South Africa are set to receive a massive boost ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, with veteran fast bowler Shabni Ismail set to reverse her international retirement and return to the Proteas squad for the marquee tournament next month.
According to reports in IOL, the 37-year-old pacer has agreed to return after discussions with Cricket South Africa director of cricket Enoch Nkwe and head coach Mandla Mashimbyi. An official squad announcement was delayed on Monday due to “internal checks”, but Ismail is expected to be among the names once the squad is confirmed.
“It would be nice to have a player of Shabnim’s caliber in our bowling attack to be honest with you. So maybe she will call me tomorrow and if she does that would be great,” Mashymbyi said ahead of the series against India.
PROTEAS TRY TO REPLACE ISMAIL
Ismail retired from international cricket in 2023 thereafter helping South Africa reach their first ever Women’s T20 World Cup final at home. Her departure has left a considerable void in the Proteas bowling attack, especially in the pace department.
Since then, South Africa have continued to do well in ICC events, reaching another Women’s T20 World Cup final in 2024 and also reaching the final of the ODI World Cup in India last year. However, the team struggled to replace Ismail’s raw pace and vast experience.
Mashymbyi has openly admitted in recent months that South Africa lack real pace options. After touring New Zealand earlier this year, he reiterated the side’s need for extra pace in attack and publicly indicated he hoped Ismail would reconsider his retirement.
ISMAIL WILL BE STRONG IN FRANCHISE CRICKET
Despite retiring from international cricket, Ismail remained one of the premier fast bowlers in franchise cricket all over the world. She continued to shine in tournaments such as the Women’s Premier League, The Hundred and the Women’s Big Bash League. Her pace and aggression remain unrivaled in the women’s game and she still holds the record for the fastest delivery recorded in women’s cricket.
Her return could also reunite South Africa’s experienced new-ball partnership with Marizanne Kapp. Kapp is expected to return after missing parts of the recent international season due to illness, while former captain Dane van Niekerk is expected to play after coming out of retirement last year.
South Africa open their Women’s World T20 campaign against Australia in Manchester on June 13 and Ismail’s potential return could be a major boost to a side aiming to go one step further on the global stage.
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Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
11 May 2026 16:47 IST
