DC vs MI, WPL 2024: Shabnim Ismail Shatters Records With Fastest Recorded Ball In Women's Cricket History

In a Women's Premier League (WPL) 2024 match against Delhi Capitals, Shabnim Ismail, the South African pacer for Mumbai Indians, delivered the fastest recorded ball in the history of women's cricket.

South African fast bowler Shabnim Ismail made history in women's cricket by reaching a notable milestone. She recorded an impressive speed of 132.1 Km/h during a Women's Premier League (WPL) Mumbai Indians (MI) vs Delhi Capitals (DC) match . This achievement marks the first time in recorded women's cricket history that a bowler has exceeded the 130kph mark. Ismail's exceptional delivery was captured on the speed gun in the match held in Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium on March 5 (Tuesday).

In the third over of the first innings, Ismail delivered a ball at a staggering speed of 132.1 Km/h. Her delivery, aimed fuller towards Meg Lanning, which ended up hitting her on the pads. Despite the decision being not-out, this remarkable feat has now crowned the Proteas icon with the title of delivering the fastest ball in women's cricket.

During the mid-innings break, Ismail was questioned about her milestone of surpassing the 130 Km/h mark. She admitted that she wasn't aware of it because she doesn't look at the big screen while bowling. 

 "I don't remember, I actually don't look at the big screen while bowling," she said.

An Off Day On Field Despite The Record For Shabnim Ismail

However, despite her notable achievement, Ismail faced challenges in the match as she had an off day with the ball. She conceded 46 runs in four overs, with an economy rate of 11.50, and managed to take only one wicket.

"Very disappointed in my bowling (tonight). There were a few misfields and dropped chances. Hopefully, we can chase this target down. (What total they looked to restrict DC to) We never actually thought about that. The wicket was really slow. Any bad ball we bowled, they capitalised on it. Hopefully, our batters can get this," she said.

In a highly anticipated WPL 2024 top-of-the-table clash on Tuesday, DC  emerged victorious by 29 runs against Mumbai Indians. Skipper Meg Lanning and Jemimah Rodrigues played stellar innings, both scoring impressive fifties. Capitals posted a formidable total of 192 for 4 in the first innings. Despite Amanjot Kaur's notable 42 off 27 and Hayley Matthews' contribution of 29 off 17, Mumbai Indians could only manage a total of 163 for 8 in response.