Who is the Master of the Slowest Ball in Cricket?
The slower ball is a fascinating aspect of bowling in cricket. This technique showcases a bowler’s skill and ability to outsmart the batter. Both spin bowlers and fast bowlers use slower deliveries effectively, often leading to surprising results. Over the years, many bowlers have succeeded with this variation, causing even the best batters to fall prey to it.
The cricket world has seen many legendary bowlers who have made their mark in the sport. While some bowlers are celebrated for their incredible speed, others have gained recognition for their skillful slower balls. In this article, we will explore the slowest ball in cricket history and the players who delivered these remarkable deliveries.
Slowest Ball in Cricket History
| Player Name | Team | Speed of Ball | Against | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Majid Haq | Scotland | 65 km/h | NA | NA |
| Jasprit Bumrah | India | 113 km/h | Australia | 2018 |
| Shoaib Akhtar | Pakistan | NA | England | 2005 |
| Chris Cairns | New Zealand | NA | England | NA |
| Aaqib Javed | Pakistan | NA | New Zealand | 1992 |
1. Majid Haq – 65 km/h (Scotland)
The slowest ball in cricket history is credited to Majid Haq from Scotland. He bowled a delivery that reached a speed of 41.6 mph, which translates to 65 km/h. Haq is known for being the second-highest wicket-taker for Scotland, and his contributions have greatly impacted the growth of cricket in his country.
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2. Jasprit Bumrah – 113 km/h (India)
The next slowest ball in cricket history was bowled by Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah. This remarkable slower ball occurred during a Test match against Australia in 2018, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. On the third day, just before lunch, Bumrah delivered an incredible yorker that completely outsmarted Shaun Marsh. This delivery was crucial for India, providing them with an important breakthrough.
3. Shoaib Akhtar – Pakistan
Surprisingly, the third entry on the list of slowest ball in cricket history belongs to Shoaib Akhtar, known as the fastest bowler globally. Despite his record for bowling at 161 km/h, he managed to bowl a notably slow delivery during a Test match against England in 2005. He deceived a batter, trapping him lbw, which allowed Akhtar to secure his place in the records of slowest balls in cricket history.
4. Chris Cairns – New Zealand
Former New Zealand cricketer Chris Cairns also features among those who bowled the slowest ball in cricket history. Known for his effective slower deliveries throughout his career, Cairns once bowled a fantastic slower ball that completely caught a batter off guard. During a match against England, his delivery rattled the stumps, demonstrating how effective a well-executed slower ball can be.
5. Aaqib Javed – Pakistan
Aaqib Javed, a former cricketer from Pakistan, ranks fifth for delivering one of the slowest ball in cricket history. This ball was pivotal in Pakistan’s triumph in the 1992 World Cup in Australia. During the semi-final against New Zealand, Javed bowled a spectacular slower ball that deceived Mark Greatbatch, who was in great form. Although the batter attempted to defend against the initial slower delivery, Javed later delivered a clever slow-leg cutter that ultimately bowled him out.
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