Watch: Brett Lee rattles the stumps with a 160.1 kmph delivery

One of the most fascinating sights in cricket is that of a genuinely quick pace bowler, running down from his bowling mark to rattle a batsman. The thrill and exhilaration created amongst the spectators by a fearsome fast bowler make fast bowling a great spectacle. Fast bowlers are magnetic crowd pullers and capable of creating an electrifying atmosphere wherever they play. They set the pulse racing, of the fans and batsmen alike!

The 1st semi-final of ICC World Cup 2003 witnessed a spell of hostile fast bowling from one of the most charismatic fast bowlers to have ever graced the game. The Australians were pitted against Sri Lanka and looking to continue their unbeaten run in the competition. Batting first the mighty Aussies could manage only 212/7 and needed a big effort with the ball to get through to the final.

The Sri Lankan openers steadily took the score to 21 from 3.5 overs and were looking reasonably comfortable, particularly Marvan Atapattu who stroked 3 crisp boundaries. Steaming in, to bowl, Lee reserved his best for the last ball of that over and produced an absolute peach of a delivery. Full, straight and at extreme pace, the ball beat Atapattu and uprooted his stumps as he missed an attempted straight drive. The speed of the ball was clocked at 160.1 kph (99.5 mph!).

One of the fastest balls ever bowled, it gave the large Australian contingent, present at the ground, something to cheer about and the music in the background summed up the mood beautifully. The wicket was followed by a typical ‘chainsaw’ celebration from the pumped up bowler who has rattled many stumps in his glorious career.

Lee took two more quick wickets which put his team in a commanding position. His spell of 3/35 was the best amongst all Aussie bowlers in this match and proved a match-winning one as the men from down under won the match by 48 runs (D/L method).

Watch: Brett Lee rattles the stumps with a 160.1 kmph delivery:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvsb9jcqgq8

Also Watch: Mitchell Starc bowl a ripper to Ross Taylor at 160.4 kmph