Shoaib Akhtar is widely regarded as the fastest bowler in the history of cricket, and his record-breaking bowling speed of 161.3 km/h (100.2 mph) is a testament to his incredible pace. He achieved this feat on February 22, 2003, during a Cricket World Cup match against England. Shoaib Akhtar Highest Bowling Speed and the delivery was bowled to Nick Knight, who was unable to handle the pace and was bowled.
What was it like to face Akhtar at his peak? How did he manage to bowl so fast? And what impact did his speed have on the game? Read on to find out.
Shoaib Akhtar Highest Bowling Speed
Shoaib Akhtars Highest-recorded Bowling Speed
Shoaib Akhtar bowled the fastest ball in international cricket on February 22, 2003, during a Cricket World Cup match against England at the Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town, South Africa.
The delivery was bowled to Nick Knight, who was unable to handle the pace and was bowled. The ball was clocked at 161.3 km/h (100.2 mph), making it the fastest ball ever bowled in international cricket.
Pakistan lost that match by 112 runs, and Akhtar was not named Man of the Match. However, his record-breaking delivery remains one of the most iconic moments in cricket history.
Match Details
Toss: England won the toss and elected to bat.
Scores:
- England: 246/8 (50 overs)
- Pakistan: 134/10 (31 overs)
Result: England won by 112 runs.
Man of the Match: Andrew Flintoff (England)
Speed of Other Players in the Same Match
| Player | Team | Speed (km/h) |
| Wasim Akram | Pakistan | 145.3 |
| Waqar Younis | Pakistan | 148.4 |
| Saqlain Mushtaq | Pakistan | 143.5 |
| Andrew Flintoff | England | 145.4 |
| Ashley Giles | England | 143.5 |
| James Anderson | England | 147.4 |
How many times has Shoaib Akhter become Man of the Match?
| Match | Date | Venue | Performance | Award |
| Pakistan vs England | February 22, 2003 | Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town, South Africa | 5 wickets for 37 runs | No |
| Pakistan vs India | March 29, 2004 | Eden Gardens, Kolkata, India | 6 wickets for 45 runs | Yes |
| Pakistan vs Australia | December 16, 2005 | WACA Ground, Perth, Australia | 4 wickets for 32 runs | No |
Matches that Pakistan Won or Lost because of Shoaib Akhter
| Match | Date | Venue | Result | Akhtar’s Performance |
| Pakistan vs England | February 22, 2003 | Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town, South Africa | Loss | 5 wickets for 37 runs |
| Pakistan vs India | March 29, 2004 | Eden Gardens, Kolkata, India | Win | 6 wickets for 45 runs |
| Pakistan vs Australia | December 16, 2005 | WACA Ground, Perth, Australia | Loss | 4 wickets for 32 runs |
Illegal Activites
Akhtar has been open about his struggles with injuries and mental health, but he has always been upfront and honest about these issues. He has also been a vocal advocate for mental health awareness in cricket.
Overall, Shoaib Akhtar is a respected figure in the game of cricket and there is no evidence to suggest that he has ever been involved in any illegal activities. Doyou know about Umran Maliks Bowling Speed
Shoaib Akhtar Controversies
Shoaib Akhtar was a controversial figure throughout his career. He was known for his fiery temper and his outspoken nature. He was also involved in a number of incidents that led to controversy.
- In 2002, Akhtar was hit by a brick thrown from the crowd during a match in Bangladesh. He was forced to leave the field and missed the rest of the tour.
- In 2003, Akhtar was fined for ball-tampering during a match in New Zealand. He was also suspended for two ODIs after abusing South African batsman Paul Adams.
- In 2004, Akhtar was involved in a heated argument with his teammate Mohammad Asif during a match in India. The two players had to be separated by other players and team officials.
- In 2006, Akhtar and his teammate Mohammad Asif were suspended for testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs. They were both cleared of the charges after appealing, but the incident damaged their reputations.
- In 2011, Akhtar was involved in a spat with Pakistani journalist Dr. Nauman Niaz during a live TV show. Akhtar walked off the show after Niaz criticized his performance. Do also check 10 Best Cricket Stadiums in the World.
Shoaib Akhtar Records
| Record | Type | Value |
| Fastest bowling speed in Test cricket | Speed | 161.3 km/h |
| Fastest bowling speed in ODI cricket | Speed | 161.3 km/h |
| Most wickets taken by a Pakistani fast bowler in Test cricket | Wickets | 178 |
| Most wickets taken by a Pakistani fast bowler in ODI cricket | Wickets | 247 |
| Fastest bowler to reach 50 wickets in ODI cricket | Matches | 29 |
| Fastest bowler to reach 100 wickets in ODI cricket | Matches | 60 |
| Only bowler to take a hat-trick in the first over of a Test match | Hat-trick | Against New Zealand in 2003 |
| Highest score by a Pakistani fast bowler in Test cricket | Score | 119 vs New Zealand in 2003 |
| Highest score by a Pakistani fast bowler in ODI cricket | Score | 63 vs Australia in 2002 |
Shoaib Akhters Awards
| Award | Year | Presented by |
| ICC Test Cricketer of the Year | 2003 | International Cricket Council (ICC) |
| ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year | 2003 | International Cricket Council (ICC) |
| Wisden Cricketer of the Year | 2003 | Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack |
| ESPNcricinfo Cricketer of the Year | 2003 | ESPNcricinfo |
| PCB Cricketer of the Year | 2003, 2004 | Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) |
| PCB Test Cricketer of the Year | 2003, 2004 | Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) |
| PCB ODI Cricketer of the Year | 2003, 2004 | Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) |
| President’s Pride of Performance Award | 2003 | Government of Pakistan |
In a Nutshell
Shoaib Akhtar is a Pakistani cricketer who is widely regarded as one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time. Akhtar holds a number of records in international cricket, including the fastest bowling speed in Test and ODI cricket. He is also the only bowler to have taken a hat-trick in the first over of a Test match.
