On this day, 8 years ago Pakistan fast bowling legend Shoaib Akhtar shattered the speed guns and created history. Akhtar became the first cricketer to break the 100mph barrier. The speedster achieved this feat during an ODI against New Zealand in Lahore in 2002.
Akhtar bowled this momentous ball in the third ODI of a three-match series. Pakistan had already the series having won the first two matches. Craig McMillan was at the other end of this thunderstrike from Akhtar which recorded the speed at 100.04mph or 161 kph. This was the fastest ever anyone has bowled in an international match.
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The International Cricket Council, however, didn’t recognize the feat. They claimed that as the speed gun used for the match lacked a standardized measuring tool, it might not be accurate, Also the gun being supplied by a sponsor did not work in Akhtar’s favor.
Pakistan Cricket Board released a statement after ICC’s refusal. “According to the speed gun operated in the ground by a sponsor, Shoaib Akhtar bowled a delivery at a speed off 161 kph during the 3rd ODI between Pakistan and New Zealand at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore,” PCB said.
Akhtar blew away any doubts in people’s minds about his fast bowling prowess just a year later. Playing in the group stages of the ODI World Cup, Shoaib Akhtar repeated the feat. He becomes the official record holder of the fastest delivery ever bowled in international cricket.
Pakistan was playing in the 2003 World Cup against England at Newlands Stadium in Cape Town when Akhtar achieved the feat again. Bowling to Nick Night, Akhtar’s last ball of the 5th over, clocked at 161.3 or 100.2 mph. The speed on this ball was an improvement over what he had managed almost a year back.
Spectators and commentators were quick to notice this achievement of the Pakistan cricketer. They immediately started praising him the speedster for achieving this feat. Akhtar acknowledged the warm reception from the crowd. “It doesn’t matter to me whether somebody recognizes the speed gun or not. For me, it’s satisfying that I have bowled the fastest-ever delivery.” Akhtar said.
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Brett Lee and Shaun Tait are the only 2 players who join Akhtar in the elite list. The Australian duo breached the 100mph mark but Akhtar’s record remains intact to date.
