Shoaib Akhtar on Umran Malik: Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar bowled the ball at a speed of 161 km/h in the 2003 World Cup. It remains the fastest delivery in cricket history so far. For 20 years, no bowler has been able to reach even around this record. Recently, when Umran Malik bowled the ball at a speed of 157 in the IPL, it was expected that Shoaib Akhtar’s record might not last long.
Indian bowler Umran Malik has the ability to bowl continuously at a speed of 150+. In the same year, in a match against Sri Lanka, he sent the Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka to the pavilion while throwing the ball at a speed of 155. Now that Umran Malik is once again in action against Australia, it is being speculated again that Umran can break Akhtar’s record here. When Shoaib Akhtar was questioned on this issue, what did he say, read here…
‘They need to be aggressive’
In a conversation with News-24, Shoaib said, ‘He is a very good bowler. He is also strong and his run-up is also powerful. His arm speed is also decent. Umran should just maintain his aggression. Even if you are getting a lot of runs, there should be no decrease in aggression. Always have to keep throwing the ball fast.
‘I’m ready to help’
Shoaib says, ‘I used to take 26 yard run-up for bowling, Umran takes 20 yard run-up. So when he goes for 26 yards, his muscles will take a slightly different shape. I am sure he will learn all this with time. I am always available if they need any help. If you want to break my record, then definitely break it. It’s been 20 years and no one has reached there. Please break it now. If he can do this, I will be the first person to hug him.
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