About Tabraiz Shamsi
Tabraiz Shamsi, born February 18, 1990, in Johannesburg, is South Africa’s leading left-arm wrist spinner and one of the most expressive and charismatic bowlers in world cricket. Known for his celebratory theatrics and skillful variations, Shamsi has been a vital cog in South Africa’s white-ball strategies since 2016.
Originally a seam bowler in his early cricketing days, Shamsi converted to spin and rapidly climbed the domestic ranks with consistent performances in franchise cricket. His breakthrough at the international level came with impressive performances in T20Is, where his variations, especially the googly and flipper, consistently troubled top-order batters.
Shamsi was the leading T20I wicket-taker in the world in 2021 and has often been South Africa’s frontline spinner in both T20Is and ODIs. He played a key role in South Africa’s spin resurgence during the T20 World Cups and bilateral series, including memorable spells against Pakistan, West Indies, and Sri Lanka.
A globe-trotting cricketer, Shamsi has featured in various T20 leagues including the CPL, The Hundred, and SA20. His experience in franchise cricket has added depth to his strategic game and adaptability on different pitches.
Beyond his bowling, Shamsi is an entertainer at heart, engaging fans with his passion and personality. Off the field, he advocates for bringing fun back into cricket while also mentoring young spinners in the domestic circuit.