England beat South Africa by 40 runs in the second semifinal of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026, played at the Kennington Oval in London on July 2, sealing their place in the final. But amid South Africa's defeat, veteran fast bowler Shabnim Ismail etched her name into the record books, becoming the leading wicket-taker in T20 World Cup history across both the men's and women's game, going past Bangladesh's Shakib Al Hasan.
South Africa Crumble Under Big-Match Pressure Again
South Africa once again wilted under the pressure of a knockout game, going down by 40 runs in the semifinal played on July 2. The defeat ended their run in the tournament and handed England a spot in the final, while England's own campaign continues to build momentum. Yet even in defeat, the match produced a landmark moment for Shabnim Ismail, offering South Africa's camp a rare bright spot on an otherwise disappointing night.
A Quiet Tournament That Still Delivered A Record
T20 World Cup 2026 was far from Shabnim Ismail's best on paper. She played all 6 matches for South Africa but managed just 8 wickets across the tournament. Yet the two wickets she claimed against England in the semifinal turned out to be the most significant of her career.
Amy Jones Wicket Brings Up 50, Alice Capsey Dismissal Seals Top Spot
Ismail first dismissed England's Amy Jones, a wicket that took her to 50 in T20 World Cup history. Soon after, she removed Alice Capsey, and with that wicket she overtook Bangladesh's Shakib Al Hasan to become the highest wicket-taker in T20 World Cup history across the men's and women's tournaments combined. Ismail now has 51 wickets in T20 World Cup history, while Shakib Al Hasan sits second with 50 wickets.
Leading Wicket-Takers In Men's And Women's T20 World Cup History
- Shabnim Ismail (South Africa Women) - 51 wickets
- Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh Men) - 50 wickets
- Megan Schutt (Australia Women) - 48 wickets
- Ellyse Perry (Australia Women) - 44 wickets
- Adam Zampa (Australia Men) - 44 wickets
- Adil Rashid (England Men) - 44 wickets
England Set Sights On Second Title, Face Australia In Final
Having booked their place in the final with the semifinal win, England now have their sights set on a second Women's T20 World Cup title. They will face Australia's women's team in the final, a side that has already won the trophy 6 times. England last won the tournament's inaugural edition back in 2009, and that title also came on home soil. With the final also being played on home turf this time, England will be hoping to repeat that history.
