Shoaib Akhtar, the legendary Pakistani fast bowler, is celebrated as one of the most fearsome pacers in the history of cricket. Known as the “Rawalpindi Express” for his blistering speed and devastating yorkers and bouncers, Akhtar terrorized batters around the world throughout his career. His ability to consistently bowl at lightning speeds made him a formidable opponent, and he holds the distinction of being the fastest bowler in the history of the game.
Shoaib Akhtar’s international career
Akhtar’s international career began in November 1997 with a Test match against the West Indies. Over the next 14 years, he would go on to play 219 international matches, claiming 438 wickets at an average of 25.02 and an economy rate of 4.11. He retired from international cricket in March 2011 after an illustrious career that left an indelible mark on the sport.
Here are the five fastest balls ever bowled by Akhtar in international cricket:
5. 154.3 km/h vs Australia, 1999
In 1999, during a Test match against Australia in Hobart, Akhtar was still carving out his place in the cricketing world. Facing a star-studded Australian batting lineup that included Ricky Ponting, Adam Gilchrist, Matthew Hayden, and Mark Waugh, Akhtar delivered a fiery spell. One delivery in particular, clocked at 154.3 km/h, was a standout moment, showcasing his raw pace and potential to dominate even the best in the world.
4. 155.2 km/h vs Netherlands, 2003
During the 28th match of the 2003 ICC Men’s ODI World Cup, Pakistan faced the Netherlands. It was in this match that Pakistani bowler unleashed one of his fastest deliveries, recorded at 155.2 km/h. Akhtar’s lethal pace proved too much for the Dutch batsmen, as he took three wickets in the match, further solidifying his reputation as the fastest bowler on the planet.
Also READ: Pakistan captain Shan Masood responds angrily to ‘match-fixing’ allegations ahead of Bangladesh Tests
3. 158.4 km/h vs England, 2003
The 2003 ODI World Cup was a stage where the veteran cricketer truly demonstrated his speed. In the 23rd match of the tournament, Pakistan faced England. It was here that Akhtar bowled a delivery at an astonishing 158.4 km/h to England’s Nick Knight. This delivery was one of the fastest in the tournament and left the cricketing world in awe of Akhtar’s pace.
2. 159.5 km/h vs England, 2003
Just when it seemed Akhtar couldn’t get any faster, he did. In same match against England during the 2003 World Cup, he bowled yet another scorching delivery, this time clocking in at 159.5 km/h. This ball, once again delivered to Nick, was a testament to Akhtar’s unmatched ability to consistently bowl at speeds few could even dream of.
1. 161.3 km/h vs England, 2003
Akhtar’s crowning achievement came during the ODI World Cup 2003 edition in Durban, South Africa. In the similar match against England, Akhtar bowled the fastest delivery ever recorded in international cricket – a mind-boggling 161.3 km/h. This historic ball was the final delivery of the third over in a spell that had already seen Akhtar push the boundaries of pace bowling. The delivery cemented Akhtar’s legacy as the fastest bowler in cricket history and remains a benchmark for speed in the sport.
Also READ: ‘Will score five centuries in five months’: Former Pakistan cricketer predicts Babar Azam’s comeback
