Watch: Shabnim Ismail gets off the mark on MI debut, Shafali Verma first batter to be dismissed in WPL 2024

South African speedster Shabnim Ismail got herself and her new team Mumbai Indians off to a flying start in the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2024 in the opening encounter at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

After winning the toss, Mumbai skipper Harmanpreet Kaur invited Delhi Capitals to bat first. Shafali Verma and Meg Lanning walked out to the middle to face the music. Shabnim Ismail took the new ball and bowled a fine first over, conceding just a single. Saika Ishaque, one of the finds of WPL 2023, followed it up with another great over as Delhi added just one more run.

Shafali faced seven balls and could only get herself a single run in the first two overs. She decided to take the attack to Shabnim in the first ball of her second over. However, the veteran beat her for pace as she tried to swing hard across the line. The ball took out the middle stump as Shabnim let out a huge roar to celebrate her first wicket in Mumbai Indians colours.

Later in that over, the 35-year-old, who retired from international cricket last year, bowled a delivery at 128 kph according to the broadcasters. This equalled the pace of the delivery she bowled at the 2023 T20 World Cup, which is regarded as the fastest ball in women's cricket. Shabnim, who continues to play the franchise leagues around the world, picked up the first wicket in the second season of the WPL.

Check out Shabnim Ismail's WPL debut wicket here:

Alice Capsey leads the way as Delhi Capitals post 171/5

Young England batter Alice Capsey played a fine knock of 75 off just 53 balls after Delhi skipper Lanning departed for 31. Capsey hit nine fours and three sixes during her stay at the crease. She also received good support from Jemimah Rodrigues, who scored a quickfire 42 off 24 balls, belting five fours and two sixes. Marizanne Kapp also chipped in with a brisk 16 off just nine balls as last year's runners-up finished on 171/5 in their 20 overs.

Nat Sciver-Brunt and Amelia Kerr picked up two wickets each for Mumbai, while Shabnim couldn't add to the wickets column after getting Shafali out early. Harmanpreet and Co. will have to come up with a good batting effort to chase the 171-run target. They have a deep batting line-up and that could prove to be an advantage.

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