Shabnim Ismail

Ismail forms half of what is arguably the best fast bowling combination in international cricket, alongside Marizanne Kapp

Ellie Wookey | 26/01/2020 at 04:15

Born: October 5, 1988

Role: Right-arm fast-medium

Although just five foot, five inches tall, Shabnim Ismail is one of the fastest, if not the fastest, bowlers in women’s cricket, capable of reaching speeds in excess of 80mph.

She also forms half of what is arguably the best fast bowling combination in international cricket, alongside Marizanne Kapp.

Ismail made her T20I debut in 2007 after impressing for Western Province and has since made 84 T20I appearances - as of January 20, 2020.

In those 84 matches she has taken 92 wickets at an average of 18.35, an economy rate of 5.77 and with best figures of 5-30.

She has represented South Africa in every T20 Women’s World Cup since the competition’s inauguration in 2009.

Ismail is South Africa’s all-time leading wicket-taker and her bowling prowess currently places her third in the ICC T20I Bowling Rankings.

Ismail has also represented Sydney Thunder and Melbourne Renegades in the WBBL. In her 15 matches for the Thunder she has taken 13 wickets at an economy rate of 5.66 with best figures of 3-10.

Sydney head coach Trevor Griffin described her as a "great asset... with her wealth of knowledge and experience’.

Ismail's Renegades stint came as a short-term replacement for Rachel Priest.

On her debut against Melbourne Stars she took 3-10 from her four overs.

Ismail’s talent and consistency over the last 13 years have led her to be amongst the best women’s fast bowlers in the world and South African fans should have every confidence in her ability to guide South Africa to a successful tournament.

SOUTH AFRICA PLAYER PROFILES

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