Shoaib Akhtar’s blistering pace shattered speed records in recent decades, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy.
He is famous for delivering the fastest ball ever recorded in cricket and continually tested the boundaries of speed throughout his career.
Let’s take a look at 5 Fastest Deliveries by Shoaib Akhtar in International Cricket during his illustrious international career.
5. 154.3 km/h vs Australia in 1999
.jpg)
Shoaib Akhtar vs AUS
Shoaib Akhtar’s delivery of 154.3 km/h in the 1999 Hobart Test against Australia highlights his remarkable speed, establishing him as one of cricket’s most intimidating fast bowlers.
Up against Australia, known for its formidable batting lineup, Akhtar understood that his pace was his strongest asset. Throughout his spell, he maintained impressive speeds, with the 154.3 km/h delivery standing out as a memorable highlight.
ALSO READ:
4. 155.2 km/h Vs Holland in 2003
.jpg)
Shoaib Akhtar in 2003 World Cup
In the 2003 ODI World Cup, Shoaib Akhtar made a huge impact with one of his best performances. After a strong showing against England, the Rawalpindi Express unleashed a blistering delivery at 155.2 km/h against Holland at Paarl Stadium in South Africa.
This ball was short-pitched and shot off the pitch at remarkable speed, giving the batter barely any time to respond. Although this delivery wasn’t his fastest ever, it was still impressively quick, especially when facing associate teams like the Netherlands.
3. 158.4 km/h Vs England in 2003
.jpg)
Shoaib Akhtar vs ENG
Shoaib Akhtar’s third fastest delivery was recorded during a single over he bowled to Nick Knight in the 2003 World Cup. The delivery reached a speed of 158.4 km/h on the third ball of that over. Knight struggled to cope with Akhtar’s pace, and the bowler’s consistent speed left him both perplexed and intimidated.
Akhtar, however, was determined to push his limits. He increased his pace further, culminating in a record-setting delivery on the final ball of the over. This performance solidified Akhtar’s reputation as one of the fastest and most formidable bowlers in cricket history.
2. 159.5 km/h Vs England in 2003
.jpg)
Shoaib Akhtar in 2003 vs England
Shoaib Akhtar was disappointed when the ICC invalidated his 161.0 km/h speed record because of a faulty speedometer. Determined to set new records, he aimed to achieve this before the 2003 World Cup match against England.
In the second over of his spell, Akhtar unleashed several blazing deliveries at Nick Knight. One of these was a 159.5 km/h ball, his second-fastest ever. Despite the onslaught, Knight managed to withstand Akhtar’s fierce over with brave defense.
1. 161.3 km/h vs England in 2003
After the ICC overlooked Shoaib Akhtar’s 161.0 km/h delivery against New Zealand, he set a new record for the fastest delivery in cricket history. This milestone was achieved during the 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup in a match against England.
In an impressive over delivered to England’s Nick Knight, Akhtar maintained an average speed of around 158 km/h. On the final ball of the over, he reached a speed of 161.3 km/h, establishing a world record.
This achievement solidified Akhtar’s reputation as the fastest bowler ever, and his record has remained unbroken for over twenty years.
READ MORE:
