Shabnim Ismail

{{Infobox cricketer

| name = Shabnim Ismail

| female = true

| image = 2020 ICC W T20 WC E v SA 02-23 Ismael (01).jpg

| caption = Ismael playing for South Africa during the 2020 ICC Women's T20 World Cup

| country = South Africa

| fullname = Shabnim Ismail

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1988|10|05|df=yes}}

| birth_place = Cape Town, South Africa

| batting = Left-handed

| bowling = Right-arm fast

| heightm = 1.65

| role = Bowler

| international = true

| internationalspan = 2007–2023

| onetest = true

| testdebutdate = 28 July

| testdebutyear = 2007

| testdebutagainst = Netherlands

| testcap = 45

| lasttestdate =

| lasttestyear =

| lasttestagainst =

| odidebutdate = 20 January

| odidebutyear = 2007

| odidebutagainst = Pakistan

| odicap = 45

| lastodidate = 18 July

| lastodiyear = 2022

| lastodiagainst = England

| T20Idebutdate = 10 August

| T20Idebutyear = 2007

| T20Idebutagainst = New Zealand

| T20Icap = 5

| lastT20Idate = 26 February

| lastT20Iyear = 2023

| lastT20Iagainst = Australia

| club1 = Western Province

| year1 = {{nowrap|2005/06–2014/15}}

| club2 = Gauteng

| year2 = 2015/16–2018/19

| club3 = Melbourne Renegades

| year3 = 2015/16

| club4 = Yorkshire Diamonds

| year4 = 2016

| club5 = KwaZulu-Natal Coastal

| year5 = 2019/20–2022/23

| club6 = Sydney Thunder

| year6 = 2019/20–2020/21

| club7 = Oval Invincibles

| year7 = 2021–2022

| club8 = Melbourne Renegades

| year8 = 2022/23

| club9 = UP Warriorz

| year9 = 2023

| club10 = Welsh Fire

| year10 = 2023–present

| club11 = Guyana Amazon Warriors

| year11 = 2023

| club12 = Central Gauteng

| year12 = 2023/24

| club13 = Hobart Hurricanes

| year13 = 2023/24

| club14 = Mumbai Indians

| year14 = 2024

| columns = 3

| column1 = WTest

| matches1 = 1

| runs1 = 1

| bat avg1 = 1.00

| 100s/50s1 = 0/0

| top score1 = 1

| deliveries1 = 150

| wickets1 = 3

| bowl avg1 = 6.66

| fivefor1 = 0

| tenfor1 = 0

| best bowling1 = 2/5

| catches/stumpings1 = 0/–

| column2 = WODI

| matches2 = 127

| runs2 = 472

| bat avg2 = 10.26

| 100s/50s2 = 0/0

| top score2 = 34

| deliveries2 = 6,170

| wickets2 = 191

| bowl avg2 = 19.95

| fivefor2 = 2

| tenfor2 = 0

| best bowling2 = 6/10

| catches/stumpings2 = 42/–

| column3 = WT20I

| matches3 = 113

| runs3 = 186

| bat avg3 = 7.15

| 100s/50s3 = 0/0

| top score3 = 20*

| deliveries3 = 2,381

| wickets3 = 123

| bowl avg3 = 18.62

| fivefor3 = 2

| tenfor3 = 0

| best bowling3 = 5/12

| catches/stumpings3 = 36/–

| date = 3 May 2023

| source = http://www.espncricinfo.com/southafrica/content/player/276997.html ESPNcricinfo

| module = {{Infobox medal templates | titlestyle = background-color: lightsteelblue; | expand=yes

