Fast bowling has always been one of the most thrilling spectacles in cricket. Even the greatest batters in the game feel the pressure when a delivery flies past them at speeds exceeding 150 km/h. The margin for error becomes razor-thin, and survival often hinges on instinct and reflex. Over the decades, several elite fast bowlers have etched their names in history by consistently bowling at ferocious speeds. But only a select few have crossed the legendary 160 km/h mark—a rare feat in world cricket.
Let’s take a look at the top 10 fastest deliveries ever recorded in the history of the sport, showcasing the raw pace and fearlessness of these speedsters.
10. Shane Bond – 156.4 km/h
New Zealand’s Shane Bond was a genuine quick who posed serious threats to batters during his brief but impactful international career. Unfortunately, recurring injuries shortened his time on the field, but his sheer pace was undeniable. Bond delivered his fastest ball at 156.4 km/h against India during the 2003 World Cup in Centurion.
9. Mohammad Sami – 156.4 km/h
Hailing from a country known for producing express pacers, Mohammad Sami continued Pakistan’s rich legacy. Though often inconsistent, Sami had immense raw pace. He once claimed to have clocked 164 km/h, though that figure remains unofficial. His fastest officially recorded delivery was 156.4 km/h, bowled against Zimbabwe in 2003.
8. Mitchell Johnson – 156.8 km/h
During his peak, Mitchell Johnson terrorized batting line-ups worldwide. His devastating 2013 Ashes performance still haunts England’s memories. The left-arm pacer unleashed his fastest delivery—156.8 km/h—during a Test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
7. Fidel Edwards – 157.7 km/h
West Indies has a storied history of producing fierce fast bowlers, and Fidel Edwards fit the bill perfectly. Known for his slingy action and fiery pace, Edwards bowled his fastest delivery at 157.7 km/h in a 2003 Test against South Africa.
6. Andy Roberts – 159.9 km/h
Part of the legendary West Indies pace battery of the 1970s and 1980s, Andy Roberts was a formidable opponent. With his height and speed, Roberts made life difficult for batters. His quickest delivery—159.9 km/h—came against Australia during a Test in Perth in 1975.
5. Jeff Thomson – 160.4 km/h
Known for his unorthodox slinging action and raw hostility, Jeff Thomson was a genuine fast-bowling menace of his era. Despite the lack of advanced speed-tracking tools in the 1970s, his delivery at 160.4 km/h—bowled against the West Indies at Perth—was officially recorded and remains iconic.
4. Mitchell Starc – 160.4 km/h
Among modern-day pacers, Mitchell Starc stands out for his lethal pace and toe-crushing yorkers. Starc’s fastest recorded delivery came during a match against New Zealand at the WACA in 2015, clocking 160.4 km/h.
3. Shaun Tait – 161.1 km/h
Australia’s Shaun Tait was a pure pace bowler who regularly bowled at extreme speeds. His high-arm action and explosive shoulder strength helped him reach 161.1 km/h in an ODI against England in 2010, making him one of the fastest ever.
2. Brett Lee – 161.1 km/h
One of the most skillful and accurate fast bowlers, Brett Lee was renowned not just for his speed but also his consistency. He regularly clocked over 150 km/h and unleashed his fastest ball at 161.1 km/h during a 2005 ODI against New Zealand in Napier.
1. Shoaib Akhtar – 161.3 km/h
Topping the list is Pakistan’s Shoaib Akhtar, famously dubbed the “Rawalpindi Express.” Known for his long run-up and intimidating presence, Akhtar holds the record for the fastest delivery in cricket history. He bowled a searing 161.3 km/h ball during the 2003 World Cup against England—an unmatched feat to this day.
Conclusion
The art of fast bowling continues to captivate cricket fans worldwide. These speed demons have not only thrilled spectators but have also left a lasting impact on the game. Bowling at over 160 km/h requires a unique blend of athleticism, technique, and fearlessness—qualities each bowler on this list displayed in abundance.
