The South African speedster Shabnim Ismail took a hat-trick in a thrilling match between Welsh Fire and Birmingham Phoenix in the Women’s Hundred. Ismail’s heroic display in the last over ensured a dramatic victory for her team, the Welsh Fire, leaving the Birmingham Phoenix shell-shocked and heartbroken.
The Welsh Fire’s journey in the tournament has been remarkable, considering their winless campaign in the previous season. Ismail’s exceptional performance continued their resurgence this year, as she delivered a nerve-wracking final over to prevent the Phoenix from scoring the four runs they needed for victory. With ice running through her veins, Ismail finished with figures of 3-31, successfully defending the target of 137 runs set by her team.
The Fire’s captain, Tammy Beaumont, provided a solid foundation with her elegant batting performance, scoring a stylish 59 runs off just 40 balls. It seemed that the Phoenix had the chase under control when Tess Flintoff (55) and Amy Jones (48 not out) were combining well, adding 93 runs in just 67 balls. However, Ismail’s moment of brilliance shattered the Phoenix’s hopes and handed the Fire a thrilling victory.
This victory has put the Fire in a strong position in the competition, having won three out of their four matches so far. On the other hand, the Phoenix now face a daunting task of climbing up the qualification race after enduring a poor start to the campaign, with three defeats and a washout.
In the match, the Phoenix won the toss and elected to bowl. However, it took them 48 balls to make the breakthrough as Beaumont and Hayley Matthews built a solid opening partnership of 72 runs. Matthews departed after scoring a run-a-ball 23, cutting Hannah Baker to point. Beaumont, in imperious form, continued to dominate the bowling attack, registering a 36-ball half-century with a straight six off Katie Levick.
Despite Beaumont’s innings, the Phoenix managed to slow down the scoring rate and pick up crucial wickets. Laura Harris fell for just one run, falling lbw to an Emily Arlott delivery while attempting a reverse sweep. Sophie Dunkley provided a brief spark, hitting a six over mid-wicket off Arlott. However, the Phoenix’s tight bowling and exceptional fielding created pressure, resulting in more wickets falling in the closing stages of the innings.
Chasing 138 runs for victory, the Phoenix got off to a positive start, courtesy of Sophie Devine’s quickfire 29 off 19 balls. However, her run came to an end when Alex Griffiths bowled a perfect inswinging yorker. Amy Jones, on the other hand, displayed fluency from the moment she arrived at the crease. Alongside Flintoff, they took the game into the last 20 balls with 27 runs still needed.
However, boundaries were hard to come by against the disciplined bowling of Griffiths, which tilted the pressure back on the Phoenix. The equation came down to nine runs needed from the last five balls, and it was Ismail who had the responsibility to deliver.
With tension mounting, Flintoff managed to hit a glorious cover-driven four, reducing the equation to four runs from three balls. But Ismail showcased her exceptional skill and experience, dismissing Flintoff off the next delivery. She followed it up by catching Erin Burns at short third man, leaving the Phoenix in a state of despair. Ismail perfectly sealed her heroic hat-trick by bowling Issy Wong, propelling the Welsh Fire to one of the most memorable wins in the tournament’s history.
The Hat-trick of Shabnim Ismail in the last over will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the highlights of this year’s Women’s Hundred. Her exceptional bowling display, combined with the pressure she handled with composure, showcased her prowess as one of the best fast bowlers in women’s cricket.
The Welsh Fire, buoyed by hat-trick of Shabnim Ismail will be looking to carry this momentum forward as the tournament progresses. Meanwhile, the Birmingham Phoenix face an uphill battle as they aim to revive their campaign and secure a place in the qualification race.