| medals = {{MedalCountry| {{RSA}}}}

{{Medal|RU|2023 South Africa|}}}}

}}

Shabnim Ismail (born 5 October 1988) is a South African former international cricketer who currently playing cricket leagues all over the world. who made her debut for the national women's team in January 2007.{{cite web|url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/1152242 |title=The story of Shabnim Ismail |work=International Cricket Council |access-date=31 March 2019}} A right-arm fast bowler, Ismail is South Africa's all-time leading wicket-taker in both the One Day International and Twenty20 International formats.{{cite web|title=Records / South Africa Women / Women's One-Day Internationals / Most wickets|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/bowling/most_wickets_career.html?class=9;id=3379;type=team|access-date=27 March 2015|publisher=ESPNcricinfo}}{{cite web|title=Records / South Africa Women / Women's Twenty20 Internationals / Most wickets|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/bowling/most_wickets_career.html?class=10;id=3379;type=team|access-date=27 March 2015|publisher=ESPNcricinfo}} She has earned a reputation as one of the fastest female bowlers in the world having recorded the fastest ball bowled by a female of {{Convert|132.1|km/h|mph}} during the WPL in 2024.{{Cite web|last=sportredaksie|first=Deur|date=25 August 2016|title=Shabnim is die vinnigste vrouebouler|url=https://www.son.co.za/Sport/shabnim-is-die-vinnigste-vrouebouler-20160824|access-date=8 February 2022|website=DieSon|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=Cherny|first=Daniel|date=21 February 2020|title=Women's T20 World Cup: The female pace race - who will be the fastest of them all? Shabnim Ismail, Lea Tahuhu, Ellyse Perry jostle, Tayla Vlaeminck is the future|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/the-female-pace-race-who-will-be-the-fastest-of-them-all-20200220-p542p0.html|access-date=15 June 2020|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|language=en}}She has played in every edition of the ICC Women's World Twenty20 tournament since its inception in 2009. She has featured in ICC World Twenty20 on eight occasions in 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2023.

During her early years, she was a second-change bowler and later transformed herself to a frontline bowler leading the bowling attack and usually opening the bowling. She has been a vital cog of South African bowling attack for over a decade.{{Cite web|title='The best attack in the world' struts its stuff|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/firdose-moonda-the-best-attack-in-the-world-struts-its-stuff-1108112|access-date=7 February 2022|work=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}} She usually opens the bowling alongside Marizanne Kapp which is arguably one of the best fast-bowling combinations in women's international cricket.{{Cite web|title=Marizanne Kapp and I are the best opening bowling pair - Shabnim Ismail|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/marizanne-kapp-and-i-are-the-best-opening-bowling-pair-shabnim-ismail-1165191|access-date=7 February 2022|work=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}}

In January 2021, Ismail became just the fourth bowler to take her 100th wicket in WT20Is.{{cite web|url=https://cricket.co.za/news/37430/Ismail-joins-100-club-as-Momentum-Proteas-go-1-0-up |title=Ismail joins 100 club as Momentum Proteas go 1-0 up |work=Cricket South Africa |access-date=29 January 2021}} As of 2022, she holds the record for having taken the most number of wickets at a single venue in the history of WODIs with 24 scalps which she achieved at the Senwes Park, Potchefstroom.{{Cite web|title=Records {{!}} Women's One-Day Internationals {{!}} Bowling records {{!}} Most wickets on a single ground {{!}} ESPNcricinfo.com|url=https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/records/283943.html|access-date=7 February 2022|work=ESPNcricinfo}}

On 3 May 2023, Ismail announced her retirement from international cricket.{{cite web |access-date=3 May 2023 |title=South Africa legend announces international retirement |url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/3252725 |website=International Cricket Council}}

Early life and education

Ismail was born in Cape Town and raised in Cravenby, which is part of the suburb of Parow east of Cape Town's city centre.{{cite web |last1=Gallan |first1=Daniel |title=Shabnim Ismail's need for speed |url=https://www.newframe.com/shabnim-ismails-need-for-speed/ |website=New Frame |access-date=14 March 2022 |date=11 May 2020}}{{cite journal |last1=Moonda|first1=Firdose |title=Fast times with Shabnim Ismail |journal=The Cricket Monthly |date=17 February 2022 |url=https://www.thecricketmonthly.com/story/1300551/the-cricket-monthly---south-africa-fast-bowler-shabnim-ismail-on-growing-up-wanting-bowl-fast |access-date=13 March 2022}} She is the youngest of seven siblings,{{cite news |last1=Pradhan |first1=Snehal |author1-link=Snehal Pradhan |title=What makes Shabnim Ismail special: The fastest bowler in women's cricket |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/sports/what-makes-shabnim-ismail-special-the-fastest-bowler-in-womens-cricket/articleshow/71608237.cms |access-date=13 March 2022 |work=The Economic Times |date=16 October 2019}} whose parents emigrated to South Africa from India.

According to Ismail, "Cravenby is a very sporting-mad town." In its streets, she played cricket, soccer and other sports with many other children, including her older brothers, her cousin Yaseen Vallie (a member of the Western Province cricket team and former national Under-19 player), and future South African international cricketers Vernon Philander and Beuran Hendricks. For the street cricket games, crates would be set up as makeshift wickets, and either an indoor cricket ball or taped-up tennis ball would be used, as a hard ball would have been too much of a hazard to the many nearby windows.

