Umran Malik, an explosive fast bowler, eclipsed experienced Jasprit Bumrah’s record for the quickest ball made by an Indian bowler in a match and this made him fastest Indian bowler in international cricket.
The Indian team got off to a good start this year. The Hardik Pandya-led team defeated Sri Lanka by a thrilling two runs in the opening Twenty20 International on Tuesday in Mumbai. Furthermore, the star of the show turned out to be Shivam Mavi, who made his debut for India in the match. Mavi completed his four-over quota with four wickets and conceded just 22 runs.
Watch: Umran Malik get rid of Dasun Shanaka with 155kmph ball
Umran Malik becomes India’s fastest bowler in Internationals
However Umran Malik was the star of the show as he emerged as India’s fastest bowler in International cricket. He hit the fastest ball of the contest during his period, clocking in at 155 kph on the speed gun. It was his thunderbolt that helped India remove the dangerous looking Shanaka. The batter was caught by Yuzvendra Chahal at extra cover for 45 off 27 balls.
The record for the fastest delivery by an Indian bowler was earlier held by Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah clocked 153.2 kph at the Adelaide Oval during India’s 31-run victory in the opening Test of the 2018-19 Border-Gavaskar Series. Bumrah has also been added to the team for the ODI series versus Sri Lanka.
Charith Asalanka was dismissed for 12 by the lightning-fast Umran as Sri Lanka continued to lose wickets while chasing 163. Aside from that, Harshal scored twice to finish on 68/5 in Sri Lanka.
Still, Shanaka (45) spearheaded the Lankan effort to chase down runs, hitting Umran for a six in the 17th over. However, the Kashmiri speedster struck back two balls later, dimming the visitors’ prospects even more.
Shanaka was playing really well, but the delivery that was delivered immediately before looked to have disrupted his focus and rhythm. Umran delivered a fiery yorker that had Shanaka frantically trying to keep it out. The ball struck the ground as he lowered the bat and hammered it off the inner edge, flying to Ishan Kishan, who dove to his left and gloved it with both hands. Umran showed interest in the appeal of being caught behind, and Hardik Pandya, the captain, accepted the review.
It took a long time to watch the videos, and the third umpire had to double check his call. Even though India lost the review, Shanaka’s focus was broken by the length of time it took.
Umran Malik: a star with bright future
The next ball, Umran sped in and unleashed a blistering delivery at 155 kph, the fastest ball of the match, that was full and around off. Shanaka intended to drive it over more cover, but his speed of the delivery prevented him from gaining the necessary elevation. As a result, Shanaka cut it to additional cover, where Yuzvendra Chahal made a quick grab in close proximity to his body.Malik is a bright prospect for Indian cricket. He is most likely to hold on to the title of Fastest Indian Bowler in international cricket, given he remains injury free. Umran has already reached 156 mph in the IPL against Delhi Capitals, he recorded 156.9 mph. Anrich Nortje, a speedster from South Africa, bowled the fastest ball of the competition at a speed of 157 kmph, making it the second fastest delivery of the IPL. Don’t be shocked if Malik smashes this mark and makes history once more for his country.
