Cape Town: Fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar became the first bowler to officially clock 100 miles-per-hour (MPH) in international cricket during Pakistan's Group 'A' match against England at Newlands on Saturday. Bowling in only his second over, Akhtar warmed up with a 158.4 kilometres per hour (KPH) delivery and gradually built up speed to finish the over with 161.3 KPH (100.23 MPH). It was a maiden over. The delivery remains the quickest recorded in an official cricket match - Test or One-day. England opener Nick Knight was struggling to middle the ball with Akhtar bowling at top pace, and in the next over an attempted hook by the left-hander sailed over the wicket-keeper for six off a top edge. Akhtar bowled 160.2 KPH in a One-day International against New Zealand in Lahore last year but the International Cricket Council (ICC) refused to recognise it because the speed gun was not officially sanctioned. Akhtar and Australian fast bowler Brett Lee are considered the fastest bowlers in world cricket. Lee's top recorded speed is 157.6 KPH during the Test against South Africa in 2002. Extras:
Hussain elects to bat, Afridi comes in for Pakistan

Tags: cricket, cape town, shoaib akhtar, pakistan, england, newlands, nick knight, new zealand, international cricket council, icc, australia, brett lee.