Top 10 Fastest Deliveries in Cricket History
Cricket is often seen as a game of patience and strategy, but let’s be honest—nothing gets the adrenaline pumping like a thunderbolt of a delivery. Over the years, a handful of bowlers have pushed the boundaries of speed, leaving batsmen trembling and fans on the edge of their seats. Today, we’re diving into the top 10 fastest deliveries in cricket history, celebrating the legends who turned raw pace into an art form.
1. Shoaib Akhtar – 161.3 km/h
When you think of speed in cricket, one name instantly comes to mind: Shoaib Akhtar, the “Rawalpindi Express.” During the 2003 World Cup against England, Akhtar unleashed a delivery clocked at a jaw-dropping 161.3 km/h (100.23 mph). To put that into perspective, that’s faster than most cars on the highway! This record-breaking ball cemented Akhtar’s place as the fastest bowler in cricket history. His ability to consistently bowl at such blistering speeds made him a nightmare for batsmen worldwide.
2. Brett Lee – 161.1 km/h
Australia’s Brett Lee was the epitome of speed and aggression. In 2005, during a match against New Zealand, Lee delivered a ball at 161.1 km/h, just a fraction slower than Akhtar’s record. What made Lee special wasn’t just his pace—it was his ability to combine it with pinpoint accuracy. Whether it was a searing yorker or a bouncer, Lee had the knack for making batsmen dance to his tune.
3. Shaun Tait – 161.1 km/h
Another Aussie speedster, Shaun Tait, matched Brett Lee’s top speed with a 161.1 km/h thunderbolt during an ODI against England at Lord’s in 2010. Tait’s career was a bit of a rollercoaster, with injuries and inconsistency often holding him back. But when he was on song, his raw pace was simply unplayable. Imagine facing a ball that’s coming at you faster than a cheetah can run—yeah, that’s Shaun Tait for you.
4. Jeff Thomson – 160.6 km/h
Back in the 1970s, Jeff Thomson was the original speed demon. With his slinging action and unorthodox technique, Thomson delivered a ball at 160.6 km/h (99.79 mph) against the West Indies in 1975. At a time when speed guns weren’t as advanced as they are today, Thomson’s pace was nothing short of revolutionary. He set the bar high for future generations of fast bowlers.
5. Mitchell Starc – 160.4 km/h
Australia’s left-arm maestro, Mitchell Starc, is a modern-day legend of fast bowling. During a Test match against New Zealand in 2015, Starc sent down a delivery at 160.4 km/h. What makes Starc so dangerous is his ability to swing the ball at high speeds, making him a double threat. Whether it’s a toe-crushing yorker or a searing bouncer, Starc has it all in his arsenal.
6. Andy Roberts – 159.5 km/h
Part of the legendary West Indies pace quartet, Andy Roberts was a master of mixing speed with cunning variations. In 1975, Roberts bowled a delivery at 159.5 km/h against Australia, showcasing his ability to intimidate batsmen with sheer pace. Roberts wasn’t just about speed—he was a thinking bowler who knew how to exploit a batsman’s weaknesses.
7. Fidel Edwards – 157.7 km/h
Another West Indian speedster, Fidel Edwards, made waves with his lightning-fast deliveries. In 2003, against South Africa, Edwards clocked 157.7 km/h, proving that he could consistently bowl at high speeds. Despite his relatively short career, Edwards left a lasting impression with his ability to generate pace and bounce from even the most docile pitches.
8. Mitchell Johnson – 156.8 km/h
Remember the 2013-14 Ashes series? Mitchell Johnson was the man of the moment, terrorizing England’s batsmen with his raw pace and aggression. During that series, Johnson bowled a delivery at 156.8 km/h, leaving batsmen ducking for cover. His menacing run-up and fiery deliveries made him one of the most feared bowlers of his time.
9. Mohammad Sami – 156.4 km/h
Pakistan has produced some of the fastest bowlers in cricket history, and Mohammad Sami is no exception. In 2003, during an ODI against Zimbabwe, Sami bowled a delivery at 156.4 km/h. While his career was marred by inconsistency, Sami’s ability to generate extreme pace and movement made him a standout performer on his day.
10. Shane Bond – 156.4 km/h
New Zealand’s Shane Bond was a rare talent whose career was unfortunately cut short by injuries. During the 2003 ICC World Cup against India, Bond bowled a delivery at 156.4 km/h, showcasing his explosive speed. Despite his injury woes, Bond’s ability to bowl at such high speeds with precision made him one of the most exciting fast bowlers of his era.
Conclusion
Fast bowling is more than just raw speed—it’s an art that requires skill, strategy, and a touch of madness. The bowlers we’ve highlighted today have pushed the limits of what’s possible, delivering some of the most electrifying moments in cricket history. Whether it’s the intimidation factor or the sheer thrill of watching a ball fly past at breakneck speed, fast bowling continues to captivate fans around the world. So, the next time you see a bowler charging in, remember: it’s not just about the speed—it’s about the story behind every delivery.
