Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 27 (NationPress) Indian pacer Renuka Singh made a spectacular comeback to T20I cricket, showcasing her skills with a match-winning performance that propelled India to an impressive eight-wicket triumph over Sri Lanka in the third T20I at the Greenfield International Stadium.

In her first T20I appearance in over a year, Renuka delivered remarkable figures of 4/21 in just four overs, effectively dismantling the Sri Lankan batting order and securing the Player of the Match accolade. The right-arm pacer had previously missed India's tour of England earlier this year and was rested for the initial two matches of the series as the team explored various bowling combinations.

With the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup approaching in less than six months, Renuka's performance served as a crucial reminder of her significance in India's strategy.

“I performed well. Having played T20 cricket for a considerable time, I am pleased. Kerala is my lucky venue. I have also played Under-19 cricket here. Each time I play, I take four wickets. I was thrilled to return to Kerala. It is my fortunate ground,” she mentioned in the post-match conference.

She also emphasized the team's overarching focus as they ramp up preparations for the global event. “Our bowling unit is performing admirably. The synergy between pacers and spinners is commendable. We are striving to discover the optimal combination for the World Cup. We aim to maintain high standards to ensure we win as many matches as possible. Our goal is to elevate women's cricket to new heights.”

Renuka has been India's top wicket-taker in the last two editions of the Women’s T20 World Cup, capturing seven wickets in both the 2023 and 2024 tournaments, although India did not make it to the finals in either event. Following their historic ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup victory on home soil earlier this year, the team is now targeting their first T20 World Cup title in England and Wales in 2026.

Renuka stated all efforts are focused on the forthcoming T20 World Cup, commencing on June 12. She revealed her extensive work on adding variety to her bowling.

“I attend the NCA (National Cricket Academy) to prepare for any tournament because it benefits me. I can focus on enhancing my bowling and fitness, which aids me in performing better.

“For the past six months to a year, I have been developing my variations. I want to eliminate any doubts from my mind, so I aim to be mentally ready. I understand that if my initial over doesn’t go well, I must rebound strongly. I constantly ponder what kind of delivery would secure me wickets on this pitch,” she explained.

India has been assigned to Group A for next year's T20 World Cup, alongside Australia, Pakistan, South Africa, and two teams yet to qualify from the qualifiers.