Shabnim Ismail: Proteas leader, quicker than ever, driving SA's World Cup dream

England, firm favourites in Friday's T20 World Cup semi-final against hosts South Africa at Newlands, looked to be cruising.

Just five overs into their pursuit of the 165 they needed for victory, the hard-hitting tourists were 53/0, making light work of the Proteas' new-ball bowling with openers Danni Wyatt and Sophia Dunkley scoring almost at will.

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The Newlands crowd, optimistic after their side's batters had given them a realistic chance, grew increasingly quiet.

At that moment, South Africa were looking every bit the underdogs they were always billed to be, and it would take something special for them to find a way back into the game.

Big characters step up on the biggest moments, they say. Enter Shabnim Ismail.

In an over of raw pace - one of the quickest the women's game has ever seen - the 34-year-old Proteas veteran dug deep and found something from somewhere.

She removed Dunkley (28 off 16) and Alice Capsey (0 of 2) within the space of three balls, turning the game on its head. Ismail's bouncer that rushed Capsey was particularly vicious, and by the time she was done with her over, she had clocked one down at 128 kph for the fastest ball of the tournament.

This match will rightly also be remembered for Tazmin Brits' heroics with bat and in the field, Laura Wolvaardt's half-century and Ayabonga Khaka's 4/29, but it was Ismail who changed everything.

She remains South Africa's leader through consistency, unwavering excellence and a legacy that will make her one of the greatest cricketers this country has ever produced when she eventually decides to call it a day.

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Ismail wanted this one badly,