Shreyanka Patil said that playing for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) and representing India A has helped her grow as a cricketer over the last few months.
The 21-year-old, on Sunday, December 10, won the Player of the Match award after India beat England by five wickets in the third and final ODI of the series at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Shreyanka finished with figures of 4-0-19-3, picking up the wickets of Bess Heath, Freya Kemp and Sophie Ecclestone. Apart from that, she also bowled 12 dot balls.
“Very happy because it’s the first time I am getting a three-for. My coach and parents are watching. Love to continue the performance. The experience I got in WPL and with India A was crucial,” Shreyanka was quoted as saying.
Shreyanka said that bowling along with Deepti Sharma, who is the only Indian bowler with over 100 wickets in T20Is, has helped her immensely. She thanked Deepti for constantly encouraging her to perform to the best of her ability.
“Happy to be chipping in. It’s a huge experience for me to be bowling in tandem with Deepti, she is backing me, coming and having a chat on and off the field. Looking forward to the journey. I enjoyed all three wickets. As a bowler, you always look to take wickets, hard to pick one as best,” she added.
On the back of Shreyanka’s spell, India restricted England to 126 in 20 overs. Thereafter, the Women in Blue chased down the target with one over to spare after Smriti Mandhana scored 48 runs off as many balls with five fours and two sixes.
