South Africa are set to receive a massive boost ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, with veteran fast bowler Shabnim Ismail poised to reverse her international retirement and return to the Proteas squad for the marquee tournament next month.
According to reports in IOL, the 37-year-old pacer has agreed to come back after discussions with Cricket South Africa director of cricket Enoch Nkwe and head coach Mandla Mashimbyi. The official squad announcement was delayed on Monday due to “internal reviews”, but Ismail is widely expected to be among the names once the squad is confirmed.
“It would be nice to have a player of Shabnim’s calibre in our bowling attack, to be honest with you. So maybe she will call me tomorrow, and if she does, that would be great,” Mashimbyi had said before the series against India.
PROTEAS STRUGGLE TO REPLACE ISMAIL
Ismail retired from international cricket in 2023 after helping South Africa reach their first-ever Women’s T20 World Cup final at home. Her departure left a significant void in the Proteas bowling attack, particularly in the pace department.
Since then, South Africa have continued to perform strongly in ICC events, reaching another Women’s T20 World Cup final in 2024 and also advancing to the ODI World Cup final in India last year. However, the team has struggled to replace Ismail’s raw pace and vast experience.
Mashimbyi has openly admitted in recent months that South Africa lacked genuine pace options. Following the tour of New Zealand earlier this year, he reiterated that the side needed extra speed in the attack and hinted publicly that he hoped Ismail would reconsider her retirement.
ISMAIL GOING STRONG IN FRANCHISE CRICKET
Despite stepping away from international cricket, Ismail has remained one of the leading fast bowlers in franchise cricket around the world. She has continued to shine in tournaments such as the Women’s Premier League, The Hundred and the Women’s Big Bash League. Her pace and aggression remain unmatched in the women’s game, and she still holds the record for the fastest delivery recorded in women’s cricket.
Her return could also reunite South Africa’s experienced new-ball partnership with Marizanne Kapp. Kapp herself is expected to return after missing parts of the recent international season due to illness, while former captain Dane van Niekerk is also reportedly set to feature after coming out of retirement last year.
South Africa begin their Women’s T20 World Cup campaign against Australia in Manchester on June 13, and Ismail’s potential return could significantly strengthen a side aiming to finally go one step further on the global stage.
– Ends