IPL 2020: Anrich Nortje targets Shoaib Akhtar’s 161.3 kph record

IPL 2020: Anrich Nortje targets Shoaib Akhtar’s 161.3 kph record

Anrich Nortje

Anrich Nortje
Anrich Nortje

In Delhi Capitals’ (DC) match against Rajasthan Royals (RR), South African pacer Anrich Nortje clocked an impressive 156 kph which is the fastest ball in Indian Premier League (IPL) history. In a scintillating over bowled to Jos Buttler, Nortje clocked the top three fastest balls in IPL history. He was ramp-scooped twice but Nortje had his revenge when his 155 kph ball dislodged Buttler’s stumps.

Nortje now says that he is targeting Shoaib Akhtar’s world-record pace. The Pakistani fast-bowler Pakistan recorded 161.3kph on the speed gun during the 2003 World Cup fixture against England.

‘Something I’ve wanted to do’ – Nortje

Anrich Nortje 1

Speaking to DC teammate Ravichandran Ashwin on the latter’s YouTube channel, Nortje spoke about wanting to be the person to bowl the fastest ball in cricket history. He said, “Hopefully it’s something I’ve got in me and it’s definitely something I’ve wanted to do. Maybe a good wicket, some adrenaline, the right combination and I can do it this IPL or maybe in the future.”

“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.”

Nortje then spoke on fellow South African fast bowler Dale Steyn saying, “Growing up, he [Steyn] was in the area where I was watching cricket. He’s definitely one of the best. Watching that fire, energy, skill and consistency he brought to the game was unbelievable.”

He then spoke on the importance of fitness for a fast bowler. “The two important things for me that changed it was, you have to be strong and understand what you’re doing in the gym,” he explained. “Not go for a beach body, but do the right things while gymming. The basic thing that helped me and is easy to control is a braced front leg and a strong front arm. So those are the two things I focus on.”

Also Read: RR v RCB: Match Report