Shoaib Akhtar bowled the fastest ball in cricket history at 2003 World Cup

Pakistan's Shoaib Akhtar bowled the fastest delivery in recorded history after clocking 161.3kmph on February 22, 2003, at the World Cup. The delivery helped Akhtar complete a maiden over against England's Nick Knight, with first five balls having speeds of 153.3kmph, 158.4kmph, 158.5kmph, 157.4kmph and 159.5kmph. Later, Akhtar gave Knight an autographed limited edition photograph of the ball.