Top 10 Fastest Balls in Cricket History: The Fastest Bowler in Cricket

Fast bowling in cricket has always brought thrill and fierce presentation of skills on the ground. Various pacers have made their mark in the world of cricket with their terrifying pace.  

From Shoaib Akhtar’s thunderbolt to Mitchell Starc’s terrifying yorkers, the race to be the fastest bowler in cricket has created some unforgettable moments. 

Top 10 fastest balls in cricket History

1. Shoaib Akhtar (Pakistan) – 161.3 kmph

Known as the “Rawalpindi Express,” Shoaib Akhtar redefined speed in cricket. His fastest delivery, clocked at 161.3 kmph, was bowled against England during the 2003 ODI World Cup. 

This record-breaking ball left batsman Nick Knight with little option but to deflect it for a single. Even after 22 years, the record is unbeaten.

Why Shoaib Stands Out:

• Consistent speeds over 150 kmph made him a nightmare for batters.
• His aggression and charisma elevated the spectacle of fast bowling.

2. Shaun Tait (Australia) – 161.1 kmph

Shaun Tait delivered one of the fastest deliveries in history against England at Lord’s in 2010, clocking 161.1 kmph. His unique action generated intense speeds that overwhelmed batters, even though injuries often hampered his career.

Tait’s Unique Style:

• A slower run-up combined with a whipping action generated a deceptive pace.
• Specialised in shorter formats due to the physical toll of his bowling style.

3. Brett Lee (Australia) – 161.1 kmph

One of the most skilful fast bowlers, Brett Lee, combined pace with pinpoint accuracy. His fastest delivery, bowled at 161.1 kmph against New Zealand in Napier during 2005, exemplified his ability to challenge opposition with pure speed. Lee is known not only for his deadly speed but also his unstoppable attitude which made him a nightmare for batters.

What Made Lee Stand Out:

• Exceptional ability to swing and seam the ball at high speeds.
• Maintained top speeds throughout his career across all formats.

4. Jeff Thomson (Australia) – 160.6 kmph

A terror for batters in the 1970s, Jeff Thomson’s unconventional action helped him generate extreme pace. His fastest delivery, 160.6 kmph, came against the West Indies at Perth in 1975, long before helmets became standard equipment.

Why Thomson Was Feared:

• A unique action and aggressive mindset made him a constant danger.
• His partnership with Dennis Lillee was one of the most iconic in cricket history.

5. Mitchell Starc (Australia) – 160.4 kmph

Mitchell Starc’s fastest ball came against New Zealand during the WACA Test in 2015. Clocking 160.4 kmph, Starc’s yorker to Ross Taylor was nearly unplayable and showcased his mastery of bowling under pressure.

Starc’s Key Strengths:

• Deadly yorkers that are almost impossible to counter.
• Ability to combine pace with swing, making him a two-dimensional threat.

6. Mitchell Johnson (Australia) – 156.8 kmph

Mitchell Johnson is another pace sensation from Australia. With his fastest ball, clocked at 156.8 kmph against England in 2013, he executed the typical Aussie dominance over world cricket. He terrified batters across the world around a decade. . His performances often left batters startled, particularly during the Ashes series.

Why Johnson Was Dangerous:

• A relentless bowler with the ability to deliver toe-crushing yorkers and lethal bouncers.
• Consistently troubled batters with his awkward angle and extra pace.

7. Fidel Edwards (West Indies) – 157.7 kmph

Fidel Edwards came onto the scene with a raw pace and a unique bowling action. His fastest delivery of 157.7 kmph, bowled against South Africa in 2003, showcased his ability to swing the ball both ways at extreme speeds.

Fidel’s Style:

• Known for reverse swing and pinpoint accuracy with the old ball.
• His unique action generated additional speed and bounce.

8. Andy Roberts (West Indies) – 159.5 kmph

Andy Roberts, a key figure in the West Indies’ dominant pace attack of 1975, bowled his fastest delivery at 159.5 kmph during a speed competition in Australia. Known for his strong composure, Roberts’ ability to consistently bowl at high speeds set him apart.

What Made Roberts Special:

• Ability to bowl two distinct bouncers: one slower and the other lightning-fast.
• An intimidating presence, coupled with remarkable accuracy.

9. Mohammad Sami (Pakistan) – 156.4 kmph

Often compared to Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Sami was one of Pakistan’s fastest bowlers. His fastest delivery of 156.4 kmph against Zimbabwe in 2003 highlighted his potential, even though his career was affected by inconsistency.

Sami’s Strengths:

• Ability to bowl destructive yorkers at high speeds.
• One of the few bowlers to achieve hat-tricks in both Tests and ODIs.

10. Shane Bond (New Zealand) – 156.4 kmph

Shane Bond, a former policeman turned cricketer, bowled his fastest delivery of 156.4 kmph against Australia in the 2003 World Cup. Despite an injury-plagued career, This Kiwi legend’s raw pace and whippy action made him one of the most feared bowlers of his time.

Why Bond Was Exceptional:

• A whippy bowling action that generated pace and late swing.
• Often delivered match-winning spells in critical situations.

Related Read: Suryakumar Yadav IPL Salary Explained in Details

The Art of Bowling Fast

Mastering fast bowling blends fitness, technique, resilience, adaptability, and precision. It’s an art that challenges both body and mind alike.

• Physical Fitness:

Maintaining peak fitness is essential for generating high speeds, as fast bowling puts a great amount of strain on the body.

• Technique:

A bowler’s action is critical to their ability to bowl fast. Unique actions, like those of Shoaib Akhtar and Shaun Tait, often generate extra speed.

• Mental Toughness:

Bowling fast consistently requires mental resilience, as batters constantly target pace bowlers.

• Adaptability:

Modern fast bowlers like Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins combine speed with swing and accuracy to remain effective across formats.

Conclusion

Learning about the fastest bowlers in cricket is definitely a thrilling journey for any cricket enthusiast. From Shoaib Akhtar’s record-breaking delivery to the constant pace of Mitchell Starc, these bowlers have left a lasting impact on the game. Their ability to consistently bowl at extreme speeds showcases physical prowess and immense mental strength. Besides this, with adequate knowledge about these facts, you can place your bets in a better way and increase your chances of grabbing a jackpot.

Also Read: Most Dangerous Bowler in the IPL

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