Top 20 Fastest Balls in Cricket History (2024 Edition)

In the dynamic realm of cricket, where agility and precision take centre stage, fast bowling injects an extra dose of excitement into the game. Picture a cricket ball hurtling towards the batsman with lightning speed, adding an exhilarating element to the match. Now, let’s explore the 20 Fastest Balls in Cricket History and discover the stories behind these rapid deliveries. 

We’ll delve into the impressive skills of the bowlers who have captivated fans with their lightning-quick moves. Below is the table that demonstrates all the fastest bowls ever delivered, starting from the previous century. Go over the entire list to learn about the most significant players who have permanently left their mark in cricket history.

Highest Fastest Balls in Cricket History of All Time

Top 20 Fastest Bowlers in Cricket History

Quickest Deliveries in Cricket History

• Shoaib Akhtar – 161.3 km/h

Shoaib Akhtar is the fastest bowler in cricket history and is also recognised as the Rawalpindi Express. He currently has the unbeatable record of the highest bowling speed. Akhtar also has a unique runup where he takes his run from the boundary line and delivers the ball towards the pitch. It’s his slinging bowling action which complements his bounce and natural pace. It has helped Shoaib Akhtar bowl over 150 kmph. 

• Brett Lee – 161.1 km/h

Brett Lee has the highest bowling speed among Australians and is the second-fastest bowler in cricket history. Lee was among Australia’s front-line pacers who played alongside players like Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne. He achieved his highest bowling speed in 2005 in a match against New Zealand, breaking his 100-mile record.

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• Shaun Tait – 161.1 km/h

Shaun Tait is another Australian who could bowl at an unbelievable speed. He is much like Shoaib and uses his physique to his full advantage in delivering a slinging action that sends the ball zooming at an incredible speed. Technically, both Shaun Tait and Brett Lee displayed the same bowling speed, but he is still cricket’s third-fastest bowler in cricket history. 

• Jeff Thompson – 160.6 km/h

Jeff Thompson was among the swift bowling players in the 80s during his prime. Thompson made for a terrifying sight to witness when he would walk out with Dennis Lillee to become the most dynamic fast-bowling team. He delivered his fastest delivery in cricket during a 1974-75 series against the West Indies with a 160.6 km/h speed. 

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• Mitchell Starc – 160.4 km/h

Mitchell Starc is another Australian known for having the best arm. He has a high arm release with a quick load-up action that gives his pace the required bounce for delivering a high-speed ball. Starc claimed the most wickets in the two consecutive 50-over World Cups in 2019 and 2015. He clocked a 160.4 km/h speed while playing against New Zealand in a test match in Perth. 

• Andy Roberts – 159.5 km/h

Andy Roberts was nicknamed the Jaw Breaker for his quick, deadly, mean bowling style, which got him the fastest ball ever at 159.9 km/hr. He made this record while playing against Australia in 1975 at Perth. Roberts was the first player from Antigua who made it to the West Indies squad and left a mark on it.

• Fidel Edwards – 157.7 km/hr

Fidel Henderson Edwards has delivered some of the fastest delivery in cricket history. He made his fastest ball delivery of 157.7 km/hr in 2003 against South Africa. He became a key player for West Indies in the same year and continues to play with many teams worldwide. Edwards also displayed his talent by being a part of Rajasthan Royals and Deccan Chargers.

• Lockie Ferguson – 157.3 km/hr

Lockie Ferguson made a fast bowling speed of 157.3 km/hr while playing against the Rajasthan Royals. Ferguson won the prize for the fastest delivery in the tournament and displayed his quick bowling ability many times during IPL 2022. He has secured his name on the list of players with the fastest delivery in cricket history.

• Umran Malik – 157 km/hr

Umran Malik played his quickest balls of 157 km/hr, second only to Lockie Ferguson, while playing against Delhi Capitals. Malik also played admirably well for India against Ireland and Bangladesh. He is one of India’s greatest cricket players, who made a record not only once but twice.

• Mitchell Johnson – 156.8 km/hr

Mitchell Johnson is an Australian pacer who gained his incredible speed of 156.8 km/hr in December 2013 while playing against the England team. However, this is not his only achievement. As a left-arm pacer, Johnson has picked 239 ODI and 313 test wickets in his long career. The ICC also gave him three trophies for his long contribution to the sport. 

