Sydney Thunder complete WBBL squad with Shabnim Ismail signing

The seamer will join her franchise once she has finished a spell on international duty; South Africa are currently touring India

Sydney Thunder have signed South African fast bowler Shabnim Ismail ahead of the start of the Women’s Big Bash.

The seamer will join her franchise once she has finished a spell on international duty; South Africa are currently touring India.

Ismail previously played for Melbourne Renegades in the first edition of the competition.

She joins Pakistan allrounder Nida Dar and New Zealand wicketkeeper Rachel Priest as the overseas players in a new-look Thunders squad, which is being overseen by former Western Storm coach Trevor Griffin, who led his team to Kia Super League glory earlier this year.

“I’m really excited to join the Thunder and obviously make a difference,” Ismail said.

“I really want to make an impact with the girls, and obviously I want to win as well.

“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.”

Griffin added: “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, currently number two in the ICC T20 world rankings.

“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.”