The fiery Indian pacer, Umran Malik has opined that he is more focused on bowling in the right channels rather than wanting to break Shoaib Akhtar’s record for the fastest delivery in international cricket. Back in 2003, Akhtar became the first bowler to set the record of clocking over 100 miles per hour in a match against England during the World Cup.

Umran Malik has threatened to breach Akhtar’s speed quite a few times in the 2022 Indian Premier League (IPL) after clocking in excess of 150 km/h on a consistent basis. In fact, Malik holds the record of bowling the third-fastest delivery in the history of IPL at 157 km/h.

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Recently, Malik was called up to play for Team India in the five-match series against South Africa. Ahead of the series, the Jammu and Kashmir seamer said that he wanted to help win the series 5-0 margin against the Proteas.

During the latest interview with News28 Sport, Umran Malik said, “My focus is not on that record right now. I want to bowl well, bowl in the right areas, and help my country win all five matches against South Africa. I want to keep it 150 or above to maintain my body and strength.”

The 22-year-old Malik also had words of praise for fellow J&K teammate Abdul Samad for motivating him to bowl quicker.

Umran Malik said, “Abdul motivated me a lot. Whenever I used to bow to him, he would say I am bowling slow. So, then I would deliver with more pace. And then the gym and proper exercise helped me with this.”

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Malik and Samad played together for the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the 2022 IPL. Even as Malik got chances to play on a consistent basis, Samad was often seen warming the benches.