Published 14:24 IST, August 12th 2020

Shoaib Akhtar reveals name of ex-India coach who was stunned with his bowling in 1994

Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar recalled an incident from 1994 where he left a long-lasting impression on former South Africa opener Gary Kirsten.

Reported by: Jatin Malu
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Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar was one of quickest bowlers of his time. Shoaib Akhtar was a nightmare for any batsman in world at that time. Shoaib Akhtar was simply unplayable when he got going. With his lethal pace and swing, he wreaked havoc during his peak. 

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Shoaib Akhtar reveals how he impressed Gary Kirsten as a net bowler

Recently, Shoaib Akhtar recalled an incident from 1994 where he left a long-lasting impression on former South Africa opener Gary Kirsten. Shoaib Akhtar revealed how he impressed everyone with his bowling during a net session on South Africa’s tour of Pakistan for an ODI tri-series where he was invited to bowl to Proteas batsmen.

While speaking on Test Match Special Podcast, Shoaib Akhtar said that Gary Kirsten and Jonty Rhodes came up to him and asked him if he wanted to be a good net fast bowler against m. Shoaib Akhtar accepted ir invite and told m confidently that y would remember him later since he would play against m in international cricket.

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Shoaib Akhtar stated that he n bowled a couple of balls at Gary Kirsten and after facing him, 2011 World Cup-winning coach said that he should have been in Pakistan team rar than in nets. Shoaib Akhtar n asked Gary Kirsten if he is capable eugh to be a great fast bowler. In response, Gary Kisten reckoned that he is going to vouch for him in Pakistan dressing room that he should play. Shoaib Akhtar furr claimed that he was at his best at that time and t debuting for Pakistan soon led to him losing his peak. 

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Shoaib Akhtar made his Test debut against West Indies in 1997 and ODI debut in 1998 against Zimbabwe. 'Rawalpindi Express' terrified batsmen from all across world with his raw pace and sharp bouncers. Shoaib Akhtar is also kwn to have bowled fastest ball in world cricket. Shoaib Akhtar fastest ball was clocked at 161.3 km/h (100.2mph). Shoaib Akhtar wickets in limited-over formats include 247 ODI and 19 T20I scalps. Shoaib Akhtar also took 178 Test wickets.

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Shoaib Akhtar reveals how he had deliberately bowled a beamer to MS Dhoni in 2006

Shoaib Akhtar revealed he had purposely bowled a beamer to MS Dhoni during second Test match at Faisalabad in January 2006.  While interacting with former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra on his official YouTube channel, Shoaib went on to say that he had purposely bowled a beamer to MS Dhoni and n apologised to him. Recalling that incident, pace icon also said that he had bowled an 8-9 over spell and wicket-keeper batsman had also scored a century in that contest. 

'Rawalpindi Express' n mentioned it was first time in his life that he had bowled a beamer purposely and regrets having done so. Lauding MSD's kck, former speedster added that he was playing so well and wickets were so slow and matter how fast he bowled Mahi kept on hitting him which got him frustrated. MS Dhoni's grit and determination eventually paid off as he and Irfan were successfully able to get through Shoaib Akhtar's fiery spell and contest ended in a draw.

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IM COURTESY: SHOAIB AKHTAR TWITTER

14:23 IST, August 12th 2020