Shabnim Ismail (Source: AFP)
In match 18 of the the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, India Women are playing against South Africa Women in Match 18 at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester, on June 21.
The IND-W vs SA-W game was special for Harmanpreet Kaur, who was playing her 200th T20 International.
However, the landmark occasion ended on a disappointing note as South Africa's pace spearhead Shabnim Ismail removed the Indian captain at a crucial stage before suffering an injury.
India Reeling As South Africa Tighten Their Grip
After winning the toss, Harmanpreet Kaur opted to bat first. However, India's innings never really found complete stability.
Smriti Mandhana departed early, putting pressure on the middle order. Shafali Verma looked promising and played a few attacking strokes but was dismissed in the final over of the powerplay just when she seemed ready to accelerate.
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With wickets falling regularly, the responsibility shifted to captain Harmanpreet Kaur. The Indian skipper appeared set to anchor the innings and launch a late assault.
However, South Africa's disciplined bowling attack kept things tight and prevented India from building partnerships.
The biggest breakthrough came in the 15th over when Shabnim Ismail struck a decisive blow.
Shabnim Ismail Traps Harmanpreet Kaur
The moment unfolded on the fourth ball of the 15th over. Bowling from wide of the crease, Shabnim Ismail delivered a clever length ball outside off stump.
Harmanpreet Kaur moved across her stumps and attempted to guide the ball towards third man, but instead managed an inside edge that crashed into the middle stump.
The dismissal left India five wickets down and handed South Africa a major advantage. Shabnim Ismail celebrated passionately after dismissing Harmanpreet in her milestone 200th T20I appearance.
Also Read: IND-W vs SA-W Head To Head Records- Match 18, T20 World Cup 2026
How Was Shabnim Ismail Injured in IND-W vs SA-W Match?
However, shortly after the wicket, concern emerged for South Africa. Shabnim Ismail appeared to suffer a cut on her left thumb and was seen bleeding.
With her four-over spell already completed, the fast bowler left the field for treatment. Ismail finished with impressive figures of 2/28, playing a crucial role in putting South Africa in control of the contest.
Why Shabnim Ismail Is An Important Player For SA-W In T20 World Cup 2026?
Shabnim Ismail is an important player for South Africa Women in the ongoing T20 World Cup. She is one of the team's main fast bowler and the highest wicket-taker in South Africa women's cricket history.
She recently came out of retirement to play in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup. Her pace and ability to take early wickets make her a crucial player for the team in the marquee tournament.
So far, Shabnim has played 115 T20Is and taken 125 wickets, with an economy rate of 5.79. South Africa will hope her injury is not serious and that she can return to action soon for the Proteas Women.
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