Dubai: Delhi Capitals pacer Anrich Nortje, who bowled the fastest delivery in the IPL history against the Rajasthan Royals, said that he was not aware of the feat until after the end of the match.
South African pacer clocked a breathtaking 156.2 kmph while bowling to Jos Buttler in the third over of Rajasthan Royals' run-chase against Delhi Capitals on Wednesday. During the process, he bettered compatriot Dale Steyn's (154.4 kmph) record.
"I heard about it afterwards. I did not know about it at the time," Anrich told his Capitals teammate Shikhar Dhawan in a video posted by IPLT20.com.
" I have been working really hard getting my pace right up there. Been working on my braced leg and my front arm.. simple stuff. Need the attitude to get some pace behind it but still need to get it in the right area, " he added.
Bowling the fastest delivery did not have the desired result for Nortje as Buttler scooped it for a boundary, doing that to Nortje for a second time in the over. However, the duel didn't last long as the pacer dismissed Buttler with a 155 kmph thunderbolt, the second fastest ball in IPL history.
"Yeah, the battle against Buttler was interesting. I know he plays the scoop shots, but when he played the first one, it took me by surprise," Nortje said.
"I did not think he would do it again, but he played the shot once again on the next delivery. He played really well, but I stuck to my strength, obviously we saw how the wicket was playing so I was trying to use the wicket and get some variation," he added.
Nortje has bowled the five fastest deliveries in IPL 2020. He made his IPL debut after Delhi Capitals roped him as a replacement for all-rounder Chris Woakes ahead of the start of the season. (UNI)
