When Mohammad Sami Bowled The Fastest Delivery In International Cricket

Over the years, the world has seen quite a number of fast-bowlers who have terrorised the batsmen with their express pace. In the bygone years, the bowlers set tongues wagging by sending down absolute thunderbolts. At present, the cricketing world knows that former Pakistan pace Shoaib Akhtar holds the record for sending down the fastest delivery in the game.

During the World Cup clash against England in 2003, the last ball of his second over was recorded at 161.3km/h or 100.2mph. It bettered Akhtar’s previous mark of 161.0km/h. His previous delivery, however, had come under criticism as individuals cast aspersions on the equipment in use then. But his delivery in 2003 is widely regarded as the fastest delivery. Thus he became the first bowler to officially break 100 miles-per-hour.

The other five deliveries in the over in which he recorded fastest delivery had speeds of 153.3km/h, 158.4km/h, 158.5km/h, 157.4km/h and 159.5km/h. Both Shaun Tait and Brett Lee hold the record of sending down the second fastest bowl after bowling at a speed of 161.3 km/h.

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However, if an old video of an ODI match between India and Pakistan is anything to go by then Mohammad Sami should hold the record of bowling the fastest delivery. During the third ODI of India’s tour of Pakistan in 2004, Sami had clocked at 164 km/ph (101.9 mph). He had thus become the first bowler to break the 101 m/h barrier.

But while the video of that delivery is all over the internet, Mohammad Sami does not get the recognition for the same. The reason behind the same is that the cricket officials found out faulty speed measurements on the speed meter. Sami was one of the quickest bowlers of his time but he never managed to break the 160 km/h barrier after that game in international cricket.

Here is the clip showing that delivery from Mohammad Sami.