Shabnim Ismail writes history as first bowler to take 50 wickets in Women’s T20 World Cup | Cricket News

South Africa’s Shabnim Ismail (right) celebrates scoring a wicket. (AP Photo)

South Africa pace pioneer Shabnim Ismail She etched her name in the history books by becoming the first bowler to take 50 wickets in the history of the Women’s T20 World Cup in the semi-final against England at The Oval on Thursday.The milestone happened when Ismail, playing in her 38th Women’s T20 World Cup, dismissed England opener Amy Jones on the first ball of the match. Jones scored just two runs before a close catch to Annie Dercksen, the veteran fast bowler taking her historic 50th wicket in the tournament.Ismail wasn’t done there, she struck again in the second innings to leave England 23/3 behind and put South Africa firmly in control of the game in the early stages of the semi-final.However, England eventually bounced back to form through a century-long partnership between captain Nat Seaver-Brent and former skipper Heather Knight, culminating in a 40-run win to reach the Women’s T20 World Cup final against Australia.

Ismail reaches unprecedented World Cup milestone

The 37-year-old from Cape Town reached the unprecedented milestone by needing just one wicket to reach the semi-finals and wasted little time in achieving it.Her early breakthrough highlighted why she remains one of the most feared fast bowlers in women’s cricket. Ismail now sits alone at the top of the all-time Women’s T20 World Cup wicket-taking charts with 51 scalps, extending her lead over Australia Megan Shutewith 48 wickets.Australia all-rounder Ellyse Perry is third with 44 wickets, followed by England’s Anya Shrubsole (41) and South Africa teammate Marizanne Kapp (39).Already South Africa’s all-time leading wicket-taker in international cricket, Ismail has also amassed 191 wickets in 127 women’s ODIs and 131 wickets in 119 T20Is, underlining her remarkable longevity and consistency across formats.Most wickets in Women’s T20 World Cup

England bounce back after hot start

Looking back on her memorable opening performance, Ismail admitted Jones was fired because the delivery didn’t quite go to plan.“We know she likes side dominance. Obviously, to be honest, it’s not my best ball, but I’ll take it any day,” she said.Although South Africa reduced England to 33/3 in the powerplay, Ismail acknowledged the game-changing partnership between Seaver Brunt and Knight.“If we’re talking about 33 points from three, we’re going to take that power play any day. And then, obviously, we got Heather Knight, we got the captain. The way they countered us, the experience speaks for itself,” she said.When asked what continues to inspire her after an illustrious international career, the veteran pacer gave credit to those closest to her.“I definitely credit my family and teammates for keeping me young and keeping me going,” she said.While her historic milestone was one of the best moments of the semi-final, England ultimately had the final say. Led by Seaver Brunt’s superb 75, they recovered from an early collapse to post 169/5 before restricting South Africa to 129/8 to end the Proteas’ campaign and set up a championship showdown with unbeaten Australia at Lord’s.