• Mohammad Sami – 156.4 km/hr

Mohammad Sami, a Pakistan team bowler, achieved his incredible bowling speed of 156.4 km/hr while playing against Zimbabwe in an ODI match at Sharjah in April 2003. Sami is known for his pace and swing, marking his name permanently in cricket’s history.  

• Shane Bond – 156.4 km/hr

Shane Bond, New Zealand’s all-time best bowler, has also delivered some of the fastest balls in cricket history. He was considered a dangerous bowler in his prime when he delivered a ball with a speed of 156.4 km/hr at the ICC World Cup 2003. During his career, Bond has picked around 87 test and 147 ODI wickets for the Kiwis. He is the bowling coach of the IPL team, the Mumbai Indians.

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• Anrich Nortje – 156.2 km/hr

Anrich Nortje is a South African bowler who consistently continued bowling at a speed of over 150 km/hr throughout IPL 2020. He surprised everyone even more when he made a record of 156.2 km/hr while playing against Rajasthan Royals. Nortje is one of the reasons why the Delhi Capitals made it to the championship. 

• Irfan Pathan – 153.7 km/hr

Irfan Pathan was the skilled bowler who took a hat-trick against Pakistan on their soil in a test match. He caught the attention of millions of cricket fans with his left-arm bowling action. Pathan delivered the memorable cricket history fastest ball of his career with stellar swing bowling. He got many victories in the first decade of his career. However, Pathan’s career ended early due to frequent injuries.

• Mohammed Shami – 153.3 km/hr

Mohammed Shami, India’s fastest bowler, has helped his team win several matches. He has the finest reverse-swing bowling, making him an asset for the Indian team. Mohammad Shami got a 153.3 km/hr speed in one of his best matches against Australia in 2014. But it was not the only time where he gave a remarkable performance. He has repeatedly delivered fastest delivery in cricket and stunned the fans. 

• Jasprit Bumrah – 153.26 km/hr

Jasprit Bumrah is an inseparable part of the Indian cricket team, whose excellent fast-bowling skills have been displayed several times. His fastest bowling delivery occurred at 153.26 km/hr in 2018 while playing against Australia. 

• Navdeep Saini – 152.85 km/hr

Navdeep Saini is a well-known cricketer in the Indian Premier League (IPL) who became the fifth-fastest bowler in Indian cricket. He got a speed of 152.85 km/hr in his best form and achieved an unbreakable record.

• Nantie Hayward – 154.4 Km/hr

In a breathtaking display of sheer pace, South African fast bowler Nantie Hayward etched his name in cricket history during a spellbinding moment in late 2001. Hayward’s delivery rocketed down the pitch at an astounding speed of 154.4 km/h, marking it the fastest ball in cricket history. This fiery pace demonised his opponents and left cricket enthusiasts worldwide in awe. Nantie Hayward’s remarkable feat became synonymous with speed and precision, showcasing the thrilling and dynamic nature of the gentleman’s game. His blistering delivery stands as a testament to the unparalleled excitement that fast bowling brings to cricket.

• Waqar Younis – 153 Km/hr

In the annals of cricket, the name Waqar Younis is synonymous with pace and precision. In a memorable encounter against South Africa in 1993, Waqar unleashed a thunderous delivery that clocked an impressive 153 km/h, marking it his fastest-timed delivery in cricket. This breathtaking moment showcased Waqar’s mastery of fast bowling, leaving batsmen in awe and securing his place in cricketing history. The 153 km/h delivery epitomised Waqar Younis’ ability to generate a searing pace, making him a formidable force on the field. His contribution to the fast bowling legacy remains a testament to cricket’s thrilling and intense nature.

• Makhaya Ntini – 151.4 Km/hr

In a defining moment of his cricketing career, Makhaya Ntini left an indelible mark by unleashing a lightning-fast delivery against Australia in 2002. Clocking an impressive 151.4 km/h, this remarkable feat marked Ntini’s career’s fastest delivery. The South African speedster showcased his raw pace and skill, making a lasting impression on the cricketing world. Ntini’s 151.4 km/h delivery against the formidable Australian side exemplified his ability to produce express pace when it mattered most. This moment stands as a testament to Makhaya Ntini’s contribution to the art of fast bowling and his enduring legacy in the history of the gentleman’s game.

Discover the fastest ball in cricket history by going through the information above. This writing piece aims to act as a guidebook in betting on non-retired bowlers during any upcoming cricket tournament. You can start betting on cricket matches on Fun88, a reliable betting platform renowned for offering several benefits and Welcome Bonuses.

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