• By JE Sports Desk
  • Sat, 25 Feb 2023 10:44 AM (IST)
  • Source:JND
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Pacer Shabnim Ismail was at her immaculate best during the semifinal of the women's T20 world cup as she powered South Africa to a 6-run win over England. Ismail produced the bowling figures of (3 for 27) and also bowled the penultimate over to get rid of England captain Heather Knight during the chase.

The veteran from South Africa is one of fastest bowlers around in women's cricket. During the match, Ismail bowled an 80 MPH (128 KMPH) delivery, which is the quickest in women's cricket circuit.

England got off to a great start in the 165 run chase, however, it was Ismail who took back-to-back wickets to dent the innings. After that, Nat Sciver-Brunt and Heather Knight tried to steer England home, but they could not deny South Africa a place in the showpiece on home soil.

Brits and Wolvaardt showed none of the nerves on display against Bangladesh just three days ago as they set the tone for a run-fest. The duo started patiently, but flicked the switch for Charlie Dean's first over, the fifth of the innings, as the off-spinner was dispatched for a 75-metre six by Wolvaardt, the first maximum of the day, as Dean conceded 14.

With 13 needed off the last over, Ismail equalled Anya Shrubsole for most wickets in a T20 World Cup with the wicket of Knight, but the real prize came three balls later as South Africa sealed their place in the final on Sunday where they will meet holders Australia.

Brief scores:

South Africa 164/4 in 20 overs (Tazmin Brits 68, Laura Wolvaardt 53; Sophie Ecclestone 3-22) beat England 158/8 in 20 overs (Nat Sciver-Brunt 40, Danni Wyatt 34; Ayabonga Khaka 4-29, Shabnim Ismail 3-27) by six runs