IPL 2020: Anrich Nortje looks to break Shoaib Akhtar’s record after delivering fastest ever IPL ball

Nortje clocked 156.22 kmph against Rajasthan Royals last Wednesday.

By Salman Anjum - 18 Oct, 2020

South Africa’s Anrich Nortje, who is plying his trade for Delhi Capitals (DC), is generating some serious heat with fast and furious bowling in the ongoing IPL.

Having clocked a speed of 156.22 kmph against Rajasthan Royals (RR) last Wednesday (October 14), Nortje is now aiming to break the fastest recorded delivery in cricket history.

Notably, Nortje had also delivered the second and third fastest ball in the IPL 2020, with speeds reading 155.21 and 154.74 respectively.

Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar has the world’s fastest delivery to his name as he once clocked 161.3 km/h against England during the 2003 World Cup.

"Hopefully it's something I've got in me and it's definitely something I've wanted to do," Nortje told his IPL teammate R Ashwin on the latter's YouTube channel.

"Maybe a good wicket, some adrenaline, the right combination and I can do it this IPL or maybe in the future," he added.

In the ongoing IPL, Nortje has claimed 12 wickets from 9 games and played a key role in DC’s domination in the first half.

"I don't know. It's on the day," Nortje said when Ashwin asked about the record.

"I didn't know about the 156kph until after the game. Obviously, there was nothing on the scoreboard. It would've been a bit of a help to get the blood flowing. But, I've got no idea," he further remarked.

(With ANI inputs)

By Salman Anjum - 18 Oct, 2020

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