WPL 2024: Shabnim Ismail makes history with the fastest ball ever bowled in women’s cricket during DEL-W vs MUM-W clash

In a sensational feat, Shabnim Ismail, the pace sensation from , has rewritten the record books with the fastest delivery in the history of women’s cricket on Tuesday (March 5).

Shabnim Ismail sets women’s cricket ablaze with record-breaking pace

The historic moment unfolded during the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024 clash against when Ismail unleashed a thunderous ball to an opposition skipper Meg Lanning at an astonishing speed of 132.1 Kph in the third over. Despite the not-out decision, Ismail claimed the honour of delivering the swiftest ball in women’s cricket.

Mumbai Indians fast bowler Shabnim Ismail bowled the Fastest Delivery by a Women's Cricket – 132.1 KMPH 👏

— Richard Kettleborough (@RichKettle07)

WPL 2024: A tale of records and comebacks

Ismail’s record-breaking delivery came after a stellar start in the WPL 2024, where she clocked an impressive 128.3kph in the tournament’s opening match. Despite a brief sidelining due to injury, Ismail made a resounding comeback, adding another feather to her cap. Notably, she holds the record for the fastest delivery in international women’s cricket, achieved at 128kph against West Indies in 201💮6 and breached the mark of 127 kph t🧔wice during the 2022 ODI World Cup.

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A day of challenges and triumphs for Ismail

However, despite her record-breaking accomplishment, Ismail faced challenges during the match against Delhi. Opening the bowling for Mumbai, she grappled with accuracy issues, and Shafali Verma‘s onslaught resulted in consecutive sixes. Ismail managed to pick one wicket but concluded with figures of 1/46 in four overs.

Legacy of the ‘Demon’: Leading wicket-taker and Mumbai’s prized asset

Affectionately known as the ‘Demon,’ Ismail remained one of the fastest and most fearsome bowlers in the women’s cricket circuit. Her lethal bouncers and exceptional accuracy have left an indelible mark. Despite bidding farewell to international cricket in May 2023, Ismail’s legacy endures with 191 wickets in ODIs and 123 wickets in T20Is, making her South Africa‘s leading wicket-taker in both formats. Mumbai achieved her services for Rs 1.2 Crore, making her the franchise’s costliest buy in the 2024 TATA WPL Auction.

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This article was first published at , a Cricket Times company.