Renuka Singh Thakur delivered a masterful performance with the ball, claiming her maiden five-wicket haul in ODI cricket during the opening match against the West Indies.
After being put into bat, the Indian team set an imposing target of 315. Renuka then spearheaded the bowling attack, dismantling the Windies’ batting line-up both precisely and skillfully. The lateral movement she generated under the lights was too good for the Windies batters to negotiate, and her disciplined line and length left them struggling to find answers.
After the match, Renuka addressed the media and shared insights into her approach. “Our plan was very clear based on the wicket we had read. Our focus was to bowl a stump-to-stump line and target certain patches in the field,” she said. Renuka’s bowling, marked by her sharp inswingers and effective use of conditions, proved decisive.
This performance marked Renuka’s first ODI five-wicket haul. She had previously registered three four-wicket hauls in ODIs but went a step further this time. Renuka’s ability to set up batters was on full display as she dismissed the dangerous Deandra Dottin and Shabika Gajnabi with brilliant deliveries that uprooted their stumps. Earlier, she had also sent Hayley Matthews back to the pavilion after a nick to wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh.
“It was my first fifer, so I was very happy, especially since it came in the ODI format. Getting wickets in ODIs is not easy. I have worked a lot on my inswingers, and I back them, knowing they can bring me a lot of success,” Renuka remarked.
The bowling unit, comprising Titas Sadhu and Saima Thakor alongside Renuka, constantly maintained pressure on the Windies batters. Titas also chipped in with a wicket, dismissing Rashada Williams for three. Both Titas and Saima bowled with great discipline, frequently beating the bat and keeping the Windies on the back foot.
Leading up to the series, the trio had undergone rigorous training under coach Aavishkar Salvi. Renuka reflected on the preparation, saying, “We were discussing how to bowl under lights and which deliveries will be effective. We tried out several deliveries – including some inswingers and outswingers – and it was a good session. Since we prepare together, we know each other’s strengths.”
India’s ruthless bowling display complemented their strong batting effort, culminating in a dominant win as India registered an emphatic 211-run victory, their second-largest win in terms of margin in the ODI format.
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