In the thrilling world of cricket, speed has always been a key element that captures the imagination of fans worldwide. The raw power of a fast bowler hurtling a cricket ball at frightening velocities creates an excitement that is hard to match in any sport. Among the many cricketers to have dominated the fast bowling realm, some players have set records for speed that still echo in the history of the game. These are the fastest cricket bowlers, whose abilities to bowl at mind-boggling speeds have left a mark on both international and Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket.
Full List: Fastest Cricket Bowlers in History
| Rank | Bowler | Ball Speed | Country |
| 1. | Shoaib Akhtar | 161.3 km/hr | Pakistan |
| 2. | Shaun Tait | 161.1 km/hr | Australia |
| 3. | Brett Lee | 161.1 km/hr | Australia |
| 4. | Jeffrey Thomson | 160.6 km/hr | Australia |
| 5. | Mitchell Starc | 160.4 km/hr | Australia |
| 6. | Andy Roberts | 159.5 km/hr | West Indies |
| 7. | Fidel Edwards | 157.7 km/hr | West Indies |
| 8. | Lockie Ferguson | 157.3 km/hr | New Zealand |
| 9. | Umran Malik | 157 km/hr | India |
| 10. | Mitchell Johnson | 156.8 km/hr | Australia |
| 11. | Mayank Yadav | 156.7 km/hr | India |
| 12. | Mohammad Sami | 156.4 km/hr | Pakistan |
| 13. | Shane Bond | 156.4 km/hr | New Zealand |
Shoaib Akhtar – 161.3 km/hr, Pakistan
Shoaib Akhtar, also known as the “Rawalpindi Express,” is widely regarded as the fastest bowler in cricket history. The Pakistan speedster unleashed his fearsome pace consistently, regularly touching 160 km/hr. However, it was during the 2003 Cricket World Cup that Shoaib Akhtar bowled his fastest delivery, clocking 161.3 km/hr against England. His raw pace was accompanied by exceptional aggression, which made him a significant threat to batsmen worldwide. Akhtar’s ability to bowl blistering speeds consistently over long spells made him one of the most formidable fast bowlers the game has ever seen.
Shaun Tait – 161.1 km/hr, Australia
Australia has produced some of the fastest bowlers in cricket history, and Shaun Tait is certainly among them. Tait, known for his explosive pace, bowled his fastest delivery at 161.1 km/hr, which is a feat few have matched. His bowling action was unique, characterized by a high-arm action that allowed him to generate extraordinary pace. While injuries limited his career, Tait’s occasional bursts of extreme speed, especially during his time in the IPL and international cricket, made him one of the fastest cricket bowlers in history.
Brett Lee – 161.1 km/hr, Australia
Brett Lee is perhaps one of the most celebrated fast bowlers in the history of cricket. Known for his searing pace and hostile bouncers, Lee was an integral part of the Australian cricket team during their dominance in the early 2000s. Brett Lee’s fastest delivery came in 2005 when he bowled at 161.1 km/hr against New Zealand. His relentless speed, coupled with his sharp bounce, made him a nightmare for many top-order batsmen. Lee’s aggression and consistency on the field made him a force to be reckoned with in international cricket.
Jeffrey Thomson – 160.6 km/hr, Australia
Regarded as one of the pioneers of extreme fast bowling, Jeffrey Thomson’s career spanned from the late 1960s to the 1980s, where he played alongside the legendary Dennis Lillee to form one of the most fearsome bowling pairs in cricket history. Thomson’s fastest delivery, clocked at 160.6 km/hr, was recorded during the 1975-76 series against the West Indies. His ability to bowl at speeds exceeding 160 km/hr in an era when modern technology wasn’t as advanced made him one of the game’s most dangerous fast bowlers. His pace and seam movement led to significant dismissals and established him as a true trailblazer in fast bowling.
Mitchell Starc – 160.4 km/hr, Australia
Mitchell Starc, one of the leading fast bowlers of the modern era, is known for his ability to bowl consistently at high speeds while maintaining accuracy. Starc’s fastest delivery came at 160.4 km/hr, a testament to his immense talent and physical conditioning. His pace has made him a key figure for Australia in all formats of the game, particularly in white-ball cricket. In addition to his speed, Starc’s exceptional reverse swing makes him a dangerous bowler, and his performances in the IPL and international cricket showcase his capability to bowl at lightning speeds.
