Shabnam Shakil, who made a mark in the 2024 Women’s Premier League by dismissing top players like Nat Sciver-Brunt and Alyssa Healy, initially missed selection for India’s series against South Africa. However, after featuring in two T20Is in Bengaluru, she has now been included in the squad for the third ODI, the one-off Test, and the upcoming three-match T20I series in Chennai.
Shabnam Shakil, just 16 years old, impressed with four wickets at an economy rate of 7 in the WPL. Her ability as a right-arm pacer and a capable lower-order batter has earned her this opportunity on the national stage.
The BCCI confirmed her addition on June 20, noting that while she joins the squad across all formats, her debut in the playing XI might take some time to materialize. The Women’s Selection Committee emphasized Shabnam Shakil’s potential and versatility in contributing to India’s multi-format strategy against South Africa.
India currently leads the ODI series 2-0, with standout performances from Smriti Mandhana and captain Harmanpreet Kaur. Mandhana’s century in the first ODI set the tone, while Kaur’s unbeaten 103* anchored a high-scoring victory in the second game. Despite South Africa’s spirited efforts, including a century by captain Laura Wolvaardt, they fell short in a thrilling chase, losing by just four runs.
The updated squads for India include Shabnam Shakil across formats, highlighting the team’s depth and strategic planning heading into the remaining fixtures against South Africa.
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