IPL 2020: Delhi Capitals' Anrich Nortje bowls fastest delivery

Anrich Nortje joined Delhi Capitals this season as a replacement for injured all-rounder Chris Woakes. The season happens to be his debut season in the tournament. He plays for Eastern Province, Warriors and Cape Town Blitz in the South African domestic circuit.

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.

It was during their match against Rajasthan Royals (RR), when Nortje bowled a delivery that was clocked 156 km/h. In the process, it was the fastest delivery ever bowled in IPL history.

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.

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.

“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.

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.

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.

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.