Shabnim Ismail

• The all-time highest wicket-taker for South Africa in international cricket, Shabnim Ismail has been a vital cog of their bowling attack for more than a decade now. Having debuted in 2007 when South Africa were making a return, the tall fast bowler has been pivotal to her side’s fortunes. Shabnim isn’t overtly quick but has commendable accuracy and her ability to move the ball makes it a tough task to combat her, particularly with the new ball. While she has been a star performer for her country over the years, Shabnim’s career has also had its share of controversies. She got suspended for a small period from the National Academy in 2014 for an incident that reportedly had something to do with alcohol. It didn’t set her back though, and Shabnim continues to be the rock of South Africa’s bowling attack.

• Women's Premier League (WPL): Mumbai Indians (retained in the 2026 auction)

• The Hundred: Welsh Fire

• Australian Domestic: Previously played for Sydney Thunder and Melbourne Renegades in the WBBL

• South African Provincial: Central Gauteng (Lions franchise) 

• WTest– July 28 – 31, 2007 vs Neth Women at Rotterdam
• WODI– January 20, 2007 vs Pakistan (W) at Pretoria
• WT20I– August 10, 2007 vs NZ (W) at Taunton

• CSA Women’s Cricketer of the Year- 2015
• CSA Women’s T20 player of the year- 2020
• ICC Women’s ODI Team of the Year – 2021
• ICC Women’s T20I Team of the Year -2021

• 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 with related to the alleged alcohol abuse.

Who is Shabnim Ismail’s idol?

Andre Nel.

What are Shabnim Ismail’s best bowling figures?

6-10 against Netherlands.