Ismail attended Cravenby Secondary School,{{cite journal |last1=Salter |first1=Mark |title=Pocket Rocket |journal=SA Cricket Magazine |date=28 July 2016 |url=https://www.sacricketmag.com/pocket-rocket/ |access-date=14 March 2022}} a combined school that caters for primary as well as secondary learners.{{cite web |title=Cravenby Secondary School Reviews, Matric Results & Contact Details |url=https://schoolsdigest.co.za/listings/cravenby-secondary-school/ |website=SchoolsDigest |access-date=14 March 2022}} As a young girl, she was unable to play cricket at school, because the school did not organise any cricket. She therefore played football with boys. In her sixth year at school, a boys' cricket team was established, and she played in that team, wearing her football shorts.{{cite news |last1=Moosa |first1=Fatima |title=Shabnim Ismail Is Aiming For The Top |url=https://www.thedailyvox.co.za/shabnim-ismail-is-aiming-for-the-top-fatima-moosa/ |access-date=14 March 2022 |work=The Daily Vox |date=28 March 2018}} She has said that playing against boys made her stronger.{{cite news |last1=Mjikeliso |first1=Sibusiso |title=Idol Shabnim Ismail part of star cast charting the path for future Proteas |url=https://www.news24.com/sport/Cricket/Proteas/idol-shabnim-ismail-part-of-star-cast-charting-the-path-for-future-proteas-20210206 |access-date=14 March 2022 |work=Sport24 |date=6 February 2021}}

Ismail's mother and, especially, her grandfather were sports mad. They both encouraged her to play and watch cricket, and read cricket books.

One day in 2004, while playing football with boys, Ismail was approached by a woman who asked her whether she played cricket. After receiving a positive answer, the woman recruited her into the Primrose Cricket Club.

During her early days with the club, Ismail focused on batting, but did not like being dismissed. She threatened several times to quit the game. A coach suggested that she concentrate on bowling instead. Before long, she had been nicknamed "The Demon", due to her propensity for bowling bouncers.

Meanwhile, almost immediately after joining the club, Ismail made her debut for the Western Province Under-16 team. Soon afterwards, she was added to the Western Province senior squad.

After leaving school, Ismail worked for seven years as a speed-point technician, maintaining the credit and debit card machines used to make electronic funds transfers at point of sale. {{As of|August 2016}}, she was studying to become a mechanical engineer.

Domestic career

=South Africa=

Ismail made her senior debut for Western Province in October 2005 (aged 17), during the 2005–06 season of South Africa's Women's Provincial League.[https://cricketarchive.com/Players/158/158733/Womens_limited_overs_Matches.html Women's limited-overs matches played by Shabnim Ismail], CricketArchive. Retrieved 1 November 2016. She took 15 wickets in her debut season, the second-most for Western Province behind Shandre Fritz and Alexis le Breton.{{Cite web|title=Match scorecard|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Events/8/Womens_Provincial_League_2005-06/Bowling_by_Wickets.html|access-date=8 February 2022|work=CricketArchive}} This was followed by 21 wickets during the 2007–08 season, which was the sixth-most in the competition.{{Cite web|title=Match scorecard|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Events/8/Womens_Provincial_League_2007-08/Bowling_by_Wickets.html|access-date=8 February 2022|work=CricketArchive}} Ismail has played in the Provincial League's final on a number of occasions throughout her career. She switched from Western Province to Gauteng for the 2015–16 season.

In September 2019, she was named in the Devnarain XI squad for the inaugural edition of the Women's T20 Super League in South Africa.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/27549831/cricket-south-africa-launches-four-team-women-t20-league |title=Cricket South Africa launches four-team women's T20 league |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=8 September 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://cricket.co.za/news/31581/CSA-launches-inaugural-Womens-T20-Super-League |title=CSA launches inaugural Women's T20 Super League |work=Cricket South Africa |access-date=8 September 2019}}

=Australia=

In December 2015, several weeks into the inaugural season of Australia's Women's Big Bash League, Ismail signed with the Melbourne Renegades as an overseas marquee player, temporarily replacing Rachel Priest.{{Cite web|title=New signing in WBBL Derby squad|url=https://www.melbournerenegades.com.au/news/wbbl-new-signing-melbourne-derby-squad-shabnim-ismail/2016-01-01|access-date=8 February 2022|website=Melbourne Renegades|language=en}} On debut against the Melbourne Stars, Ismail took 3/10 from four overs in a five-wicket victory.{{Cite web|last=Hogan|first=Jesse|date=2 January 2016|title=WBBL: 12,901 watch Renegades upstage Stars in inaugural Melbourne derby|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/womens-big-bash-league-12901-watch-renegades-upstage-stars-in-inaugural-melbourne-derby-20160102-gly6u9.html|access-date=8 February 2022|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|language=en}} She played in one more game, an eight-run loss to the Stars, before Priest returned to the line-up.

