On this day in 2002, former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar became the first bowler to break the 100mph barrier when he bowled at 100.04mph (161kph) during a one-day international against New Zealand at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
The ‘Rawalpindi Express’, as he came to be known as, Akhtar broke the record while bowling to New Zealand’s batsman Craig McMillan and clocked 100.04mph.
The Pakistan Cricket Board tweeted a throwback to the historic day: “#OnThisDay in 2002 Shoaib Akhtar became the first bowler to break the 100 mph barrier when he was measured bowling at 100.04mph (161kph) during an ODI against New Zealand at GSL.”
#OnThisDay in 2002, @shoaib100mph became the first bowler to break the 100 mph barrier when he was measured bowling at 100.04mph (161kph) during an ODI against New Zealand at GSL. pic.twitter.com/aejQ9z6NA5
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) April 27, 2019
Before Akhtar, the record was held by Australia’s Jeff Thomson. Thompson bowled at 99.8mph in 1975.
However, Akhtar went on to break his own record in World Cup 2003 match against England at Newlands in South Africa.
