South African cricketer Shabnim Ismail has etched her name in the annals of women’s cricket history by delivering the fastest ball ever recorded in the women’s game. Representing the Mumbai Indians in the second edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL 2024), Ismail achieved this remarkable feat during a match against the Delhi Capitals.
In a sensational display of pace bowling, Ismail clocked an astonishing speed of 132.1 kilometers per hour (kph) while bowling to Meg Lanning, the captain of the Delhi Capitals. This makes her the first woman cricketer to surpass the 130 kph mark, setting a new milestone in the sport.
What is the fastest delivery recorded in international women’s cricket?
Despite her record-breaking delivery, Ismail’s lbw appeal against Lanning in the third over of Mumbai Indians’ bowling was unsuccessful. Nonetheless, her name now graces the record books alongside her previous achievement of bowling the fastest delivery in international women’s cricket, a blistering 128 kph against West Indies back in 2016.
At 35 years old, Ismail has retired from international cricket, but her passion for the game still burns bright as she continues to dazzle on the domestic stage. However, in the MI vs DC match, her exceptional speed came with a costly spell as she conceded 46 runs at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
Reflecting on her performance, Ismail expressed disappointment despite her historic achievement. “Personally, I’m very disappointed with my bowling. But Delhi Capitals played really well today,” she said. Interestingly, Ismail remained unaware of her record-breaking delivery, admitting, “I was not sure, I don’t look at the big screen when I’m bowling.”
Shabnim Ismail’s remarkable feat underscores her status as one of the most formidable pace bowlers in women’s cricket, leaving fans and pundits alike in awe of her incredible talent and dedication to the game.
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