Ahead of the 2019–20 season, Ismail signed with the Sydney Thunder for WBBL{{!}}05.{{Cite web|title=Sydney Thunder complete WBBL squad with Shabnim Ismail signing|url=https://www.thecricketer.com/Topics/wbbl/sydney_thunder_wbbl_squad_shabnim_ismail_signing.html|access-date=7 February 2022|website=www.thecricketer.com|language=en}}{{Cite web|title=South African bowler joins Thunder|url=https://www.sydneythunder.com.au/news/shabnim-ismail-signs/2019-10-11|access-date=15 June 2020|website=Sydney Thunder|language=en}} Despite finishing with a modest total of ten wickets (ranking 25th in the league), she was the third-most economical bowler throughout the tournament by conceding 5.88 runs per over.{{Cite web|title=Women's Big Bash League, 2019/20 Cricket Team Records & Stats {{!}} ESPNcricinfo.com|url=https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/bowling/most_wickets_career.html?id=13102&type=tournament|access-date=15 June 2020|work=ESPNcricinfo}}{{Cite web|title=Women's Big Bash League, 2019/20 Cricket Team Records & Stats {{!}} ESPNcricinfo.com|url=https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/bowling/best_career_economy_rate.html?id=13102&type=tournament|access-date=15 June 2020|work=ESPNcricinfo}} In an article for The Sydney Morning Herald, written by Thunder captain Rachael Haynes, the fielding ability of Ismail was praised as one of the top five highlights of the season.{{Cite web|last=Haynes|first=Rachael|date=5 December 2019|title=Women's cricket has come a long way but this is just the beginning|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/women-s-cricket-has-come-a-long-way-but-this-is-just-the-beginning-20191204-p53gyx.html|access-date=15 June 2020|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|language=en}}

She was re-signed by Sydney Thunder ahead of the WBBL{{!}}06 season.{{Cite web|title=Shabnim Ismail pens new deal with Sydney Thunder|url=https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/113776/shabnim-ismail-pens-new-deal-with-sydney-thunder|access-date=7 February 2022|website=Cricbuzz|language=en}}{{Cite web|title=Shabnim Ismail returns for another season at the Sydney Thunder|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/shabnim-ismail-returns-for-another-season-at-the-sydney-thunder-1229379|access-date=7 February 2022|work=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}} She was a crucial member of the Sydney Thunder side which won the WBBL|06 and also delivered a match winning spell of 2/12 including the big scalp of Meg Lanning in the WBBL final to restrict Melbourne Stars to 86/9 in their 20 overs.{{Cite web|title=Shabnim Ismail realises dream with Meg Lanning dismissal in fiery spell|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/sydney-thunder-vs-melbourne-stars-wbbl-2020-final-shabnim-ismail-realises-dream-with-meg-lanning-dismissal-1240289|access-date=7 February 2022|work=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}}{{Cite web|title=Full Scorecard of Stars Wmn vs Thunder Wmn Final 2020/21 - Score Report {{!}} ESPNcricinfo.com|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/wbbl-2020-21-1226776/melbourne-stars-women-vs-sydney-thunder-women-final-1226963/full-scorecard|access-date=7 February 2022|work=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}}{{Cite web|title=Ismail, Johnson hand Haynes-led Sydney Thunder second WBBL title|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/wbbl-2020-21-1226776/melbourne-stars-women-vs-sydney-thunder-women-final-1226963/match-report|access-date=7 February 2022|work=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}} She was also awarded the player of the final award for creating an early momentum by taking key early wickets in the final which propelled Sydney Thunder for their second WBBL title.{{Cite web|last=Decent|first=Tom|date=28 November 2020|title=Thunder thump Stars to claim second WBBL title|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/thunder-thump-stars-to-claim-second-wbbl-title-20201128-p56isc.html|access-date=7 February 2022|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|language=en}}{{Cite web|title=Thunder-struck! Stars crash in face of new-ball assault|url=https://www.cricket.com.au/news/match-report/wbbl-final-womens-big-bash-league-melbourne-stars-sydney-thunder-watch-live-stream-scores-video/2020-11-28|access-date=7 February 2022|website=cricket.com.au|language=en}} She also went onto become the first South African player to win the Player of the Final Award in the Women's Big Bash League final.{{Cite web|last=Butler|first=Lynn|title=In-form Protea Shabnim Ismail solidifying status as one of the world's best|url=https://www.news24.com/sport/cricket/proteas/in-form-protea-shabnim-ismail-solidifying-status-as-one-of-the-worlds-best-20201218|access-date=7 February 2022|website=Sport|language=en-US}}

