Most of the time cricket inning begins with the fast bowling attacks that play a vital role in destroying the top-order of any opponent team. The ability to deliver thunderous bouncers at lightning speed has always been a hallmark of great cricket bowlers.
Cricket is a globally popular and widely played sport, and bowling is an integral part of it. Throughout cricket’s history, there have been numerous popular, quick, and violent bowlers who made their names with their pace.
Top 10 Fastest Bowlers of All-Time
In this article, we’ll delve into the careers of the fastest bowlers ever in cricket, who left an indelible mark with their aggressive pace. Their records and legacy continue to inspire future generations of fast bowlers in the game of cricket.
1) Shoaib Akhtar – 161.3 Km/h
Shoaib Akhtar, a former Pakistani right-arm fast bowler, bowls the fastest ball ever at a blistering speed of 161.3 Km/h (100.2 Miles per hour) making him the fastest bowler in the world.
Shoaib Akhtar’s explosive pace earned him the title of ‘Rawalpindi Express.’ Akhtar’s legacy as the Fastest Bowler in Cricket History is sealed. He set an official world record of 161.3 km/h during the 2003 ICC World Cup and bowled consistently between 145 and 150 kilometers per hour. Remarkably, he achieved the feat of bowling at speeds exceeding 100 mph twice during his illustrious career.
2) Brett Lee – 161.1 Km/h
Brett Lee, an Australian fast bowler, ranks among the greatest fast bowlers of all time. He consistently delivered the ball at an astonishing pace, taking wickets with style.
Although there was a brief correction in his recorded speed, his fastest delivery stands at 161.1 kilometers per hour, achieved against New Zealand in 2005. Lee’s longevity and charisma made him one of the most iconic cricketers of his era.
3) Shaun Tait – 161.1 Km/h
Shaun Tait, another Australian speedster, shares the record for the third-fastest bowler in history with a delivery clocked at 161.1 km/h (100.1 mph) against England.
Tait made a mark primarily in One-Day Internationals (ODIs), amassing 62 wickets during his five-year career from 2005 to 2016. His retirement in 2017 was due to a recurring elbow injury.
4) Jeff Thomson – 160.6 Km/h
Jeff Thomson, a former Australian right-arm fast bowler, ranks fourth on the list of all-time fastest bowlers. He was the undisputed speedster of his generation, with the fastest delivery recorded at 160.6 km/h against the West Indies in Perth in 1975.
Thomson, in partnership with Dennis Lillee, formed one of the most fearsome bowling duos in test cricket history. He left an enduring legacy with 200 test wickets and 55 ODI wickets, earning a spot in the Australian Cricket Board’s Hall of Fame.
5) Mitchell Starc – 160.4 Km/h
Mitchell Starc, known for his short, quick, in-swinging yorkers, made his mark with a devastating delivery against New Zealand that bowled Ross Taylor.
His fastest recorded delivery stands at 160.4 Km/h, making him one of the fastest bowlers in the game. Starc’s ferocious pace adds to the rich tradition of Australian fast bowling.
6) Andy Roberts – 159.5 Km/h
Sir Andy Roberts, a former West Indian fast bowler, holds a world record with a delivery clocked at 159.5 kph (99.1 mph) against Australia in 1975.
Andy Roberts claimed 202 test wickets and 87 ODI wickets. He possessed two distinct types of bouncers, making him a genuine threat to batsmen throughout his career.
7) Fidel Edwards – 157.7 Km/h
Fidel Henderson Edwards, representing the West Indies National Team since 2003, is a speedster with a personal best of 157.7 kilometers per hour (97.9 miles per hour) against South Africa. His talent was recognized by the legendary Brian Lara, catapulting him into the national team.
8) Mitchell Johnson – 156.8 Km/h
Mitchell Johnson, the first Australian fast bowler on our list, clocked a delivery at 156.8 km/h against England.
He combined his bowling prowess with the ability to bat lower in the order. Johnson’s impressive record of 313 test wickets and 239 one-day international wickets between 2005 and 2015 solidified his place among the greats.
9) Shane Bond – 156.4 Km/h
Shane Bond, a New Zealand fast bowler, garnered attention early in his career for his incredible speed. Injuries hampered his progress, but Bond remained a significant threat to batsmen worldwide. His fastest delivery was recorded at 156.4 km/h during the 2003 World Cup.
10) Mohammad Sami – 156.4 Km/h
Mohammad Sami, a right-arm fast bowler from Pakistan, ranks as the second-quickest bowler for Pakistan and takes the final spot on our list. He reached a top speed of 156.4 kph in an ODI against Zimbabwe in Sharjah in April 2003. His unique ability to swing the ball and maintain a rapid pace has earned him a legendary status among Pakistan’s best bowlers.
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