ‘simple’ understanding between the two, wherein one would back the other by stemming the flow of runs.

“It’s quite simple actually. If she’s picking up wickets, I aim to keep bowling dot balls [to keep up the pressure] from my end. And if I am picking up wickets from my end, she tries to bowl dot balls. So that’s how we develop our partnership.”