The quest for speed in cricket has always captivated fans and players alike, especially the pursuit of breaking the legendary 100 mph barrier set by Shoaib Akhtar. Known as the “Rawalpindi Express,” Akhtar achieved this remarkable feat during the 2003 Cricket World Cup, recording a delivery at 161.3 km/h (100.2 mph) against England.
As the game evolves, several upcoming bowlers are showing the potential to challenge this record.
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Five bowlers who could potentially break Shoaib Akhtar’s record
5. Anrich Nortje
Anrich Nortje has emerged as one of the fastest bowlers in contemporary cricket. The South African pacer consistently bowls above 150 km/h, with his fastest delivery clocked at 156.22 km/h during the 2022 IPL while playing for Delhi Capitals against Rajasthan Royals.
Nortje’s ability to maintain high speeds and his aggressive bowling style make him a strong contender to surpass Akhtar’s record. His impressive performances have already made him a vital asset for South Africa, and if he continues to refine his technique, he could very well break the 100 mph barrier.
4. Umran Malik
Umran Malik, the young Indian speedster from Jammu and Kashmir, has quickly gained recognition for his explosive pace. He has consistently bowled over 150 km/h and recorded his fastest delivery at 157 km/h.
Malik’s raw talent and determination have drawn comparisons to some of the fastest bowlers in history. Although he has stated that he focuses more on performing for his team rather than breaking records, his potential remains undeniable. With continued development and experience, Malik could become a serious threat to Akhtar’s long-standing record.
3. Lockie Ferguson
New Zealand’s Lockie Ferguson is another bowler who has made headlines for his speed. He clocked an impressive 157.3 km/h during the 2022 IPL, earning him the title of the tournament’s fastest bowler.
Ferguson’s combination of pace and skill has made him a key player for New Zealand, and he has consistently delivered high-speed performances in international cricket. Given his track record, Ferguson is a strong candidate to challenge the 100 mph mark in the future.
2. Mitchell Starc
Mitchell Starc, often regarded as one of the fastest bowlers in the world, has consistently bowled at remarkable speeds. His fastest delivery, recorded at 160.4 km/h against New Zealand in 2015, places him among the elite in fast bowling.
Starc’s ability to generate speed while maintaining accuracy makes him a formidable opponent for any batsman. As he continues to perform at the highest levels, Starc remains a significant contender to break Akhtar’s record.
1. Mark Wood
Mark Wood, the English pacer known for his fiery bowling, has also demonstrated the ability to reach impressive speeds. Although he has faced injury challenges throughout his career, Wood has recorded deliveries at speeds exceeding 150 km/h.
With a strong desire to achieve the 100 mph milestone before retirement, Wood may push himself to reach new heights. His determination and experience could play a crucial role in his pursuit of breaking the record.
Conclusion
The pursuit of speed in cricket is not merely about breaking records; it is a testament to the skill, dedication, and evolution of the game.
As bowlers like Anrich Nortje, Umran Malik, Lockie Ferguson, Mitchell Starc, and Mark Wood continue to develop their craft, the dream of breaking Shoaib Akhtar’s 100 mph record remains a tantalizing possibility.
With each delivery, these athletes inch closer to etching their names in the annals of cricket history.
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