In a cricketing world often preoccupied with the notion that pace diminishes with age, former South African speedster Shabnim Ismail stands as a formidable exception. The 35-year-old recently made headlines by hurling the fastest recorded delivery in women’s cricket, surpassing the 130 km/h mark for the first time in her illustrious career.
Ismail, who bid farewell to international cricket in May of the previous year, showcased her incredible pace by bowling at an impressive 132.1 km/h while representing the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024. This feat not only defied expectations but also reinforced her unwavering commitment to maintaining her rapid pace.
Shabnim Ismail, The South African Pace Sensation’s Unyielding Commitment to Speed
In an interview with MI, Ismail shared insights into her mindset, asserting, “People say when you get older your pace drops, but I firmly don’t believe in that. I just think for me, it is more the mental side of the game, the things I do off the field, things I do behind the scenes.” Her dedication to explosive training and relentless efforts behind the scenes reflect her determination to be among the quickest bowlers globally.
Since her youth, Ismail harbored the ambition to be one of the fastest bowlers worldwide, and she proudly affirms that she still holds that distinction. Undeterred by age, she stated, “Age is just a number and I still want to run in and bowl as quick as I can. No matter how old I become, I will choose whether I want to become slower or whether I want to manage my body and bowl as quick as I can. But I am still loving bowling as quick as I can and taking wickets everywhere I go around the world.”
Underlining her impressive form in the WPL 2024, Ismail has propelled MI to the second spot in the table with 8 points and a net run rate of 0.375. Despite missing two matches, she stands as their second-highest wicket-taker, claiming 6 scalps from 4 games at an economy rate of 5.87. In the latest match on March 7, Ismail’s figures of 4-0-6-1 played a crucial role in MI’s 42-run victory over Alyssa Healy’s UP Warriorz in New Delhi.
Shabnim Ismail’s journey continues to defy conventional expectations, as she not only embraces her age with resilience but also maintains her position as one of the fastest and most impactful bowlers in women’s cricket. Her story serves as an inspiration, breaking age-related stereotypes and illustrating the enduring power of passion and dedication in the world of sports.
Also read: Mumbai Indians Unveil New Jersey for IPL 2024 in Collaboration with Skechers
Thank you for reading.