However, she was ruled out of the WBBL{{!}}07 edition due to a prolonged knee injury.{{Cite web|title=Shabnim Ismail ruled out of WBBL 2021|url=https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/119198/shabnim-ismail-ruled-out-of-wbbl-2021|access-date=7 February 2022|website=Cricbuzz|language=en}}

=England=

In 2016, for the inaugural season of England's Women's Cricket Super League, Ismail signed with the Yorkshire Diamonds. She was one of the team's three overseas players, along with Australians Alex Blackwell and Beth Mooney,{{Cite web|title=Yorkshire Diamonds sign three overseas stars for Kia Super League|url=http://yorkshireccc.com/news/view/4597/yorkshire-diamonds-sign-three-overseas-stars-for-kia-super-league|access-date=8 February 2022|website=Yorkshire County Cricket Club}} and one of only four South Africans across the competition.{{Cite web |last1=Collins |first1=Adam |title='I always told myself there is no one better than me' |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/shabnim-ismail-savours-life-in-the-fast-lane-1047471 |date=19 August 2016 |access-date=8 February 2022 |work=ESPNcricinfo}} Ismail played in all five matches for the Diamonds and took six wickets, behind only Danielle Hazell among her teammates.{{Cite web|title=Women's Cricket Super League, 2016 - Yorkshire Diamonds Cricket Team Records & Stats | ESPNcricinfo.com|url=https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/averages/batting_bowling_by_team.html?id=11025&team=6017&type=tournament|access-date=8 February 2022|work=ESPNcricinfo}} Her best figures were 2/16 from two overs against the Western Storm,{{Cite web|title=Full Scorecard of Diamonds vs Storm 2016 - Score Report | ESPNcricinfo.com|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/women-s-super-league-2016-978593/yorkshire-diamonds-vs-western-storm-993671/full-scorecard|access-date=8 February 2022|work=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}} while she also took 2/23 from four overs against the Lancashire Thunder.{{Cite web|title=Full Scorecard of Diamonds vs Thunder 2016 - Score Report | ESPNcricinfo.com|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/women-s-super-league-2016-978593/lancashire-thunder-vs-yorkshire-diamonds-993667/full-scorecard|access-date=8 February 2022|work=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}}

She was signed up by Oval Invincibles as a replacement player for Rachael Haynes in the inaugural edition of the Women's Hundred competition for the 2021 season.{{Cite web|title=Aaron Finch, Nicholas Pooran, Meg Lanning withdraw from the Hundred|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/aaron-finch-nicholas-pooran-meg-lanning-withdraw-from-the-hundred-1268469|access-date=7 February 2022|work=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}} In April 2022, she was bought by the Oval Invincibles for the 2022 season of The Hundred.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/60477088 |title=The Hundred 2022: latest squads as Draft picks revealed |work=BBC Sport |access-date=5 April 2022}}

International career

Ismail made her international debut for South Africa in January 2007 (aged 18), in a One Day International (ODI) against Pakistan. Her Test and Twenty20 International debuts came in the same year, against the Netherlands and New Zealand, respectively.{{Cite web|title=Shabnim Ismail profile and biography, stats, records, averages, photos and videos|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/player/shabnim-ismail-276997|access-date=27 May 2022 |work=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}} Ismail was selected in South Africa's squad for the 2009 World Cup in Australia, but took only a single wicket from her three matches.{{Cite web|title=Bowling records | Women's One-Day Internationals | ESPNcricinfo Statsguru | ESPNcricinfo.com|url=https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/276997.html?class=9;template=results;type=bowling;view=innings|access-date=8 February 2022|work=ESPNcricinfo}} At the 2009 World Twenty20 in England later in the year, she took seven wickets from three games (including 3/27 against Australia),{{Cite web|title=Bowling records | Women's Twenty20 Internationals | ESPNcricinfo Statsguru | ESPNcricinfo.com|url=https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/276997.html?class=10;template=results;type=bowling;view=innings|access-date=8 February 2022|work=ESPNcricinfo}} which was the most for South Africa and the equal third-most overall.{{Cite web|title=ICC Women's World Twenty20, 2009 Cricket Team Records & Stats | ESPNcricinfo.com|url=https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/bowling/most_wickets_career.html?id=4346&type=tournament|access-date=8 February 2022|work=ESPNcricinfo}}

