Here's the famous fast man! When Lee greeted Akhtar

Dubai - The two speedsters met at the Asia Cup final in Dubai

The Asia Cup final may have lacked the drama of an India-Pakistan encounter, but Shoaib Akhtar, one of the fastest bowlers in the history of the game, more than made up for it with his admiration for a man with who he once fought a speed battle.

No, we are not talking about bikes.

Shoaib, of course, still loves his bikes.

Before the final between India and Bangladesh started at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Friday, Shoaib was talking to a friend at the Press Box.

That's when a lithe figure caught his attention.

It was none other than Brett Lee. The Australian fast bowler and the Pakistani speedster once pushed each other hard in their attempt to win the race for the fastest bowler honours.

The Pakistani eventually won that race as the fastest delivery in his career (161.3kmph) pushed Lee (161.1kmph) to second place.

It was a battle between two deadly pacers that sent shivers down the spine of many a world-class batsman in the first decade of this century.

It's been six years now since Lee retired and Shoaib, who quit international cricket in 2011, couldn't stop admiring the fitness of the 41-year-old Australian.

"Look, he's still so fit. Still does a lot of work in the gym," Shoaib told his friend.

Lee hadn't seen Shoaib by then, but when he did, he greeted his old foe with a warm smile.

"Oh, here's the fast man. How are you doing mate? Good to see you," Lee said before quickly disappearing into the commentators' room.

That fleeting moment showed the respect they have for each other.

rituraj@khaleejtimes.com

• Asia Cup 2019