South Africa fast bowler Shabnim Ismail retires from international cricket
Ismail, 34, played in 241 international matches across ODIs, T20s and Tests, and last appeared in February’s World Cup final
Crickate
Shabnim Ismail retires from international cricket: Fast bowler Shabnim Ismail has declared her retirement from international cricket, dealing a further blow to recent Twenty20 World Cup finalists South Africa, who relied heavily on the speed and dexterity of the game's quickest bowler.
Ismail, 34, has participated in 241 international matches, including ODIs, T20s, and tests. His most recent appearance was in the World Cup final loss to Australia at Newlands in February.
She eclipsed the record for the fastest ball recorded in women's cricket when she was clocked at 128 kilometers per hour (80 miles per hour) against England in the semi-finals of that tournament.
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"After 16 years of proudly representing my country, I have come to the difficult decision to retire from international cricket and move on to the next chapter of my life," Ismail said in a statement released on Wednesday.
"I truly believe that reducing the amount of cricket I play will allow me to do this, and playing in global leagues is the only way I can see to fit family and cricket into my schedule."Ismail's 191 ODI wickets are second on the all-time tally, behind only India's Jhulan Goswami's 255.
Her retirement follows those of former South African captains Dane van Niekerk and Mignon du Preez, as well as batter Lizelle Lee.
