Jammu & Kashmir pacer Umran Malik has set his eye on the big record as he said that he’ll try to break Shoaib Akhtar’s fastest delivery record of 161 kph.
Malik took the cricket fraternity by surprise with his raw pace in the IPL 2022. The young fast bowler impressed one and all with his ability to consistently deliver quick deliveries this season. He bowled the second fastest delivery of the season 157 kph after Lockie Ferguson (157.3 kph) surpassed him in the final.
Not only did Malik impress many with his pace, but he also was the strike bowler for his team and took 22 wickets in the tournament, the fourth-highest in this season. He recorded his best performance in the tournament in SRH’s encounter against GT, where he took his maiden five-wicket haul in the tournament and returned with the figures of 5/25. The right-arm pacer also was awarded emerging Player of the Season.
Following his heroics in the IPL, he was awarded a maiden call-up in the national side for the upcoming T20I series against South Africa, which will begin on 9th June. With T20 World Cup 2022 slated to take place in Australia later this year, selectors would keep a keen eye on him, considering his pace and strike rate.
Speaking to News24, Umran Malik said that he will try to break Shoaib Akhtar’s record of fastest delivery (161 kph) in the future. He highlighted that for him to bowl 150 kph regularly he needs to maintain his fitness.
“I will target Shoaib Akhtar’s Fastest Delivery RECORD in future. If god is willing to make it happen, I will give me best and hopefully will break the record. Also to bowl 150kmph I need to maintain my fitness levels and hope god gives his blessings to me,” Umran Malik said.
Umran remarked that his current focus is to win matches for Team India against South Africa. He said that although he’s currently not looking at any records, he will try to break Akhtar’s record and will focus on maintaining his fitness.
“My focus is not on that record right now. I want to bowl well, bowl fast and help my country win all five matches against South Africa. If god willing, I will get that record. But right now, the focus is on maintaining the body and strength,” he said.
It remains to be seen if Malik will get an opportunity to play in the playing XI or not when India locks horns against South Africa in five-match T20I series.
(News 24 inputs)
