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New Zealand coach Denis Aberhart Monday ducked the controversy surrounding paceman Shoaib Akhtar who Saturday earned the questionable record of bowling the fastest delivery ever.

"(Shoaib) Akhtar bowled well and quick. His action has been cleared by the International Cricket Council (ICC). Besides, it is in the hands of the umpires and the match referee if they call him on that. But I don't have any comments on his bowling action," Aberhart told reporters at Gaddafi Stadium.

Shoaib reportedly clocked 161kph in Pakistan's 66-run victory over New Zealand the third One-day International. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) authenticated his speed and said the 26-year-old had broken Australian Jeff Thomson's 160.5kph recorded in 1975. But the ICC Monday said the record was unofficial.

Shoaib has been reported thrice for a suspect bowling action since December 1999. He was also reported after the fifth and final One-day International against New Zealand last year before he was again called during last October's Sharjah Cup.

"I don't think they can clear a bowler once and for all. Obviously, there were no-balls and you just leave that to the umpires," Aberhart said of the pacer who also recorded his one-day best figures of six of 16 in the first One-day International at Karachi last Sunday.

Pakistan coach Mudassar Nazar said he had no doubt whatsoever about Shoaib's bowling action. "As far as we are concerned, he has been cleared by the ICC and that's it," Mudassar said.

"He has now bowled before some of the umpires now in elite panel and match referees. And no one has raised any concerns on his action. For us, his bowling action is a closed chapter," added Pakistan coach.

© Dawn