In the annals of cricket history, few bowlers have captured the imagination of fans quite like Shoaib Akhtar. The Rawalpindi Express, as he was fondly known, was a force of nature on the field, with his raw pace and relentless aggression.
On February 22, 2003, Akhtar etched his name in cricket folklore forever when he bowled the fastest delivery in the history of the sport. In a World Cup match against England, Akhtar clocked 161.3 km/h (100.2 mph) with the last ball of his second over, leaving the English batsmen Nick Knight and Michael Vaughan gasping for breath.
It was a truly awe-inspiring moment, one that showcased Akhtar’s raw talent and athleticism. The speed gun reading was almost unbelievable, and it is still a testament to Akhtar’s greatness that his record remains unbroken to this day.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) recently paid tribute to Akhtar on the anniversary of his historic achievement. In a statement, the PCB hailed Akhtar as “one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time” and praised his “incredible pace and skill.”
Akhtar’s record-breaking delivery is just one example of his many remarkable contributions to the sport of cricket. He is widely regarded as one of the most feared and respected bowlers of his generation, and his legacy continues to inspire bowlers from all over the world.
So, here’s to Shoaib Akhtar, the Rawalpindi Express, and his incredible achievement. Thank you for the memories, Shoaib!