From concrete to Kuala Lumpur, Ritu Singh spinning her way to the world

Ritu Singh rejoiced at the chance to bowl on Malaysia’s dry surfaces, which is not surprising given that she spent her childhood attempting to get a cricket ball to spin on concrete.

At the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup, the USA all-rounder put up an incredible individual performance, going five for 15 against New Zealand in the Super Six match. After New Zealand’s openers had gotten off to a fast start, she took early wickets, making the most of the sluggish bowling conditions.

She went back to finish her five-for to help bowl out the Kiwis for just 97 after taking three wickets in her opening delivery. Singh undoubtedly tried her hardest to replicate that outcome, but the Americans, who had defeated New Zealand in a pre-tournament warm-up match, were simply too strong to handle the pursuit.

The strategy was to “just do my best, trust my team and my field, control the fundamentals, and stick to what my process is,” she stated. I have an amazing turn when I come here because it’s incredibly difficult to obtain turn on concrete at home. My team and I are incredibly proud of ourselves for adapting to the circumstances.

Ritu continues, “It’s unbelievable; this isn’t the outcome I was hoping for, but I believe that everyone worked together and did their share. I would want to extend my congratulations to New Zealand.

Ritu Singh was first exposed to cricket while growing up in Missouri thanks to her father Ranjeet, who established a local junior cricket program.

In 2022, at the age of 16, she made her senior international debut after rapidly advancing and establishing herself as a vital member of the USA.

Her inspirations include MS Dhoni, Chris Gayle, and Suryakumar Yadav, which may surprise some, but that’s probably because she is more of a batting all-rounder, even after her incredible performance against New Zealand.

She performs as needed by the team: Anika Kolan, the skipper

After the USA had gotten off to a sluggish start bowling first in Kuala Lumpur, captain Anika Kolan saw Singh as a tremendous addition to the squad and knew she had only one option.

Ritu’s ability to stand up for the squad is amazing, and she has a history of making a recovery, she said. Ritu would carry it out the way the team required, so I knew that she would be the first person I would turn to if we didn’t have the start we desired.

After losing by 18 runs, the USA will now try to win their next Super Six game on Tuesday against South Africa.