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Did Mitchell Starc break Shoaib Akhtar’s record? The truth behind 176.5 km/h delivery vs India

Akshita Patel

The truth behind Mitchell Starc's express delivery [Source: @141Adelaide_, @footprint_r/X.com]The truth behind Mitchell Starc's express delivery [Source: @141Adelaide_, @footprint_r/X.com]

Australian speedster Mitchell Starc sent the cricket world into shock during the first ODI against India at Perth. One of his deliveries came in at an incredible 176.5 km/h, but the reality ended up being much different.

The incident happened in the very first over of the match when Starc bowled to the Indian captain, Rohit Sharma. 

The speed gun displayed 176.5 km/h, and social media blew up in seconds. Fans couldn't believe their eyes. Had Starc really unleashed the fastest ball ever bowled in cricket history?

The truth behind Mitchell Starc’s 176.5 km/h delivery

Notably, the fastest delivery record is currently held by former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar, who bowled a 161.3 km/h ball in the 2003 World Cup.

Within minutes, however, the excitement was cut short. Match officials confirmed that it was a speed gun malfunction, not a new world record. 

The figure on the screen was a technical glitch, and Starc’s delivery was actually in his usual 140-150 km/h range.

Mitchell Starc's first over [Source: @footprint_r/X.com]Mitchell Starc's first over [Source: @footprint_r/X.com]

Even though the record wasn’t real, Mitchell Starc was still fiery and effective. He dismissed Virat Kohli for a duck, the Indian superstar’s first-ever ODI duck on Australian soil. 

India, already struggling after losing Rohit Sharma for just 8 runs, stumbled to 21/2 in the 7th over. Only KL Rahul (38) and Axar Patel (31) made notable contributions.

The match itself was reduced to 26 overs per side due to rain, but Australia’s bowlers made the most of the conditions. 

India finished with 136/9, but the DLS target was reduced to 131 runs. Australia, meanwhile, were off to a great start, hitting 100 runs at the loss of 3 wickets in 16 overs.