The cricketing world has always been fascinated with speed. From Shoaib Akhtar’s fiery 161.3 kmph ball to Brett Lee and Shaun Tait’s thunderbolts, fast bowling sets the tone for thrilling matches. Recently, Mohammed Siraj and Matheesha Pathirana have reignited discussions on speed with their respective speed gun controversies.
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Mohammed Siraj’s Speed Gun Controversy
During the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024 in Adelaide, Mohammed Siraj stunned everyone by allegedly bowling a ball at 181.6 kph. The speedometer readings seemed to break Shoaib Akhtar’s world record, leaving fans and broadcasters baffled. However, it was soon clarified as a technical glitch.
Quick Facts: Siraj’s Delivery
| Bowler | Speed (kmph) | Match | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mohammed Siraj | 181.6 | IND vs AUS, Adelaide | Speed gun malfunction |
| Shoaib Akhtar | 161.3 | ENG vs PAK, 2003 WC | Fastest verified delivery |
Matheesha Pathirana’s 175 kph Ball: Fact or Fiction?
In the 2020 ICC U19 World Cup, Sri Lanka’s young speedster Matheesha Pathirana became the talk of the cricketing world when the speed gun recorded his delivery at 175 kph. The wide bouncer against India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal initially created excitement as the fastest ball in cricket history. However, the record was later dismissed due to technical issues.
Pathirana’s Remarkable Feat
Pathirana’s slinging action, reminiscent of Lasith Malinga, made him a star even before he debuted for the senior Sri Lankan team. Despite the controversy, his bowling remains lethal, earning him recognition in global cricket.
Top Fastest Verified Deliveries in Cricket History
| Rank | Bowler | Speed (kmph) | Match |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shoaib Akhtar | 161.3 | ENG vs PAK, 2003 WC |
| 2 | Shaun Tait | 161.1 | ENG vs AUS, 2010 ODI |
| 3 | Brett Lee | 161.1 | NZ vs AUS, 2005 ODI |
| 4 | Jeff Thomson | 160.6 | WI vs AUS, 1975 |
| 5 | Mitchell Starc | 160.4 | NZ vs AUS, 2015 ODI |
Like to Know: – Top 10 Fastest Century in T20 International by Indian Player
Comparing Siraj and Pathirana’s Incidents
While both Mohammed Siraj and Matheesha Pathirana attracted global attention for their speed gun readings, neither delivery was officially verified as the fastest. Their stories highlight the potential for error in modern speed tracking systems.
Read more: – Top 10 Fastest Hundreds in the IPL
Conclusion: What Lies Ahead?
The thrill of fast bowling continues to evolve with young talents like Matheesha Pathirana and Mohammed Siraj pushing boundaries. While speed records remain unbroken, such incidents spark discussions and remind fans of the sheer excitement cricket delivers.
