England’s Lauren Filer is on a mission to break the 80mph barrier in international cricket, aiming to surpass South Africa’s Shabnim Ismail as the fastest woman bowler.
Chasing the 80mph Mark
Young English bowler Lauren Filer, just 24, has her sights set on a historic achievement: becoming the first woman to consistently bowl at 80 miles per hour in international cricket. She recently showcased her raw pace during the T20I series against India.
During one over, Filer averaged a rapid 76mph and was twice clocked at an impressive 79mph. This consistent speed is what she’s been striving for, moving beyond just occasional fast deliveries.
Filer isn’t just seeking a personal best; she wants to inspire a new generation. Breaking the 80mph barrier, she believes, will prove that women can achieve these speeds, making the game even more exciting and encouraging others to push their limits.
Shabnim Ismail: The Current Speed Queen
Before Filer’s rise, South Africa’s Shabnim Ismail held the title of the fastest woman bowler. The now 36-year-old clocked an incredible 128 kmph (79.54 mph) against West Indies in 2016 during her international career.
Even after retiring from international cricket, Ismail proved her enduring pace by hitting 82.08mph in a Women’s Premier League (WPL) game in Delhi last year. Her consistency and raw speed earned her the nickname “Demon.”
Ismail’s journey into cricket is fascinating. She began playing street cricket with future stars like Vernon Philander and Beuran Hendricks. Initially, she was a batter who “hated bowling,” but by age 15-16, she decided to give it a try.
The “Demon” nickname stuck after a player, intimidated by her bouncers and ability to break stumps, exclaimed she was “actually a demon!” Ismail, who idolizes legendary fast bowler Dale Steyn, attributes her quick lifestyle and pace to everything she does.
- Lauren Filer aims to be the first woman to consistently bowl at 80mph in international cricket.
- Shabnim Ismail currently holds the record for the fastest international delivery at 79.54 mph (128 kmph).
- Filer’s motivation is to inspire more women to bowl at high speeds.
- Ismail earned the nickname “Demon” for her fiery pace.
As Filer, taller and with broader shoulders than Ismail, continues her pursuit, the world of women’s cricket eagerly awaits to see if a new speed record will be set.
