No, Mitchell Starc did not break Shoaib Akhtar’s record for the fastest ball

WEB DESK: Cricket fans globally yesterday had their mouths hanging in shock as they thought Australia’s Mitchell Starc broke Shoaib Akhtar’s world record for the fastest ball in international cricket but turned out that there was a technical glitch in the speed-tracking system. The machine had clocked a riveting 176.5km per hour while Rawalpindi Express stands even today with his legendary 161.3km/h against England in 2003 ODI World Cup.

The incident occurred on Starc’s very first delivery to Indian captain Rohit Sharma, with broadcasters displaying the extraordinary speed reading. The figure, far beyond the usual pace range even for elite fast bowlers, immediately drew disbelief and excitement across the cricketing world.

Moments later, however, match officials clarified that the reading resulted from a technical malfunction in the speed-tracking system. Analysts confirmed that Starc’s actual speed was consistent with his usual range of 140–150 km/h, putting to rest any speculation of a new world record.

Starc nonetheless impressed with a fiery opening spell, conceding just 20 runs in five overs and dismissing Virat Kohli for a duck. Australia went on to defeat India comfortably in the rain-shortened 26-over match, chasing down the target with a loss of three wickets, and skipper Mitchell Marsh leading the charge.

But Shoaib Akhtar who is enjoying Toronto for now, has not responded to this confusion on his social media as yet.

The second ODI between Australia and India will be played on Thursday, October 23 in Adelaide followed by the third ODI on October 25.