At the 2011 World Cup Qualifier in Bangladesh, Ismail took 6/10 in one match against the Netherlands, helping bowl the team out for just 36 runs.{{Cite web|title=USA prevail in thrilling one-run win|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/icc-women-s-world-cup-qualifier-usa-prevail-in-thrilling-one-run-win-541053|access-date=8 February 2022|work=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}} The performance set a new ODI record for South Africa, and was the equal fourth-best bowling performance across all women's ODIs at the time.{{Cite web|title=Records | Women's One-Day Internationals | Bowling records | Best figures in an innings | ESPNcricinfo.com|url=https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/records/283971.html|access-date=8 February 2022|work=ESPNcricinfo}} She enjoyed more good form at the 2013 World Cup in India, finishing with eleven wickets from seven matches—the most for South Africa and the equal fifth-most overall.{{Cite web|title=ICC Women's World Cup, 2012/13 Cricket Team Records & Stats | ESPNcricinfo.com|url=https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/bowling/most_wickets_career.html?id=7741&type=tournament|access-date=8 February 2022|work=ESPNcricinfo}} Her campaign included figures of 4/41 against Australia, 2/18 against Pakistan, and 2/22 against Sri Lanka. She was also one of the first female cricketers to be contracted by Cricket South Africa when Cricket South Africa made a landmark move to award full-time contracts to women cricketers in 2013.{{Cite web|date=21 November 2015|title=gsport4girls - Shabnim Ismail Ready To Fly|url=https://gsport.co.za/shabnim-ismail-ready-to-fly/|access-date=8 February 2022|website=gsport4girls|language=en-ZA}} In 2013, she was just one of six women players to be awarded central contracts.

With seven wickets from five games, Ismail was South Africa's equal-leading wicket-taker (with Marizanne Kapp) at the 2014 World Twenty20 in Bangladesh.{{Cite web|title=Women's World T20, 2013/14 Cricket Team Records & Stats | ESPNcricinfo.com|url=https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/bowling/most_wickets_career.html?id=8084&type=tournament|access-date=8 February 2022|work=ESPNcricinfo}} She took 3/5 from three overs against Ireland, helping to secure the team's first semi-final appearance in the tournament's history. South Africa had less success at the 2016 edition in India, however, managing to win only one match. Ismail also had little success, taking three wickets from her four matches.{{Cite web|title=Women's World T20, 2015/16 Cricket Team Records & Stats | ESPNcricinfo.com|url=https://stats.espncricinfo.com/icc-womens-world-twenty20-2016/engine/records/bowling/most_wickets_career.html?id=10293&type=tournament|access-date=8 February 2022|work=ESPNcricinfo}} During a 2017 match against England, she set an unenviable new record for most runs conceded in a Women's Cricket World Cup innings, finishing with figures of 1/89.{{Cite news|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/bowling/most_runs_conceded_innings.html?id=68;type=trophy|title=Cricket Records {{!}} Records {{!}} Women's World Cup {{!}} Most runs conceded in an innings {{!}} ESPNcricinfo|work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=24 July 2017}}

In March 2018, Ismail was one of fourteen players to be awarded a national contract by Cricket South Africa ahead of the 2018–19 season.{{Cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/southafrica/content/story/1140181.html |title=Ntozakhe added to CSA {{as written|wom|ens' [sic]}} contracts |access-date=13 March 2018 |work=ESPNcricinfo}} In October 2018, she was named in South Africa's squad for the 2018 ICC Women's World Twenty20 in the West Indies.{{cite web |url=https://www.cricket.co.za/news/26404/Cricket-South-Africa-name-Womens-World-T20-squad |title=Cricket South Africa name Women's World T20 squad |work=Cricket South Africa |access-date=9 October 2018 }}{{Dead link|date=February 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{cite web|url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/876874 |title=Shabnim Ismail, Trisha Chetty named in South Africa squad for Women's WT20 |work= International Cricket Council |access-date=9 October 2018}} She was the joint-leading wicket-taker for South Africa in the tournament, with six scalps in four matches.{{cite web|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/averages/batting_bowling_by_team.html?id=12461;team=3379;type=tournament |title=ICC Women's World T20, 2018/19 - South Africa Women: Batting and bowling averages |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=19 November 2018}} Following the competition's conclusion, the International Cricket Council highlighted her as the team's standout player.{{cite web|url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/915614 |title=#WT20 report card: South Africa |work=International Cricket Council |access-date=19 November 2018}}

