OTD: Shoaib Akhtar hits 100mph

Shoaib Akhtar moved on to establish himself as one of Pakistan’s greatest bowlers of all time. With 247 wickets, Akhtar ranks sixth among Pakistan’s ODI wicket-takers. The ‘Rawalpindi Express’ claimed 178 wickets in Test cricket. Shoaib Akhtar is, without a doubt, among the greatest fastest bowlers to ever play the game. Many batters were uncomfortable with the image of Shoaib charging in at full speed. 

Shoaib Akhtar, however, managed to record a speed of 100 mph off the final ball of the fourth over during a World Cup contest versus England on February 22, 2003. This delivery stands significance because it marked the very first time in the sport’s history that a bowler exceeded 100 miles per hour.

The person on strike at the time Akhtar fired that bolt of lightning was Nick Knight. Despite being pressed for time, the batsman was able to flick the ball to mid-wicket. Let’s now go a little more into what transpired on the momentous day that Akhtar broke the 100 mph speed barrier.

What happened in that game between Pakistan and England?

England elected to bat first after winning the toss. When both of their openers were gone in the first 10 overs, the England team was in trouble. Michael Vaughan, however, steadied the ship by hitting a subdued 52 off a mere 64 deliveries. Paul Collingwood, who made an unbeatable 73 off 66 balls, assisted him. 

England’s first innings came to a close with a respectable total of 246. Well, Shoaib wasn’t that outstanding with the ball that day, other than surpassing the 100 mph barrier. In his nine overs, the right-arm bowler allowed 63 runs to be scored, while only taking Michael Vaughan’s wicket.

Waqar Younis as well as Saqlain Mushtaq responded by each taking two wickets. In response, Pakistan’s batting lineup failed miserably. James Anderson shredded Pakistan’s batting order, as none of their batsmen even managed to put up a fight. In fact, Pakistan were even in jeopardy of being dismissed for less than 100 runs at 80/9. 

Shoaib Akhtar, though, came to bat next and hammered an excellent 16-ball 43. Akhtar had only been able to postpone the inevitable as Pakistan was outscored by England by 112 runs and forced to settle for just 134. James Anderson, an England bowler, was named Man of the Match after taking 4 wickets and allowing just 29 runs in his 10 overs.