In the world of cricket, nothing thrills fans more than the raw power of fast bowling. These bowlers don’t just bowl deliveries they unleash thunderbolts that test even the best batsmen. Over decades, players from Pakistan, Australia, the West Indies, and India have shattered speed barriers and etched
their names in history. The Top 10 Fastest Bowlers In The World Of Cricket aren’t just remembered for numbers but for the fear they inspired and the records they broke. Their pace changed the rhythm of the game forever
Top 10 Fastest Bowlers in International Cricket
Fast bowling in international cricket has always captivated fans. Shaun Tait, another speedster from Australia, bowled at 161.1 km/h against England. His raw pace during his career from the early 2000s to 2016 made him a standout. Tait‘s bowling was unpredictable, and his speeds consistently troubled top batters.
From the 1970s era, Jeff Thomson stood out as a pioneer of hostile fast bowling. Representing Australia between 1972 and 1985, Thomson hurled balls at 160.6 km/h, earning him a place in the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame. Later, Mitchell Starc carried the baton with a searing delivery of 160.4 km/h since his debut in 2010. These bowlers showcased the danger and artistry of pace bowling at the international level.
Top 5 Fastest Bowlers in India
Then there’s Irfan Pathan, who once bowled at 153.7 km/h. He combined swing and pace beautifully. Mohammad Shami, a modern force, clocked 153.3 km/h in 2014, while Jasprit Bumrah, with his unique action, hit 153.26 km/h in 2018. Navdeep Saini rounds out this list, recording 152.8 km/h in 2019, proving India’s growing fast-bowling depth.
Fastest Bowlers in India
The rise of fast bowling in India is changing cricket’s balance. With names like Mohammad Sami, who once touched 156.4 km/h against Zimbabwe in 2003, India has shown it’s capable of producing express pacers. While he may not have reached the heights of Shoaib Akhtar, Sami demonstrated that Indians can bowl with real heat.
Fast bowling in India is no longer a rarity. Thanks to modern fitness programs, training, and better pitches, Indian pacers are regularly clocking above 145 km/h. Bowlers like Bumrah, Shami, and rising stars like Umran Malik are pushing new boundaries.
Top 5 Fastest Deliveries in IPL History
The IPL has showcased some jaw-dropping deliveries. Topping the list is Umran Malik’s 157 km/h rocket for Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2022. He lit up the league and set a new standard for Indian pacers. Then there’s Lockie Ferguson from New Zealand, who touched 153.84 km/h in 2022.
Others in the top five include Anrich Nortje of South Africa, who consistently bowled above 150 km/h for Delhi Capitals. Navdeep Saini and Kagiso Rabada have also delivered thunderbolts, proving that IPL is now a battleground for the world’s quickest bowlers.
Highest Speed Balls in Cricket
The highest speed balls in cricket history were delivered by fearless pacers who pushed human limits. Shoaib Akhtar’s 161.3 km/h ball still stands as the fastest ever. Brett Lee followed closely with his 161.1 km/h rocket. Others like Shaun Tait, Jeff Thomson, and Mitchell Starc have also breached the 160 km/h barrier.
Each of these deliveries represents a moment of extreme skill and athleticism. Whether in Test cricket, ODIs, or T20s, these bowlers have used pace as a weapon to dominate their opponents.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Fastest Ball in Cricket
Q1: Who bowled the fastest ball in cricket history?
A: Shoaib Akhtar bowled the fastest ball at 161.3 km/h during a match against England in the 2003 Cricket World Cup.
Q2: Who is the fastest bowler from India?
A: Umran Malik holds the record for India’s fastest delivery at 157 km/h.
Q3: Which bowler from Australia has bowled over 160 km/h?
A: Brett Lee, Shaun Tait, Jeff Thomson, and Mitchell Starc have all bowled deliveries above 160 km/h for Australia.
Q4: Has any West Indian bowler crossed 157 km/h?
A: Yes, Fidel Edwards of the West Indies bowled at 157.7 km/h against South Africa in 2003.
Q5: Are fast bowlers effective in T20 matches like the IPL?
A: Absolutely. Fast bowlers like Umran Malik, Anrich Nortje, and Lockie Ferguson use their speed to trouble even the best T20 batsmen.
Conclusion
Speed has always added fire to cricket, and the Top 10 Fastest Bowlers In The World Of Cricket have given fans unforgettable moments of raw pace and thrilling contests. From Shoaib Akhtar’s legendary 161.3 km/h delivery to modern-day speedsters like Umran Malik and Mitchell Starc, these bowlers have changed the game. They didn’t just aim for wickets they aimed to intimidate. Their legacy proves that pace isn’t just a number on the speed gun, it’s a force that reshapes cricket every time it’s unleashed.
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