Akhtar first bowler to break 100mph barrier
Pakistan's Shoaib Akhtar became the first bowler to break the 100mph barrier in Saturday's third one-day international against New Zealand, according to the Pakistan Cricket Board.
Although Akhtar finished wicketless as his side defeated New Zealand by 66 runs in the third one-day international on Saturday, he clocked 100.04mph with the sixth ball of his second over to Craig McMillan.
"According to the speed gun operated in the ground by a sponsor, Shoaib Akhtar bowled a delivery at a speed off 161kph (100.04mph)," the PCB said in a statement.
"I am delighted to bowl that fast -- the speed machine is authentic and it should be acknowledged throughout the world," Shoaib said on Sunday.
The previous record for the fastest delivery was held by Australia's Jeff Thomson, who was timed at 99.8 mph (160.5 kph) in 1975 in controlled conditions.
Mail Cricket Editor
(C) 2002 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similiar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters and the Reuters Sphere logo are registered trademarks and trademarks of the Reuters group of companies around the world.
