Shabnim Ismail Makes History with 50 Wickets in Women's T20 World Cup

Historic Milestone Achieved by Shabnim Ismail

London [UK], July 3: South African fast bowler Shabnim Ismail has made history by becoming the first player to take 50 wickets in the Women's T20 World Cup during the semifinal match against England at The Oval on Thursday.

This remarkable achievement occurred in Ismail's 38th appearance in the Women's T20 World Cup, as she claimed her milestone wicket with the very first ball of her opening spell, dismissing England's opener Amy Jones.

The 37-year-old from Cape Town entered the match needing just one wicket to reach this significant milestone and quickly accomplished it.

Ismail further solidified her lead as the top wicket-taker in Women's T20 World Cup history by adding another wicket later in the game, bringing her total to 51. She is now well ahead of Australia's Megan Schutt, who follows with 48 wickets.

In the all-time rankings, Australia’s Ellyse Perry is third with 44 wickets, while England's Anya Shrubsole has 41, and South Africa's Marizanne Kapp rounds out the top five with 39 wickets.

In the match itself, England secured their spot in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 final with a decisive 40-run win over South Africa. The team, led by an outstanding performance from captain Nat Sciver-Brunt, managed to recover from an early batting collapse and delivered a strong bowling performance, setting up a thrilling final against Australia at Lord's on Sunday.

England remains unbeaten in the tournament and is just one win away from maintaining their impressive record of never losing a Women's World Cup, whether T20 or ODI, when hosting the event.