South Africa’s fast bowling spearhead, Shabnim Ismail, will play a vital role in South Africa’s World Cup campaign in England.

With the global showpiece just weeks away, Ismail is hitting her straps just at the right time.

In South Africa’s quadrangular series against India, Ireland and Zimbabwe, she led the Proteas Women’s attack with distinction. Ismail got her series off to a great start by picking up 5-25 against Zimbabwe, as the Proteas blew Zimbabwe away for 78.

Though a relatively quiet two games followed, Ismail bounced back extremely well. Her figures of 4-14 dismantled the Zimbabwean batting order yet again to skittle the visitors for only 113.

Ismail finished the quadrangular series with 16 wickets at an average of 9.94, and was the standout performer for the Proteas Women with the ball.

She has an array of different deliveries at her disposal. Her ability to bowl both bouncers and slower balls, mixed in with stock deliveries, makes her a threat to all batsmen who face her.

Another key ingredient to Ismail’s success is the speed of her deliveries. She is regarded as one of the fastest bowlers in world cricket, capable of clocking speeds of up to 125 km/h.

South Africa’s premium fast bowler will also have one eye on taking her place as the Proteas Women’s all-time leading wicket-taker during the World Cup. Ismail (101) is second on South Africa’s all-time ODI wicket charts, behind only Dane van Niekerk, who has 105 scalps.

If the Proteas are to enjoy a good run at the World Cup in England, Ismail could hold the key to their success.