During the recent India vs. Australia Test match at the Adelaide Oval, cricket fans were left astonished when a delivery by Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj was clocked at an unbelievable 181.6 km/h. While this speed would shatter all previous records, it was later revealed to be a technical glitch. The incident quickly went viral, sparking debates and jokes across social media. This article decodes what really happened, how speed guns work, and where the record for cricket’s fastest delivery truly stands.
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The Incident: When Siraj “Broke” the Fastest Ball Record
During the second Test between India and Australia, Mohammed Siraj bowled a short-pitched bouncer in the 24th over of Australia’s innings. The speed gun registered the ball at 181.6 km/h—a figure that defied belief and surpassed the all-time record of 161.3 km/h by Shoaib Akhtar.
The reading was quickly questioned by cricket analysts and fans, as Siraj is known for consistent speeds around 140-145 km/h. Experts later confirmed that it was a speed gun error. Such glitches, while rare, can happen due to calibration issues or signal interference.

Top 5 Fastest Balls in Cricket History
Official Fastest Deliveries in Cricket
Here’s a list of the top 5 fastest recorded deliveries in cricket, verified through reliable data:
Rank | Bowler | Speed (km/h) | Team |
1 | Shoaib Akhtar | 161.3 | Pakistan |
2 | Shaun Tait | 161.1 | Australia |
3 | Brett Lee | 161.1 | Australia |
4 | Jeff Thomson | 160.6 | Australia |
5 | Mitchell Starc | 160.4 | Australia |
This table highlights how elite bowlers have consistently pushed the boundaries of speed. Shoaib Akhtar‘s record remains unbeaten since 2003.
Mohammed Siraj clocked 181.6 KM/H during Adelaide Test of Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. 🤯🚀
DSP Siraj is the fastest bowler in the world according to the speedometer! 🔥
But it was a technical glitch. #MohammedSiraj #AUSvIND #INDvAUS #INDvsAUS #BGT2024 #BGT2025 pic.twitter.com/0ymOwRIwS3
— Saabir Zafar (@Saabir_Saabu01) December 6, 2024
How Speed Guns Measure Bowling Speeds
Speed guns use Doppler radar technology to measure the velocity of a ball as it travels from the bowler’s hand. Here’s how the process works:
- A radar gun emits radio waves.
- These waves bounce off the ball and return to the device.
- The device calculates speed based on changes in wave frequency.
However, if the equipment is improperly calibrated or experiences interference, errors can occur. Such glitches are rare but not unheard of in cricket.
Why Siraj’s 181.6 km/h Reading Went Viral
The cricketing world has always been fascinated with bowling speed, as it represents raw power and skill. When Siraj’s delivery was mistakenly clocked at 181.6 km/h, it caught global attention for several reasons:

- It would have broken a 20-year-old record.
- Social media amplified the incident with memes, debates, and speculation.
- Fans enjoy the “fastest ball” discussions, making this news irresistible for cricket enthusiasts.
The viral nature of this glitch shows how technology and sports can collide to create unexpected moments of humor and intrigue.
'DSP Siraj coming to eat Shoaib Akhtar's legacy': India speedster clocks 181.6 kmph on speedgun during pink-ball Test'
Broadcasters showed Mohammed Siraj to have bowled at 181.6 km/h after a presumed speed-gun malfunction at the Adelaide Oval.😁 pic.twitter.com/aHKRAdLgdG
— Ashutosh Mishra (@AshutoshMi20191) December 6, 2024
Speed Gun Glitches in Sports
Here are a few notable instances of speed gun errors across sports:
Sport | Incident | Corrected Outcome |
Cricket | Siraj’s 181.6 km/h ball in IND vs AUS | Speed gun glitch confirmed |
Baseball | Pitch clocked at 107 mph (MLB game) | Actual speed: 94 mph |
Tennis | Serve recorded at 250 km/h (ATP Finals) | Malfunction, real: 230 km/h |
Cricket | Shoaib Akhtar’s 163 km/h claim | Corrected to 161.3 km/h |
This table highlights how technology in sports can sometimes fail, creating viral but incorrect moments.
How Accurate Are Speed Guns in Modern Cricket?
Speed guns today are highly advanced and used worldwide in international cricket matches. However, their accuracy depends on:
- Proper calibration before matches
- Placement and angle relative to the bowler’s release point
- External factors like weather conditions and signal disruptions
Cricket authorities rely on multiple checks to ensure the readings remain as accurate as possible, but occasional glitches remind us of the limitations of even the best technology.
Key Takeaways from the Incident
- Shoaib Akhtar’s record remains intact at 161.3 km/h.
- Mohammed Siraj’s “fastest ball” reading was caused by a technical error.
- Speed guns are reliable, but like all technologies, they are prone to occasional mistakes.
Conclusion
Fastest Ball Record Mohammed Siraj’s viral 181.6 km/h delivery during the India vs. Australia Test match was a result of a speed gun glitch. While it created a storm on social media, the official fastest ball remains with Shoaib Akhtar at 161.3 km/h. The incident highlights both the fascination with bowling speeds and the occasional imperfections of technology in sports.
Speed will always be a captivating element of cricket, and moments like these—whether accurate or not—only add to the excitement of the game.
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FAQ Related To Mohammed Siraj Throw fastest ball in cricket
The fastest ball was bowled by Shoaib Akhtar of Pakistan at 161.3 km/h during the 2003 World Cup.
The reading was caused by a speed gun error, likely due to technical glitches or calibration issues.
Yes, modern speed guns are highly accurate, but like all technology, they can occasionally malfunction due to external factors.