Shabnim Ismail becomes leading wicket-taker in Women's T20 World Cup

Add as a preferred source on Google

Courtesy- ICC

South Africa pacer Shabnim Ismail on Sunday became the leading wicket-taker in the history of Women's T20 World Cup after her figures of 2/26 in the final against Australia. She now has 43 wickets to her name in 32 T20 World Cup matches.

Her bowling average in the ICC competition is 5.25 and the economy rate reads 5.83. The 34-year-old achieved the feat after picking the wicket of Ellyse Perry on the fourth ball of the 20th over. She followed it with the wicket of Georgia Wareham on the very next delivery.

Shabnim Ismail's exception bowling career

Notably, Ismail is the second-highest wicket-taker in the history of ODI cricket. She has 191 wickets to her name, 64 less than India legend Jhulan Goswami. She is also the joint third-highest wicket-taker in the women's T20I cricket.

The right-arm pacer had played a crucial role during her side's semi-final clash. She broke the rampaging 53-run partnership (off just 30 balls) between openers Danielle Wyatt and Sophia Dunkley by dismissing the latter. Later, she picked two more wickets to finish with match-winning figures of 3/27. The Cape Town-born cricketer picked eight wickets in six matches at an average of 16.12 and an economy rate of 5.86. She finished her campaign as the leading wicket-taker for her side.

Earlier, the record was held by former England Women pacer Anya Shrubsole. She picked 41 wickets in 27 matches at an average of 12.48 and an economy of 5.32. Third on the list is Australia's Ellyse Perry who was also part of the summit clash. The 32-year-old pacer has picked 40 wickets in 42 matches at an average of 17.67 and economy rate of 5.79. Another Australia Women pacer Megan Schutt has picked 40 wickets in 24 matches at an average of 12.27 and an economy rate of 6. Schutt also featured in the Women's T20 World Cup 2023 final between South Africa and Australia.

India spinner Poonam Yadav is seventh on the list with 28 wickets in 18 matches at an average of 13.82 and an average of 5.60.