Shoaib Akhtar’s highest bowling speed of 161.3 KMPH or 100.2 MPH was the first time in the history of the ICC Cricket World Cup that anyone crossed the 100 MPH mark. “RAWALPINDI EXPRESS” is what he is famous for, Shoaib Akhtar has become a synonym for fast bowling over the years. Let’s discuss Shoaib Akhtar’s bowling speed in the following section.

Shoaib Akhtar’s Highest Bowling Speed

February 22, 2003, was marked in the records book when Shoaib Akhtar threw a 161.3 KMPH trace of a bullet toward Nick Knight at The Newlands, Cape Town in the ICC Cricket World Cup match against England.

Shoaib Akhtar’s highest bowling speed of 161.3 KMPH or 100.2 MPH was the first time in the history of the ICC Cricket World Cup that anyone crossed the 100 MPH mark.

To date that remains the fastest ball in cricket history.

Also Read: KL Rahul vs Virat Kohli | Who is Better?

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Pakistan Cricket Board tweeted the following on Shoaib Akhtar’s World Record:

1️⃣0️⃣0️⃣․2️⃣ MPH! ⚡️#OnThisDay in 2003, @shoaib100mph broke the 100mph mark against England at the @cricketworldcup! 🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/XLkIeCDqBZ

— ICC (@ICC) February 22, 2019

The Golden Old Tussle

The world remembers Shoaib Akhtar’s tussle with the Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar. That uppercut from Sachin in the 2003 World Cup has been framed all over the globe. Though Shoaib Akhtar reckons, “Indians only remember Sachin’s six as it makes them happy.” Back then Akhtar’s rivalry and fierce attitude against Indian guns Sachin Sehwag Dravid and one dominating the other was a treat to watch.

His View

Shoaib Akhtar says, “When I started playing cricket I was told you can’t bowl fast and to achieve a good speed of 100 KMPH I will have to use drugs. But I have always refused to do so. It was my honor to be the speaker/guest of honor at the symbolic drug-burning ceremony by the Anti-Narcotics Force of Pakistan. ANF is making efforts to the best of its capacity & resources for a drug-free Pakistan. Play sports, work out & do healthy activities for a bright future.