In cricketing terms, it ranks with Roger Bannister running the first sub-four-minute mile: Shoaib Akhtar has gone into the record books as the first person to bowl at more than 100 mph. Shoaib, 27, achieved his record yesterday while playing for Pakistan against England in a World Cup match in Cape Town, South Africa. His delivery was timed at 100.23 mph: the fastest ball ever recorded with an officially-recognized speed gun. As the record was flashed up on an electronic scoreboard, Shoaib turned to the crowd and gave repeated V for victory signs.
The achievement comes just 10 months after he thought he had broken the 100 mph barrier with a delivery of 100.04 mph in Lahore against New Zealand, but on that occasion the system for measuring the delivery was faulty. Shoaib was reserved about his achievement. "I am not interested in sheer pace," he said. "At my speed, Good fast bowling is about control." Fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar became the first bowler to officially clock 100 miles-per-hour (160 km) in international cricket during Pakistan's group A match against England at Newlands on Saturday.
Bowling only his second over, Akhtar warmed up with a 98.43 mph (158.4) delivery and gradually built up speed to finish the over with 100.23 mph (161.3 km). It was a maiden over.
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