Sydney, Aug 13 (IANS): Women's Big Bash League franchise Sydney Thunder have re-signed South African fast bowler Shabnim Ismail of the sixth season of the league. Ismail will return for her second season at the club after taking 10 wickets at an economy of 5.88 in the fifth WBBL edition.

The 31-year-old, who was recently named Cricket South Africa's Women's T20I Cricketer of the Year, said: "In the WBBL, you're playing with a lot of experienced players and against some of the best in the world, so it's a great challenge."

"I'm a senior player for my country and in the Thunder squad as well so I try to lead by example. Having played for my country for 12 years, I enjoy passing on some of my experience and knowledge to the youngsters."

Sydney Thunder head coach Trevor Griffin said Ismail's competitiveness and experience will be of huge benefit to the side.

"Shabnim was outstanding for us last season," Griffin said.

"She was our most economical bowler and her pace caused a lot of trouble for opposition batters. She was a real competitor in the field too - some of the fielding that she did was just at another level.

A full 59-game fixture of WBBL 6 has been scheduled across October and November, with Thunder set to open its season on October 17 against the Scorchers in Perth.