She’s 35, she’s retired, and yet she’s tormenting the batters in the WPL 2024. Former South Africa fast bowler Shabnim Ismail has been at her very best for Mumbai Indians in the WPL 2024, as her side secured second consecutive victory in the tournament, this time over Gujarat Giants on Sunday.
Gujarat were restricted to 126/9 in their 20 overs, and Ismail was one of the main reasons for opposition’s poor score, as she returned with figures of 3/18. But it not just the wickets she’s going to be satisfied with. She’s giving it her all to touch the 130 kmph mark as well.
After the match, Ismail said, “I went back to Cape Town and worked with my bowling coach, worked with the shape of the ball, it worked out wonders today and we have the momentum, being with the winning side is a great feeling.
“I still want to be quickest in the world, working on hitting 130 click, I’m still working as hard as I can. Worked a lot on bowling in powerplays, that has helped the team so far.”
In fact, on one occasion, she bowled a bouncer to Beth Mooney, that not just flew over her, but went past Mumbai wicket-keeper Yastika Bhatia as well.