Proteas’ Ismail adds to her legacy with another award

PROTEA women’s opening fast bowler Shabnim Ismail is certainly bowling them over, having bagged for a second year in a row, the Momentum Proteas T20 Cricketer of the Year award.

The accolade was awarded to Ismail last weekend by Cricket South Africa in an online virtual awards ceremony.

“It’s always a privilege being nominated for your country. From a young age, I wanted to be a Proteas player. To be nominated four years in a row, and to win it two years in a row, is an accolade.

“We have been playing really good cricket as a family. The team has been gelling well together. I had a good two series for myself and the team. The hard work, on and off the field, has been paying off,” said the 31-year-old.

She said, unfortunately, the team has not been able to train together in the past three months because of the coronavirus.

“We are hoping to go to England in September or October. It’s the longest time being away. As cricketers, we are usually outdoors training or travelling. It feels different being home for such a long time. Although I miss the team, it has been nice being with family.”

Ismail’s father, Shoukat Allie Ismail, came to South Africa from India as a teenager.

The youngest of seven children, Ismail started playing cricket with her brothers at her home in Cravenby in Cape Town. She made the Proteas team 12 years ago.

“I also used to play with

Vernon Philander and his brothers on the field.”

At the age of 13, Ismail joined Primrose Cricket Club, and at

16, was selected for the Western Province team. A year later, she made the Proteas women’s team.

Ismail signed for a season the Dolphins team.

Her goal is to leave a legacy behind for women’s cricket.

“I would love to become a bowling coach. I want to be remembered as being a legend of with the game.

“I always say it’s not about the age. If I put my mind to it, I can continue playing for the next five years, if I take care of my body and live a healthy lifestyle,” she said.

Ismail said if people follow their dreams lots of success will be ahead of them.

“In following your dreams, you need to have the heart and desire and passion. I am living my dream.”

The Kwazulu-natal Cricket Union celebrated eight awards. Other recipients included Grant Roelofsen, Dave Miller, Nkululeko Mlaba and Ruan de Swardt.

Ben Dladla, president, said he was proud of how the players and administrators from the KZN Cricket Union had performed.

“We at KZN Cricket are very proud of the achievements of our players and administrators at these national awards.

“We are happy that they continue to fly the flag of KZNCU high and their achievements are evidence that their hard work is paying off,” said Dladla.