Andy Roberts – 159.5 km/hr, West Indies
The West Indies have long been home to some of the most intimidating fast bowlers in cricket history, and Andy Roberts was one of the forerunners of that era. A cornerstone of the West Indian bowling attack in the 1970s and 1980s, Roberts bowled at speeds of up to 159.5 km/hr. His fiery pace, coupled with his ability to generate bounce, made him a key figure in West Indies cricket during their golden era. Roberts’ presence in the West Indian fast-bowling unit helped the team maintain dominance over world cricket.
Fidel Edwards – 157.7 km/hr, West Indies
Fidel Edwards is another fast bowler from the West Indies who made his mark with blistering pace. Edwards clocked a delivery at 157.7 km/hr, which ranks among the fastest deliveries in the history of the sport. His slingy action and natural pace gave him a distinct edge over many bowlers, and his aggressive approach earned him success in both international and T20 cricket, including the IPL. While injuries hampered his career at times, Edwards’ speed and intimidation factor earned him a spot among the fastest cricket bowlers.
Lockie Ferguson – 157.3 km/hr, New Zealand
New Zealand’s Lockie Ferguson has established himself as one of the quickest bowlers of the current generation. Known for his ability to bowl at consistently high speeds, Ferguson’s fastest delivery came in at 157.3 km/hr. His express pace, combined with his ability to bowl yorkers and bouncers, has made him a prominent figure in modern fast bowling. His performances in the IPL, as well as in international cricket, continue to highlight his place as one of the fastest bowlers in the game today.
Umran Malik – 157 km/hr, India
In recent years, Indian pacer Umran Malik has emerged as one of the most exciting talents in world cricket. His raw pace and aggressive approach have earned him a reputation as one of the fastest bowlers from India. Malik bowled a delivery at 157 km/hr, making him one of the fastest cricket bowlers in the history of Indian cricket. His performances in the IPL, where he frequently exceeded speeds of 150 km/hr, have been a revelation, and his promising future in international cricket continues to excite fans.
Mitchell Johnson – 156.8 km/hr, Australia
Mitchell Johnson, another Australian pace legend, was known for his fiery, aggressive style of bowling, especially during the 2009-2013 period when Australia was at its peak. Johnson’s fastest delivery was clocked at 156.8 km/hr, and his relentless pace was coupled with his ability to swing the ball both ways. His performances in both Tests and limited-overs formats have cemented his place among the fastest bowlers in history.
Mayank Yadav – 156.7 km/hr, India
Mayank Yadav, a rising star in the world of fast bowling, made his mark with his blistering pace. Yadav’s fastest recorded delivery was 156.7 km/hr, putting him among the fastest bowlers to emerge from India in recent years. Although he is still in the early stages of his career, Yadav’s speed and ability to bowl consistently at high velocities are indicative of his potential to compete at the highest levels.
Mohammad Sami – 156.4 km/hr, Pakistan
Another Pakistani pacer, Mohammad Sami, was known for his pace and consistency. Sami was regularly clocking speeds exceeding 150 km/hr during his international career, with his fastest delivery recorded at 156.4 km/hr. Although he struggled with consistency at times, Sami’s speed and his ability to bowl long spells with sustained pace earned him a reputation as one of the fastest bowlers in the early 2000s.
Shane Bond – 156.4 km/hr, New Zealand
Shane Bond, one of New Zealand’s premier fast bowlers, was known for his lightning-quick deliveries and ability to swing the ball at high speeds. Bond’s fastest delivery was recorded at 156.4 km/hr. His pace, combined with his impeccable line and length, made him a key figure in the New Zealand attack. Bond’s career was marred by injuries, but his brief yet impactful presence in world cricket left a lasting legacy in fast bowling.
Final Words
The fastest cricket bowlers in history have pushed the limits of the sport with their sheer pace, power, and intensity. From Shoaib Akhtar’s thunderous 161.3 km/hr to the newer generation of pacers like Umran Malik, the speedsters in the world of cricket have left an indelible mark. Their pace has not only been a source of awe for cricket fans but has also posed a unique challenge for batsmen worldwide. Whether in international cricket or the IPL, these fast bowlers have proven time and again that speed is a formidable weapon in the game of cricket.