In January 2020, Ismail was named in South Africa's squad for the 2020 ICC Women's T20 World Cup in Australia.{{cite web|url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/1570764 |title=South Africa news Dane van Niekerk to lead experienced South Africa squad in T20 World Cup |work=International Cricket Council |access-date=13 January 2020}} She went on take five wickets in four matches, including 3/8 from 3.1 overs against Thailand.{{Cite web|title=ICC Women's T20 World Cup, 2019/20 Cricket Team Records & Stats {{!}} ESPNcricinfo.com|url=https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/bowling/most_wickets_career.html?id=12877&type=tournament|access-date=15 June 2020|work=ESPNcricinfo}}{{Cite web|title=Full Scorecard of South Africa Women vs Thailand Women 11th Match, Group B 2020 - Score Report {{!}} ESPNcricinfo.com|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/8634/scorecard/1173058/south-africa-women-vs-thailand-women-11th-match-group-b-icc-womens-t20-world-cup-2019-20|access-date=15 June 2020|work=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}} Her team was knocked out of the tournament via a semi-final defeat to the host nation.{{Cite web|title=Full Scorecard of Australia Women vs South Africa Women 2nd Semi-Final 2020 - Score Report {{!}} ESPNcricinfo.com|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/8634/scorecard/1173069/australia-women-vs-south-africa-women-2nd-semi-final-icc-womens-t20-world-cup-2019-20|access-date=15 June 2020|work=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}}

On 23 July 2020, Ismail was named in South Africa's 24-woman squad to begin training in Pretoria, ahead of their tour to England.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/29522505/csa-resume-training-camps-women-team |title=CSA to resume training camps for women's team |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=23 July 2020}} In February 2022, she was named in South Africa's team for the 2022 Women's Cricket World Cup in New Zealand.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/womens-world-cup-2022-lizelle-lee-returns-as-south-africa-announce-experience-laden-squad-1299857 |title=Lizelle Lee returns as South Africa announce experience-laden squad for Women's World Cup |work=Cricket South Africa |access-date=4 February 2022}}

In January 2021, she became the first South African to take 100 wickets in WT20Is when she achieved the feat against Pakistan in the first WT20I of the series.{{Cite web

|title=Shabnim Ismail becomes first South Africa bowler to take 100 wickets in women's T20Is

|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/sport/cricket/2021/Jan/30/shabnim-ismail-becomes-first-south-africa%E2%80%8B-bowler-to-take-100-wickets-in-womens-t20is-2257130.html|access-date=28 March 2024|website=The New Indian Express}} In the second WT20I of the series, she registered her career best bowling figures of 5/12 which also helped her to make substantial gains in ICC Rankings and also ensured South Africa a comfortable series win with an unassailable 2–0 lead.{{cite web|url=https://www.womenscriczone.com/shabnim-ismail-tazmin-brits-seal-the-t20i-series-for-south-africa |title=Shabnim Ismail, Tazmin Brits seal T20I series for South Africa |work=Women's CricZone |access-date=7 February 2022}} At one stage her bowling spell which was read as 3-0-9-3 reduced Pakistan to a precarious 20 for 4.{{Cite web|title=Brits' 66, Ismail's career-best 5 for 12 power South Africa to series win|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/pakistan-women-in-sa-2020-21-1244840/south-africa-women-vs-pakistan-women-2nd-t20i-1244847/match-report|access-date=7 February 2022|work=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}} She achieved her career highest ranking of no 2 in ICC WT20I rankings for bowlers following her career best bowling performance.{{Cite web|last=Sibembe|first=Yanga|date=9 February 2021|title=CRICKET: Bowling the maidens over: Swashbuckling Shabnim Ismail soaring at dizzying heights|url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2021-02-09-bowling-the-maidens-over-swashbuckling-shabnim-ismail-soaring-at-dizzying-heights/|access-date=7 February 2022|website=Daily Maverick|language=en}}

In March 2021, during South Africa's tour of India, Ismail became the first bowler for South Africa to take 150 wickets in WODIs.{{cite web|url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/2065910 |title=South Africa pull off stunning chase to seal series |work=International Cricket Council |access-date=14 March 2021}}

Her bowling spell of 4/44 against West Indies in the fourth and final WODI of the series in February 2022 against the West Indies secured 2–1 series win for South Africa, making it the fifth consecutive series win for South Africa in WODIs.{{Cite web|title=Shabnim Ismail, Andrie Steyn take South Africa to series win|url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/2473483|access-date=7 February 2022|website=www.icc-cricket.com|language=en}}{{Cite web|title=Shabnim Ismail's four-for gives South Africa series win

|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/west-indies-women-in-south-africa-2021-22-1277067/south-africa-women-vs-west-indies-women-4th-odi-1277095/match-report|access-date=7 February 2022|work=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}} She also ended the series as the joint wicket taker alongside fellow South African Ayabonga Khaka with ten scalps.

