Shabnim Ismail scripts her name in history books, records fastest delivery in women’s cricket
Ismail would end up dismissing Dunkley, Capsey, and captain Heather Knight.
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Shabnim Ismail
During the semifinals clash between South Africa and England, the former’s spearhead Shabnim Ismail bowled the fastest delivery in women’s cricket. She breached the 80 mph (128 kph) speed to script her name in the record books on Friday (February 25).
To the dismay of the Newlands crowd, England got off to a great start while chasing 165. It was difficult for the Proteas pacers with the new ball to stop openers Danni Wyatt and Sophia Dunkley. It looked as if the one-time champion England were heading to another final.
But Shabnim Ismail wouldn’t let that happen. She was handed the ball and she amazed the batters with her raw pace. She removed Dunkley (28 off 16) and Alice Capsey (0 off 2) to turn the tables in the sixth over. The 34-year-old clocked 128 kph in that same over. Ismail would end up dismissing Dunkley, Capsey, and captain Heather Knight.
She dismissed Knight on the third ball of the last over, which really was the time South Africa heaved a sigh of relief, otherwise the way the English skipper was playing, she would have sent a ball over the ropes several times to win the match.
Tazmin Brits was the star of the match
Tazmin Brits was the star of the match, and awarded the Player of the Match trophy. She was great with the bat and phenomenal on the field. While the hosts opted to bat first, it was the openers Laura Wolvaardt and Brtis, who stitched a 96-run partnership between them; Wolvaardt scored 53 off 44, and Brits contributed 68 from 55 balls. Interestingly, the former javelin (Brits) thrower also grabbed four catches; one of them being an absolute stunner.
This happened in the over of Shabnim Ismail. She delivered that one in the middle and Capsey attempted to pull toward mid-wicket. But Britz ran to her right, stretched her hand while diving, and pouched it safely inches above the ground. Danni Wyatt, Dunkley, and Nat Sciver were her other victims. Apart from Ismail and Brits, Ayabonga Khaka displayed outstanding bowling in the middle overs by completing her four-wicket haul.
Now the proteas found themselves in the final for the first time. Interestingly, by doing so, they became the first team (both and women) to reach their maiden World Cup final. They will face the five-time and two-time defending champions Australia on Sunday (February 26) at the Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town.
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Gouri Das
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