Proteas Women seamer Shabnim Ismail will play for the Sydney Thunder in the Women’s Big Bash League in Australia later this year.

Ismail has played one Test, 93 ODIs and 84 T20Is since 2007’s debut. She has taken 225 wickets across the three formats.

‘I’m really excited to join the Thunder and obviously make a difference. I really want to make an impact with the girls, and obviously I want to win as well,’ said Ismail.

‘For the youngsters, just to pass on my knowledge from the level that I’ve been playing at which is the highest level.

‘It is quite a big league, it has gone global and the games are televised. It’s going to be my first full Big Bash playing in Australia and I’m really looking forward to it.’

The 31-year-old Ismail is Cricket South Africa’s reigning Women’s T20I Player of the Year.

‘I’m delighted Shabnim has joined us at Sydney Thunder. She is world class and one of the quickest bowlers in the women’s game,’ added Thunder head coach Trevor Griffin.

‘I have no doubt Shabnim will make a big impact on the field and be a great asset to the Thunder nation with her wealth of knowledge and experience. I’m really looking forward to working with her.’

Earlier this week, Proteas seamer Dale Steyn’s arrival at the Melbourne Stars was confirmed for the 2018-19 men’s Big Bash League.

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