With U-19 Women’s World Cup double in bag, Shabnam Shakil ready for bigger challenges

With U-19 Women’s World Cup double in bag, Shabnam Shakil ready for bigger challenges

At 17, fast bowler Shabnam Shakil has the unique distinction of being a member of two women’s under-19 World Cup title-winning Indian sides.

Shabnam, who provided India with the first breakthrough in the final against South Africa in Kuala Lumpur last Sunday, said that this World Cup win was different due to the bonding the entire team displayed, training together for more than seven months before the championship.

“Honestly, when we beat South Africa in a bilateral series before this World Cup, we got a feeling that we can dominate and win the World Cup again,” Shabnam said in an exclusive chat with ‘The Sportstar’.’

“We believe the India under-19 platform is the best to showcase our skills as we dream big. That was a huge motivation,” she said.

For someone who was mentored by Mithali Raj and Nooshin Al Khadeer at Gujarat Giants in the WPL for which Shabnam plays, the pacer said the WPL was a game-changer for her. “Yes, the experience of playing with seniors, sharing thoughts on the art of bowling, and how to handle pressure all helped me a lot,” the young pacer from Vizag said.

“I love bowling fast with the inswinger being my strength. Yes, I have developed the slower one too but never really needed it in this World Cup,” she said with a smile.

“Frankly, there were no major changes made by me between the last two World Cups. Just focussed on being consistent, worked really hard,” the gifted pacer said, while also highlighting the unstinted support of her parents – Mohd Shakil and K. Eswaramma (both work with the Indian Navy in Vizag).

“Luckily, Nooshi ma’am (Indian head coach) has known me for the last three years. That was a huge plus and Mithali Mam was always there to give those invaluable inputs,” Shabnam said.

One of the best moments for Shabnam during her one-day stay in Vizag on coming back from the World Cup win before flying to join Gujarat Giants was to meet her first coach P. Nagaraju who trained her since she was eight years.

Next target? “Express myself in bowling as well as I can in the WPL later this month. I feel it is a huge platform to realise my ultimate goal of playing for India seniors,” said Shabnam, a 11th standard student of Alwardas College in Port City.

“Luckily, there were never any moments when anyone snubbed me for playing cricket. Everyone including all my family members, friends and coaches always believed in my passion and let me pursue it. My youngster Shahjahan Begum plays in the under-15 grade,” she said.

“I am ready for any challenges ahead on the field. The other big dream is to play a key role in India winning the Seniors World Cup,” she signed off.