When it comes to thrilling moments in cricket, nothing compares to the sight of a bowler steaming in and delivering a Fastest Ball in Cricket that leaves batters stunned. Over the decades, some incredible speedsters have pushed the physical limits, clocking unbelievable speeds with their fast deliveries. These bowlers didn’t just bowl fastthey dominated, intimidated, and shaped the very essence of pace bowling. Here’s a countdown of the Top 10 Fastest Ball in Cricket from rank 10 to 1, with long descriptions and stats tables for each bowler.
List of Top 10 Fastest Ball in Cricket – Power and Precision Like Never Before
10. Shane Bond
Shane Bond was a rare gem for New Zealand a bowler who could deliver sheer pace with accuracy. In the early 2000s, Bond was arguably the most lethal fast bowler in world cricket. Despite injuries that plagued his career, he managed to deliver a Fastest Ball in Cricket at a speed of 156.4 km/h in 2003. His pace, combined with swing, made him unplayable on many occasions.
Bond’s compact run-up and explosive action gave him a sudden burst at the crease, often catching batsmen off guard. Though his career was short-lived due to recurring injuries, his legacy remains intact thanks to performances like this.
| Bowler | Country | Speed (km/h) | Year |
| Shane Bond | New Zealand | 156.4 | 2003 |
9. Mohammad Sami
Mohammad Sami was once seen as the next big pace sensation for Pakistan. In 2003, he delivered a scorching Fastest Ball in Cricket at 156.4 km/h, matching Shane Bond’s mark. Known for his natural pace and swing, Sami often troubled even the best batsmen when he was at his peak.
Though his career didn’t take the expected trajectory, this delivery proved that he had the raw pace and potential. Sami’s ability to consistently bowl over 150 km/h made him a standout during the early 2000s.
| Bowler | Country | Speed (km/h) | Year |
| Mohammad Sami | Pakistan | 156.4 | 2003 |
8. Mitchell Johnson
Mitchell Johnson was a fast-bowling force of nature during the 2013–14 Ashes series. With his aggressive approach, slingy action, and raw pace, he became England’s worst nightmare. During this period, he recorded his Fastest Ball in Cricket at 156.8 km/h.
Johnson’s unique angle and bounce off the pitch added to his threat level. This particular delivery symbolized his domination as he consistently clocked over 150 km/h and dismantled top orders with ease.
| Bowler | Country | Speed (km/h) | Year |
| Mitchell Johnson | Australia | 156.8 | 2013 |
7. Fidel Edwards
Fidel Edwards, with a short run-up and whip-like arm action, was deceptively quick. In 2003, he bowled a Fastest Ball in Cricket that touched 157.7 km/h. His sudden pace and late movement made him an exciting bowler in the post-Ambrose-Walsh era.
Edwards’ ability to generate high speed from a compact run-up surprised many. His fastest delivery came against South Africa, where his fiery spell shook the batting lineup.
| Bowler | Country | Speed (km/h) | Year |
| Fidel Edwards | West Indies | 157.7 | 2003 |
6. Andy Roberts
Andy Roberts was one of the original architects of the fearsome West Indian pace attack. In 1975, he delivered a Fastest Ball in Cricket at 159.5 km/h, a mind-blowing feat for that era. Known for mixing sharp bouncers with deadly yorkers, Roberts was both fast and smart.
He could disguise his pace cleverly, often luring batsmen into false shots. His fastest delivery came at a time when helmets weren’t even common, making his bowling even more terrifying.
| Bowler | Country | Speed (km/h) | Year |
| Andy Roberts | West Indies | 159.5 | 1975 |
5. Mitchell Starc
Mitchell Starc is among the fastest left-arm bowlers in cricket history. During the 2015 World Cup, he bowled a searing Fastest Ball in Cricket at 160.4 km/h against New Zealand. This particular delivery shocked both the batter and viewers, cementing Starc’s place in the elite speed club.
What sets Starc apart is not just his speed but also his ability to swing the ball late. This blend of skill and speed makes his fast balls even more deadly.
| Bowler | Country | Speed (km/h) | Year |
| Mitchell Starc | Australia | 160.4 | 2015 |
4. Jeff Thomson
Jeff Thomson was a pioneer of raw, brutal pace. With an unorthodox slingy action, he scared batsmen in the 1970s. In 1975, he recorded his Fastest Ball in Cricket at 160.6 km/h, a speed that stunned the cricketing world.
Thomson’s deliveries often arrived quicker than batsmen expected, making his bowling deadly without modern-day protective gear. Even in today’s cricket, his name is spoken with awe.
| Bowler | Country | Speed (km/h) | Year |
| Jeff Thomson | Australia | 160.6 | 1975 |
3. Shaun Tait
Shaun Tait had a slinging action that generated extreme speed with little control. In 2010, he bowled a delivery at 161.1 km/h, his Fastest Ball in Cricket, during an ODI against England. Though injuries and inconsistency affected his career, his pace was never in question.
Tait’s bowling was thrilling to watch, and this record-breaking delivery showed just how dangerous he could be on his day.
| Bowler | Country | Speed (km/h) | Year |
| Shaun Tait | Australia | 161.1 | 2010 |
2. Brett Lee
Brett Lee, one of the smoothest fast bowlers to watch, delivered his Fastest Ball in Cricket in 2005 against New Zealand. The speed gun recorded 161.1 km/h, matching Tait’s pace but two years earlier.
Lee’s rhythm, fitness, and consistency made him one of the most respected fast bowlers of his generation. He could sustain speeds over 150 km/h across formats and had a knack for striking early.
| Bowler | Country | Speed (km/h) | Year |
| Brett Lee | Australia | 161.1 | 2005 |
1. Shoaib Akhtar
The title of Fastest Ball in Cricket goes to none other than Shoaib Akhtar. In 2003, during a match against England in the ICC World Cup, he bowled a thunderbolt at 161.3 km/h the fastest delivery ever recorded in the history of the game.
Known as the “Rawalpindi Express,” Shoaib combined flair, aggression, and searing pace. His action was explosive, and his presence on the field was intimidating. That legendary delivery to Nick Knight remains a moment of pure cricketing history.
| Bowler | Country | Speed (km/h) | Year |
| Shoaib Akhtar | Pakistan | 161.3 | 2003 |
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FAQ
Q1: Who bowled the fastest ball in cricket history?
A: Shoaib Akhtar from Pakistan bowled the fastest ball ever recorded at 161.3 km/h (100.23 mph) in 2003.
Q2: Has anyone broken Shoaib Akhtar’s record?
A: No, his record still stands. Many bowlers came close, but no one has officially crossed that speed.
Q3: Who is the fastest bowler from India?
A: Umran Malik is currently considered the fastest Indian bowler, clocking over 157 km/h.
Q4: Are these speeds measured with technology?
A: Yes, ball speeds are measured using speed guns and high-speed cameras during international matches.
Q5: Why don’t modern bowlers cross 160 km/h often?
A: Modern cricket emphasizes fitness, accuracy, and workload management. Bowling at extreme pace regularly can lead to injuries.
