In a pivotal semifinal encounter, Bangladesh Women opted to bat first after winning the toss, but the decision backfired as they lost three wickets within the powerplay. Renuka Singh Thakur delivered a masterclass with the ball, finishing with remarkable figures of 3/10 in her four overs. Captain Nigar Sultana tried to steady the innings with a patient 32 off 51 balls, but wickets kept falling around her.

Shorna Akter’s unbeaten 19 off 18 balls provided some late resistance, but Bangladesh could only post 80/8 in their 20 overs. Alongside Renuka’s brilliance, Radha Yadav also shone with three wickets, while Pooja Vastrakar and Deepti Sharma each took one. In reply, Indian openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana swiftly chased down the target, racing to 70 after just 10 overs and effectively ending the contest early. Bangladesh’s fielding woes, including dropped catches and a costly no-ball that gave Smriti Mandhana a second chance, proved detrimental.

Smriti Mandhana seized the opportunity, scoring a quick half-century and finishing the game with a boundary. India’s commanding performance with both bat and ball secured their place in the final, highlighting their dominance throughout the match.

See Also: Women’s Asia Cup 2024: Pre-match Analysis: How can Pakistan Women neutralize Chamari Athapaththu’s Threat?

Renuka Singh Thakur’s Stellar Spell: 3/10 in Four Overs

🏏 How did Renuka Singh disrupt Bangladesh's batting line-up ❓#Cricket #WomensAsiaCup2024 #Analytics pic.twitter.com/XbKUsQ4FNM

— Saiprasad Kagne (@KEVLAR2601) July 27, 2024

In the crucial semifinal clash between India Women and Bangladesh Women, Renuka Singh Thakur delivered a spell of bowling brilliance that left the opposition reeling. Her disciplined and incisive bowling played a pivotal role in dismantling the Bangladesh batting lineup, starting with her first wicket. Renuka’s initial breakthrough came with a pitched-up delivery outside off in the good length area. With a hint of swing, Akter swung her bat, only to find the lone fielder on the leg side at deep square leg, falling victim to Renuka’s precise line and length.

Renuka’s second wicket was a mirror image of her first, further demonstrating her ability to exploit the conditions and outthink the batters. She bowled a length ball around off in the good length area, with a subtle swing into the stumps. Tanjim, aiming to go over cover, mistimed her shot and ended up offering a simple catch. The resemblance to the previous dismissal highlighted Renuka’s strategic prowess, as she continued to apply relentless pressure on the Bangladesh batters.

The third wicket for Renuka was a testament to her versatility and tactical acumen. She bowled a length ball around middle and leg in the back-of-length area, targeting Khatun. Desperate to break free from the shackles, Khatun attempted an aggressive shot but only managed to mistime it, resulting in another straightforward catch. Renuka’s ability to mix her lengths and maintain a tight line ensured that the Bangladesh batters never settled at the crease.

By the end of her spell, Renuka Singh Thakur had remarkable figures of 3/10 in four overs, including a maiden over, with an impressive economy rate of 2.5. Her disciplined bowling allowed only one boundary, underscoring her dominance and control over the game. Renuka’s performance not only stifled the Bangladesh batting lineup but also set the tone for India’s commanding position in the match.

Renuka’s exceptional spell was a masterclass in seam bowling, blending accuracy, swing, and tactical intelligence. Her ability to extract movement from the pitch and consistently hit the right areas made her a nightmare for the Bangladesh batters. As she walked off the field, her team celebrated a bowling performance that will be remembered as one of the highlights of the Asia Cup 2024 Women’s tournament. This spell not only propelled India to a dominant position but also showcased Renuka Singh Thakur’s growing stature as a key player in the Indian bowling attack.

See Also: Women’s Asia Cup 2024: Pre-match Analysis: Can the Bangladesh Women Outplay the Formidable Indian Side?