Bowling at high speeds is an art that requires innate talent and extensive practice to master. Fast bowlers, often referred to as speedsters or pace aces, inject thrill into the game with their blistering pace and pinpoint accuracy. Witnessing a fast bowler in peak form is undoubtedly one of the most exhilarating experiences on a cricket field.
Top 10 World’s Fastest Bowlers in Cricket History
Former Pakistani right-arm fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, famously known as the “Rawalpindi Express,” is widely celebrated as the fastest bowler in cricket history. He holds the record for the fastest delivery ever in international cricket, clocking in at 161.3 km/h (100.2 mph) against England during the 2003 Cricket World Cup.
Throughout the years, legendary fast bowlers such as Waqar Younis, Brett Lee, Allan Donald, and Shaun Tait have consistently stunned batsmen with their speed and precision. In contemporary cricket, Australia’s Mitchell Starc, New Zealand’s Lockie Ferguson, South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada, and England’s Jofra Archer are among the quick bowlers known for their ability to challenge batsmen with their exceptional pace.
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All-time Fastest Deliveries in Cricket History (International)
| Rank | Bowler | Ball Speed | Country | Against | Year |
| 1 | Shoaib Akhtar | 161.3 km/hr (100.2 mph) | Pakistan | England | 2003 |
| 2 | Shaun Tait | 161.1 km/hr (100.1 mph) | Australia | England | 2010 |
| 3 | Brett Lee | 161.1 km/hr (100.1 mph) | Australia | New Zealand | 2005 |
| 4 | Jeffrey Thomson | 160.6 km/hr (99.8 mph) | Australia | West Indies | 1975 |
| 5 | Mitchell Starc | 160.4 km/hr (99.7 mph) | Australia | New Zealand | 2015 |
| 6 | Andy Roberts | 159.5 km/hr (99.1 mph) | West Indies | Australia | 1975 |
| 7 | Fidel Edwards | 157.7 km/hr (97.9 mph) | West Indies | South Africa | 2003 |
| 8 | Mitchell Johnson | 156.8 km/hr (97.4 mph) | Australia | England | 2013 |
| 9 | Mohd. Sami | 156.4 km/hr (97.1 mph) | Pakistan | Zimbabwe | 2003 |
| 10 | Shane Bond | 156.4 km/hr (97.1 mph) | New Zealand | India | 2003 |
Fastest Bowlers in India
Hyderabad’s speedster Umran Malik has captured the cricket world’s attention by becoming India’s fastest bowler. During the Indian T20 League 2022 season, Umran consistently bowled at speeds exceeding 150kph. Throughout the season, he maintained an average speed around 150km/h, frequently delivering balls that crossed the 150kph mark.
Renowned bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, and Mohammed Siraj have demonstrated remarkable control and precision with the ball. India’s fastest bowlers can now compete with the speedsters from Australia, South Africa, England, and New Zealand.
Also Read:– Top 5 Fastest Bowlers In IPL 2024
List of Fastest Indian Bowlers of All-time
| Rank | Bowler | Fastest Ball Delivery | Year |
| 1 | Mayank Yadav | 156.7 km/hr | 2024 |
| 2 | Umran Malik | 157 km/hr | 2022 |
| 3 | Irfan Pathan | 153.7 km/hr | 2007 |
| 4 | Mohammed Shami | 153.3 km/hr | 2014 |
| 5 | Jasprit Bumrah | 153.26 km/hr | 2018 |
Fastest Ball in IPL 2024
Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) quick bowler Mayank Yadav clocked the fastest delivery in IPL 2024. Acquired for a mere 20 Lakhs during the auction, Mayank debuted with impressive figures of 3/27. Showcasing remarkable speed and precision, he was named Player of the Match for his game-changing performance. His average bowling speed was approximately 148 km/h, with several deliveries exceeding the 150 km/h mark.
Q&A on Fastest Bowls in Cricket History
Q: What was the speed of Shoaib Akhtar’s fastest ball?
A: Shoaib Akhtar’s fastest delivery was clocked at 161.3 km/h against England during the 2003 Cricket World Cup. He is recognized as the fastest bowler in cricket history.
Q: What is the fastest ball ever bowled in cricket history?
A: Shoaib Akhtar holds the record for the fastest ball ever bowled in cricket history, with a speed of 161.3 km/h (100.2 mph) during a 2003 World Cup match against England in Durban, South Africa.
Q: Who is the fastest bowler in India?
A: Currently, Mayank Yadav is noted for consistently high speeds, reaching 156.7 km/h during an IPL match in 2024. However, Umran Malik holds the record for the fastest delivery by an Indian, clocking 157 km/h.
Q: Who is considered the No. 1 bowler in cricket history?
A: As of now, Jasprit Bumrah from India is ranked No. 1 in all three formats of cricket (Test, ODI, T20) according to the ICC rankings.