Shabnim Ismail out of WBBL07 due to knee injury

“She took a bad knock and unfortunately Shabnim won’t be able to play in this season’s WBBL competition,” said Griffin.

“It’s terrible news because she’s been an important member of Sydney Thunder over the last couple of seasons. She showed her class in the Final against the Melbourne Stars at North Sydney Oval last year.”

“I’m just as disappointed for her because I know how much she enjoys being a part of Thunder Nation and the WBBL.”

Ismail starred in the final of WBBL06 with two wickets for 12, rattling Melbourne Stars in the process. The South African speedster was also involved in the title-winning run of Oval Invincibles in The Hundred but didn’t play all matches. In South Africa’s tour of West Indies, she was rested from the T20Is and played only four of the five ODIs.

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“It’s a huge loss for Sydney Thunder, and also the WBBL competition,” said Leah Poulton, NSW Head of Female Cricket.

“She’s a much-loved character in the Thunder team. And that’s why, above everything else, we’re devastated that Shabnim can’t come out because she’s an important part of the group. They’ll obviously also miss her on the field because she’s that x-factor player who’s capable of turning a match on its head within an over.”

“That’s a huge loss for any team.”

Thunder start their campaign with a clash against Adelaide Strikers on October 16.

Squad so far: Rachael Haynes (C), Samantha Bates, Hannah Darlington, Corinne Hall, Sammy-Jo Johnson, Anika Learoyd, Phoebe Litchfield, Smriti Mandhana, Kate Peterson, Olivia Porter, Deepti Sharma, Lauren Smith, Tahlia Wilson