Ismail firing up for Proteas’ World Cup charge
THE Proteas Women’s team will have their final warm-up match against England in the hope that facing the World Champions gives them the right momentum going into the World Cup in which they’re among the favourites.
On Sunday the South Africans played India and one of the key figures in that match was fast bowler Shabnim Ismail.
Ismail, who is widely regarded as the fastest women’s bowler in the world, struck Indian batter Smriti Mandhana on the head during the game – an incident that became the talking point on just what a dangerous bowler the South African can be.
Mandhana was visibly shaken by Ismail’s blow to the helmet. She continued batting after being assessed by the India team doctors before retiring an over and a half later after another assessment.
Fortunately, Mandhana will be able to continue in the World Cup for India after an ICC report stated that she “felt no concussion symptoms according to the medical staff at the time, nor experienced delayed effects from the incident”.
Despite Mandhana retiring India were still able to post 244/9 against the Proteas, courtesy of a century from Harmanpreet Kaur. Ayabonga Khaka was South Africa’s best bowler of the day, finishing with figures of 3/23. Khaka’s contribution confirmed that the Proteas have some hidden gems in their line-up.
The Proteas replied strongly through half-centuries from captain Sune Luus (86) and Laura Wolvaardt (83) but ultimately they fell two runs short.
The tournament will open with a clash between hosts New Zealand and West Indies on Friday. South Africa will face Bangladesh in their first game on Saturday.