Returning Proteas quick finds groove before T20 World Cup

South Africa received a major boost ahead of the Women’s T20 World Cup as Shabnim Ismail starred in a narrow victory over Australia at Arundel Castle in England.

In an unofficial warm-up fixture ahead of the tournament beginning on June 12, South Africa posted 163/7 after opting to bat first. A crucial 88-run partnership between experienced all-rounder Marizanne Kapp (49) and rising youngster Kayla Reyneke (45) helped steady the innings and push the Proteas towards a competitive total.

Australia’s chase ultimately fell short by seven runs, but the biggest talking point came from Ismail’s return to international action after reversing her retirement to help the Proteas take the final leap in the upcoming tournament.

The experienced quick produced a fiery spell of 4/39, dismissing key names including Ash Gardner and Grace Harris as South Africa held their nerve in the closing stages.

Speaking after the match, Ismail admitted emotions were running high during her first over back in Proteas colours.

“Well, to be honest, I was really excited in the first over. Then I bowled a no-ball or two. Then I was thinking, oh, here we go again.

“And it's so funny because every time in the nets, the coach is like, Shabz, no-ball. I was like, coach, don't stress about it. But now I know.

“He told me, Shabz, you need to work. And I was like, coach, I'll do that, definitely. It was really nice getting over the rope today with the girls.

“I really felt happy, and I'm happy I actually made the choice to come back and play with them. I felt like a family again, and I'm happy we got the winning result today,” she added.

South Africa found themselves in a real-match scenario where they had to defend 24 off 18 balls. Ismail also highlighted the importance of executing plans against a world-class Australian batting lineup.

“The way the bowling unit came out, we were confident enough to know that we were going to defend the score. And I mean, Australia's a world-class team. They've got world-class players in their team.

“And for us to obviously get the wickets at crucial stages in the game really took the momentum forward for us. And hopefully for the next few training games as well, we can continue the momentum.”

The South African quick also praised the middle-order partnership between Kapp and Reyneke that proved vital after an early wobble.

“Oh, it's crucial. I mean, like with Kapi's experience, it's nice to have that.

“I think they worked really nice together. And obviously for them to get that partnership took us to the winning total.”

Despite the fixture being unofficial, Ismail said the Proteas approached the contest with a professional mindset to build momentum ahead of the global tournament.

“We knew it was only a training match, but we wanted to finish on a high as well. And I think that gave the girls the confidence of still going out there, still doing what we need to do, but also finishing off with a positive result as well.”

The teams will meet again at Arundel Castle for two more games, before the warm-up fixtures for the T20 World Cup commence on June 6.