Gerald Coetzee Clocks the Fastest Ball of IPL 2024

While his wicket tally might not be setting the stage on fire just yet, Mumbai Indians fast bowler Gerald Coetzee has definitely left his mark on the record books of IPL 2024.

 

Just a couple of days ago, everyone was raving about young Indian bowler Mayank Yadav, who made his debut for Lucknow Super Giants against Punjab Kings. He clocked a sizzling 155.8 kmph delivery that left everyone, including the opposing captain Shikhar Dhawan, speechless! Mayank’s fiery spell included nine deliveries exceeding 150 kmph and a three-wicket haul, making him a rising star to watch.

 

But hold on to your hats, cricket fans! Because on Monday night, during the Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals match, Coetzee stole the show with an even faster delivery. In the final ball of Rajasthan’s successful chase, he unleashed a scorching 157.4 kmph thunderbolt!

 

This scorching delivery not only secured Coetzee the title of fastest bowler in IPL 2024, but it also propelled him into the prestigious list of all-time fastest deliveries in IPL history.  However, he just missed out on claiming the top spot, which has been held by Australian legend Shaun Tait since 2011, with his record-breaking 157.71 kmph screamer.

 

So how did Coetzee land this impressive feat? Well, his fiery delivery was aimed at Riyan Parag, the Rajasthan Royals batsman who had just celebrated his half-century. While Parag managed to get a top-edge on the ball, it flew high over the wicketkeeper’s head for a boundary.

 

This record-breaking delivery comes as no surprise for those who have been following Coetzee’s career.  He was a star performer at the 2023 World Cup held in India, becoming the first-ever South African bowler to grab a whopping 20 wickets in a single edition of the 50-over tournament. That stellar performance, coupled with his impressive 23-wicket haul in the SA20 league last year, made him a hot commodity for the IPL mini-auction last December. Mumbai Indians were quick to snatch him up, hoping to unleash his raw pace on the pitch.

 

While his wicket count for Mumbai currently sits at just three in three matches, with an economy rate of 11.43, Coetzee has definitely proven his potential. With his searing pace and a little more experience under his belt, he could become a real force to be reckoned with in the IPL. Here’s to seeing him break even more records in the seasons to come!

 

Here is full list of fastest deliveries in IPL 2024:

157.4 kmph – Gerald Coetzee – MI vs RR

155.8 kmph – Mayank Yadav – LSG vs PBKS

153.9 kmph – Mayank Yadav – LSG vs PBKS

153.4 kmph – Mayank Yadav – LSG vs PBKS

153 kmph – Nandre Burger – RR vs DC

152.3 kmph – Gerald Coetzee – MI vs SRH