The Under-19 World Cup is in full swing and the game that caught all attention as India’s opener against Sri Lanka Under-19. While the Colts in Blue had a successful outing, winning by 90 runs, one particular moment would have had bought joy to the Islanders. In the 4th over of the Indian innings, fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana bowled a wide to Indian batter Yashasvi Jaiswal, which was bowled at a stunning speed of 175kmph! It ended up being the fastest bowl ever recorded in international cricket – across domestic or women’s games.
Sri-Lankan U19 Pacer Pathirana clocked a stunning 175 kph on the speed gun in #U19CWC match Against India on a Wide Ball.
On the right corner of the screen, the speed of the delivery showed at 108 mph. #INDvSL #INDU19vSLU19 #Cricket #CWCU19 pic.twitter.com/7uKD73zYn0
— ??????? ? (@GOATKingKohli) January 20, 2020
Even as the umpire signaled the wide, the speed machine recorded the astronomical figure as the ball zoomed passed the Indian into the wicket-keeper’s outstretched arms. Before this, the fastest recorded ball in the history of the game was by Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, when he bowled a 161.3kmph ball in an ODI game against England way back in the 2003 World Cup.
However, the record did not come the Sri Lankan’s way, as the broadcasters revealed a technical glitch in recording the speed of the ball. Hence, Akhtar still holds the record of sending down the fastest ball in cricket.
Here are the top-3 fastest balls bowled in the history of senior international cricket:
161.3kph: Shoaib Akhtar, ODI v England in 2003 at Newlands
161.1kph: Shaun Tait, ODI v England in 2010 at Lord’s
161.1kph: Brett Lee, ODI v NZ in 2005 at Napier
This is, however, not the first time that Pathirana has made headlines for his bowling, The lanky fast bowler, who has molded his bowling action after Lasith Malinga, picked up 6 wickets for just 7 runs in a college match in September 2019. While playing for Trinity College in Kandy, Pathirana bowled one yorker after another to outwit the batters.
Trinity College Kandy produces another Slinga !!
17 Year old Matheesha Pathirana took 6 wickets for 7 Runs on his debut game for Trinity !! #lka pic.twitter.com/q5hrI0Gl68
— Nibraz Ramzan (@nibraz88cricket) September 26, 2019
If the youngster can continue his good run in domestic cricket and in the Under-19 World Cup, there is no doubt that he will be turning out for his national senior team very soon.
