It felt like family again, says Shabnim Ismail as veteran fast bowler shines on Proteas return

FILE: Shabnim Ismail starred for the Proteas Women's team against Australia.

Fast bowler Shabnim Ismail described her return to the Proteas Women’s team as coming back to her “family,” following her comeback in the first of three warm-up matches ahead of the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. The match against Australia took place in Arundel, England, on Sunday.

Ismail, 37, last played for the Proteas in the 2023 ICC Women's T20 World Cup final against the Aussies at Newlands in Cape Town.

However, the veteran recently came out of international retirement for another crack at T20 World Cup glory. She immediately showed that she has lost none of her class and ability with a fiery spell of 4/39—claiming the key wickets of Ash Gardner and Grace Harris—as the Proteas edged home by seven runs.

“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,” Ismail said.