The 2020 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) keeps coming up with surprises and new records. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Delhi Capitals' (DC) Anrich Nortje scripted a special record with the ball.
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It was during their match against Rajasthan Royals (RR), when Nortje bowled a delivery that was clocked 156 kmh. In the process, it was the fastest delivery ever bowled in IPL history.
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The very next delivery happened to clock 155.21. Meanwhile, this delivery ensured the wicket of RR's wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler, for 22. He later bowled another one that clocked 154.74. In the process, he scripted three consecutive records, as he also broke Dale Steyn's long-standing record. Steyn had clocked 154.40 while playing for Deccan Chargers.
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Following the feat, Nortje expressed his surprise, claiming that he had no idea about it. “Really? No idea. Hearing it for the first time. [I’ve] been feeling it the last few days. Nice to see some results. Buttler played them really well. Maybe, I was a touch too full. Didn’t expect him to go for a six first ball. Maybe, he was expecting something else off that delivery. Stuck to my strength and paid off. Didn’t expect the second ramp," he said following the match.
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“Luckily, I stuck to it. We’ve got a good coach in Ryan. Lovely working with KG. Tushar has been working in the nets. Enjoying my experience with them. Doesn’t look like it, but it’s nerve-wracking. Better to be on the field than on the other side," added Nortje.
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Following the act, former pace-bowling sensation Brett Lee of Australia took to Twitter, to congratulate Nortje. "Seriously good heat from @AnrichNortje02 156.2kmph @IPL @StarSportsIndia," he wrote.
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Nortje, who hails from South Africa, has so far played eight matches in the IPL and claimed 10 wickets for the side at an economy of 7.34. He is the second-highest wicket-taker for the side currently, besides being the seventh-highest this season.
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At the international level, Nortje has represented Proteas across formats. In Tests, he has claimed 19 wickets in six matches. In limited-overs, he has scalped 14 wickets in seven ODI innings, while in T20Is, he has taken a couple in three matches.
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