Table of Contents
In a sensational feat, Shabnim Ismail, the pace sensation from Mumbai Indians (MI), has rewritten the record books with the fastest delivery in the history of women’s cricket on Tuesday (March 5).
Shabnim Ismail sets women’s cricket ablaze with record-breaking pace
The historic moment unfolded during the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024 clash against Delhi Capitals (DC) when Ismail unleashed a thunderous ball to an opposition skipper Meg Lanning at an astonishing speed of 132.1 Kph in the third over. Despite the not-out decision, Ismail claimed the honour of delivering the swiftest ball in women’s cricket.
Mumbai Indians fast bowler Shabnim Ismail bowled the Fastest Delivery by a Women's Cricket – 132.1 KMPH 👏 #MIvDC #WPL2024 #DCvMI pic.twitter.com/srOZimZ0HQ
— Richard Kettleborough (@RichKettle07) March 5, 2024
WPL 2024: A tale of records and comebacks
Ismail’s record-breaking delivery came after a stellar start in the WPL 2024, where she clocked an impressive 128.3kph in the tournament’s opening match. Despite a brief sidelining due to injury, Ismail made a resounding comeback, adding another feather to her cap. Notably, she holds the record for the fastest delivery in international women’s cricket, achieved at 128kph against West Indies in 2016 and breached the mark of 127 kph twice during the 2022 ODI World Cup.
Also READ: Twitter reactions: Jemimah Rodrigues, Meg Lanning lead Delhi Capitals to emphatic win over Mumbai Indians in WPL 2024
A day of challenges and triumphs for Ismail
However, despite her record-breaking accomplishment, Ismail faced challenges during the match against Delhi. Opening the bowling for Mumbai, she grappled with accuracy issues, and Shafali Verma‘s onslaught resulted in consecutive sixes. Ismail managed to pick one wicket but concluded with figures of 1/46 in four overs.
Legacy of the ‘Demon’: Leading wicket-taker and Mumbai’s prized asset
Affectionately known as the ‘Demon,’ Ismail remained one of the fastest and most fearsome bowlers in the women’s cricket circuit. Her lethal bouncers and exceptional accuracy have left an indelible mark. Despite bidding farewell to international cricket in May 2023, Ismail’s legacy endures with 191 wickets in ODIs and 123 wickets in T20Is, making her South Africa‘s leading wicket-taker in both formats. Mumbai achieved her services for Rs 1.2 Crore, making her the franchise’s costliest buy in the 2024 TATA WPL Auction.
