South African bowler Shabnim Ismail to Thunder in WBBL/05

Shabnim Ismail — one of the fastest female cricket bowlers in the world — is set to compete for the Sydney Thunder in the WBBL/05.

South African Shabnim Ismail during the ICC Women's World Cup group match against Pakistan.

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Decorated South African international fast bowler Shabnim Ismail has arrived in Australia in time to take her place in a Sydney Thunder squad out to make an early mark in WBBL/05 in three weekends of big Sydney clashes.

The veteran international — one of the fastest female bowlers in the world — has joined the team ahead of the opening weekend of the new competition at North Sydney Oval from October 18, the only match to be played at Blacktown this season on October 26 and a match against the Melbourne Stars at Bankstown Oval on October 27.

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Ismail, who made her international debut as a teenager, joined her new teammates at Thunder after a tour of India with the South African team.

The 31-year-old brings a wealth of experience to the squad after making her debut when just 17 and playing 92 one day internationals and 80 twenty-20 internationals for the Proteas.

Shabnim Ismail during the ICC Women's World Cup group match against Pakistan.

Just three years ago one of her deliveries was recorded at 128km/h.

“I really want to make an impact with the girl, and obviously I want to win as well,’’ Ismail said.

Ismail has had a previous taste of WBBL, playing two games for the Melbourne Renegades in WBBL|01 as a replacement player.

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“It is quite a big league, it has gone global and the games are televised,” Ismail said.

“It’s going to be my first full Big Bash playing in Australia and I’m really looking forward to it.”

Sydney Thunder kick off their season against the Sydney Sixers at North Sydney Oval on October 18 under lights in the opener of the first stand-alone WBBL season. Their second match of the weekend is against Brisbane Heat on October 20.

Alex Blackwell during the Women's Big Bash League match between Sydney Thunder and Brisbane Heat at Drummoyne Oval in January.

Thunder then back up against the Melbourne Renegades on October 26 at Blacktown International Sports Park in a match beginning at 7pm and against the Melbourne Stars at Bankstown Memorial Oval from 2pm the following day.

Sydney Thunder coach Trevor Griffin said Ismail’s experience will be an asset.

“She is world class and one of the quickest bowlers in the women’s game, currently No. 2 in the ICC T20 world rankings,” Griffin said.

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“I have no doubt Shabnim will make a big impact on the field and be a great asset to the Thunder Nation with her wealth of knowledge and experience.

“I’m really looking forward to working with her.”

Sydney Thunder WBBL Squad: Rachael Haynes (C), Sam Bates, Alex Blackwell, Hannah Darlington, Rene Farrell, Lisa Griffith, Saskia Horley, Shabnim Ismail, Kate Peterson, Rachel Priest, Naomi Stalenberg, Rachel Trenaman, Tahlia Wilson

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