Former South African pace bowler Shabnim Ismail registered her name in golden words in the cricket history on Tuesday by bowling the fastest delivery ever recorded in women’s cricket. This labels the first incident in women’s cricket history where a bowler has exceled the 130kph mark. The match was between Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals.
The South African recorded a speed of 132.1 km/h (82.1 mph) on the broadcast speed gun, while bowling to Meg Lanning, hitting her front pad before the resulting lbw appeal was waved away. “I don’t actually look at the big screen when I’m bowling.” Ismail confessed, When she was asked about the delivery in her post-match interview.
Ismail, renowned as the fastest bowler in the women’s game, had previously recorded speeds of 128km/h (79.54mph) against the West Indies in 2016 and 127km/h twice during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in 2022.
Though she retired from the international cricket following after ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, Ismail’s pace continues to shatter everyone’s wickets.
Despite this phenomenal start, she was sidelined from few games due to several injuries. Her efforts were also overpowered by Mumbai Indians defeat to the Delhi Capitals by 29 runs. While chasing a target of 193, MI struggled to keep pace, eventually completing their innings at 163/8.
With this win, Delhi Capitals advanced to the top of the points table with four wins in five games. Mumbai Indians, on the other hand is at the third position with three wins in five games.