In May 2022, she played five matches for the Sapphires team at the 2022 FairBreak Invitational T20 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, with a best performance of 3/20 against the Tornadoes team. The following month, in the second match against Ireland, Ismail played in her 100th WT20I.{{cite web|url=https://cricket.co.za/2022/06/07/goodall-leads-momentum-proteas-to-convincing-win-over-ireland-to-level-t20i-series/ |title=Goodall leads Momentum Proteas to convincing win over Ireland to level T20I series |work=Cricket South Africa |access-date=7 June 2022}}

In July 2022, she was named in South Africa's team for the cricket tournament at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/cwg-2022-birmingham-no-dane-van-niekerk-for-commonwealth-games-too-luus-to-continue-as-south-africa-captain-1324867 |title=No Dane van Niekerk for Commonwealth Games too, Luus to continue as South Africa captain |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=15 July 2022}}

Ismail was part of the South Africa squad for the 2023 ICC Women's T20 World Cup,{{cite web|url=https://icc-cricket.com/news/3042393 |title=South Africa name strong 15-member squad for T20 World Cup |work=International Cricket Council |accessdate=5 October 2024}} taking two wickets as they lost in the final to Australia.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/64770116|title=Women's T20 World Cup: Australia beat spirited South Africa by 19 runs to win sixth title|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=5 October 2024}}

She announced her retirement from international cricket on 3 May 2023.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/65472386|title=Shabnim Ismail: South Africa fast bowler announces retirement from international cricket|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=5 October 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.sacricketmag.com/ismail-retires-from-international-cricket/|title=Ismail retires from international cricket|publisher=SA Cricket Mag|accessdate=5 October 2024}}

Honours

She won the CSA Women's Cricketer of the Year award at the 2015 annual South Africa Cricket Awards ceremony. In 2015, she was also nominated as one of the three finalists for South Africa Sportswoman of the Year at the annual South African Sports award.{{Cite web|title=Live Cricket Scores & News International Cricket Council|url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/champions-trophy/players/423|access-date=7 February 2022|website=www.icc-cricket.com|language=en}}

In July 2020, Ismail was named women's T20 player of the year at Cricket South Africa's annual awards ceremony.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/29410346/quinton-de-kock,-laura-wolvaardt-scoop-major-csa-awards |title=Quinton de Kock, Laura Wolvaardt scoop up major CSA awards |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=4 July 2020}}

In February 2021, Ismail was named the Women's Player of the Month in the first edition of the ICC Player of the Month Awards.{{cite web|url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/2020127 |title=ICC Women's Player of the Month for January 2021: Shabnim Ismail |work=International Cricket Council |access-date=8 February 2021}}

She was also named in both ICC Women's ODI Team of the Year and ICC Women's T20I Team of the Year as part of the 2021 ICC Awards.{{Cite web|title=ICC Women's T20I Team of The Year revealed|url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/2453041|access-date=7 February 2022|website=www.icc-cricket.com|language=en}}{{cite web|title=ICC Women's ODI Team of the Year revealed |url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/2452788|access-date=7 February 2022 |work=International Cricket Council}}

Personal life

Ismail considers South African seamer Andre Nel as her inspiration and role model due to his on-field aggression.{{Cite web|last=Gallan|first=Daniel|date=11 May 2020|title=South Africa: Shabnim Ismail's Need for Speed|url=https://allafrica.com/stories/202005110871.html|access-date=7 February 2022|website=allAfrica.com|language=en}} She also chose the jersey number 89 on her shirt, a number which was worn by Andre Nel when he played at international level. She was also inspired by the physical intensity and aggression of South African seamer Dale Steyn who would go about his business on the opposition batters.{{Cite web|title=Shabnim Ismail: 'I dreamt of roughing up batsmen like Steyn did'|url=https://www.thecricketmonthly.com/story/1226695/shabnim-ismail---i-dreamt-of-roughing-up-batsmen-like-steyn-did|access-date=7 February 2022|work=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}}

In 2014, she was embroiled in an alcohol abuse incident and was one of the South African players to be briefly suspended from the National Academy. She was also ordered to undergo counselling related to the alleged alcohol abuse.{{Cite web|title=CSA suspends women players for alcohol abuse|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/csa-suspends-women-players-for-alcohol-abuse-762111|access-date=7 February 2022|work=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}}

Ismail is a practising Muslim, and is the only Muslim woman to have played international cricket for South Africa. She has also known to have obsessive compulsive disorder.{{Cite web|title=Speed makes Proteas' Shabnim Ismail tick |url=https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/sport/cricket/2022-01-18-speed-makes-proteas-shabnim-ismail-tick/ |access-date=7 February 2022 |website=BusinessLIVE |language=en-ZA}}