Thunder star Ismail feels the need for speed

Shabnim Ismail is one of the fastest bowlers in the world – and she is not afraid to let you know it.

The South African might be diminutive in height, but it does not stop her routinely sending down deliveries in excess of 120km/h, or from following up with a deathly stare.

"Everyone asks me that question," Ismail said when asked how she manages to bowl with such pace.

"I honestly don’t know."

What the 31-year-old from Cape Town does know is that she loves to bowl quick.

Whether it’s for South Africa, the Sydney Thunder or any other domestic side she represents, Ismail is constantly searching for those extra kilometers an hour.

"As a kid, it was always a dream for me to bowl as quick as I can," Ismail told cricket.com.au.

"Now I’m at the age of 31 and I’m still bowling as quick as I can and learning a lot as well.

"(My goal is) to go out there and have a lot of fun, bowl with confidence and do the best I can for the team."

Ismail played for the Renegades as a replacement player during WBBL|01, but has not been sighted in the league again until this year when the Thunder secured her signature.

For the right-arm quick, whose only three international appearances in this country came during the 2009 World Cup, it’s a welcome chance to bowl on Australian pitches.

"I love it so much," she said.

"It is similar to South Africa, it’s just a bit quicker at the moment because I think South African pitches at this time of year are a bit slower.

"I’m definitely enjoying it, I liked bowling at the WACA because it has a lot of bounce so it suited me a lot."

For the Proteas, she forms a potent new-ball pair with the equally combative Marizanne Kapp, but on Friday night they found themselves on opposing sides when the Thunder played the Sydney Sixers at Drummoyne Oval.

On this occasion, Kapp - and South African captain Dane van Niekerk - had the last laugh as her side romped to a 40-run win. 

But they will be reunited early next year when the T20 World Cup gets underway in Australia – happily for Ismail, their first game is against England at the WACA Ground – and time spent in the Big Bash could be crucial as they look to make amends for missing the finals of the 2018 event, Ismail believes.

"(Kapp’s) been my bowling partner for quite a few years now and we click and gel really well," Ismail said.

"In the SA side, we probably give the coach the most grief because we’re always so competitive towards each other and towards the game, but it’s always nice to play alongside her.

"This (tournament) will give us a confidence boost and more knowledge going into the World Cup, we’ve got key players here now (in the Big Bash) with Kapp, van Niekerk, myself, Lizelle Lee, Mignon du Preez and Chloe Tryon.

"It’s going to give us momentum going into the World Cup."

This weekend, it’s the Sydney Thunder’s turn to host the WBBL Festival Weekend action, with four games across three days at Drummoyne Oval.

On Saturday, the Thunder meet Brisbane Heat at 7.10pm AEDT.

On Sunday, the Heat will play the Perth Scorchers (10am) before the Sixers take on the Melbourne Renegades (2.10pm).