Fastest Ball in Cricket History
The prevalent question asked by cricket fans is, who threw the fastest ball in cricket history? This question is complex because a minor difference in the speed of the ball makes it the fastest to the second-fastest ball in cricket. So, when and who threw it, and on which match?
Also, check a relevant guide on Bowlers Who Took 10 Wickets In An Innings.
The first answer we get is, it will be thrown by among the fastest bowlers in cricket like Mitchell Starc, Jeff Thomson, Brett Lee, and Shaun Tait. But the most popular one is Shoaib Akhtar from Pakistan.
So, in this post, we will be discussing the fastest ball in cricket history.
Here, you will read which bowlers are known for throwing the fastest balls and in which match. This post will be very informative for you so, read it completely.
Fastest Bowlers in Cricket History
So, these are some popular bowlers who threw the fastest ball in cricket history.
| Bowlers | Team | Speed | Against | Year |
| Shoaib Akhtar | Pakistan | 161.3 km/hr (100.2 mph) | 2003 | England |
| Shaun Tait | Australia | 161.1 km/hr (100.1 mph) | 2010 | England |
| Brett Lee | Australia | 160.8 km/hr (99.9 mph) | 2005 | New Zealand |
| Jeffrey Thomson | Australia | 160.6 km/hr (99.8 mph) | 1975 | West Indies |
| Mitchell Starc | Australia | 160.4 km/hr (99.7 mph) | 2015 | New Zealand |
| Andy Roberts | West Indies | 159.5 km/hr (99.1 mph) | 1975 | Australia |
| Fidel Edwards | West Indies | 157.7 km/hr (97.9 mph) | 2003 | South Africa |
| Mitchell Johnson | Australia | 156.8 km/hr (97.4 mph) | 2013 | England |
| Mohammad Sami | Pakistan | 156.4 km/hr (97.1 mph) | 2003 | Zimbabwe |
| Shane Bond | New Zealand | 156.4 km/hr (97.1 mph) | 2003 | India |
Full Details on the Fastest Ball In Cricket History
As we know there are many powerful players who are known to deliver the Fastest Ball In Cricket History. We have already shared a complete list of the top 10 but you can read more about them below.
Shoaib Akhtar (Pakistan) 161.3 km/hr
Shoaib Akhtar’s record-breaking delivery was not just about raw pace; it was also a testament to his accuracy and skill as a fast bowler.
He bowled a perfect line and length, and the ball swung away from the left-handed batsman, Nick Knight, before hitting the wicketkeeper’s gloves with a loud thud.
The sheer speed and accuracy of the delivery left the England batsman reeling, and he was dismissed on the very next ball.
Shoaib Akhtar’s fastest ball not only broke the record for the fastest ball in cricket history but also left a lasting impression on the game. His speed and aggression intimidated even the best batsmen in the world, and he became a nightmare for opposing teams.
Shaun Tait (Australia) 161.1 km/hr
Shaun Tait is a retired Australian fast bowler who was known for his blistering pace and ability to consistently bowl deliveries at over 150 km/h.
He holds the record for bowling the second-fastest ball in international cricket history, clocking in at 161.1 km/h (100.1 mph) during a Day International match against England in 2010.
Tait’s incredible speed and aggression made him a feared opponent for many batsmen, and his ability to generate extreme pace with minimal effort was truly remarkable.
His fastest ball will forever be etched in cricketing history as a testament to his skill and raw talent as a fast bowler.
Brett Lee (Australia) 160.8 km/hr
Brett Lee is a retired Australian fast bowler who is widely regarded as one of the fastest bowlers to have ever played the game of cricket. Known for his raw pace and ability to consistently bowl above 150 km/h.
Lee’s fastest delivery was recorded at 161.1 km/h (100.23 mph) during a One Day International against New Zealand in 2005.
Lee’s incredible speed and accuracy made him a feared opponent for many batsmen, and his ability to generate consistent pace with his smooth, effortless action was truly remarkable.
His fastest ball is a testament to his extraordinary talent and his contribution to the evolution of fast bowling in cricket.
Jeffrey Thomson (Australia)160.6 km/hr
Jeffrey Thomson, also known as “Thommo,” is a retired Australian fast bowler who was regarded as one of the fastest and most feared bowlers of his time.
He was known for his slinging action, raw pace, and ability to generate extreme swing and bounce from even the most docile of pitches.
Thomson’s fastest delivery was recorded at 160.4 km/h (99.6 mph) during a Test match against the West Indies in 1975. This feat was remarkable given the technology available at the time and cemented his place in cricketing history as one of the all-time great fast bowlers.
Thommo’s raw speed and aggression made him a legend in the world of cricket, and his legacy continues to inspire young fast bowlers around the globe.
Mitchell Starc (Australia) 160.4 km/hr
Mitchell Starc is a current Australian left-arm fast bowler who is known for his express pace and his ability to swing the ball both ways. He has consistently been one of the fastest bowlers in the world, regularly clocking in at over 150 km/h (93 mph).
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Starc’s fastest delivery was recorded at 160.4 km/h (99.7 mph) during a Test match against New Zealand in 2015. His pace, combined with his accuracy and swing, make him a formidable opponent for any batsman.
Starc’s ability to consistently bowl at high speeds has made him a vital component of the Australian cricket team and one of the most exciting bowlers to watch in modern cricket.
Who is India’s fastest bowler ever?
There are many famous Indian bowlers in India who deliver very fast balls. So, the list of them is the following. Read more, to know who is India’s fastest bowler ever.
| Serial Number | Bowler | Fastest Ball Speed |
| 1 | Umran Malik | 157 km/h |
| 2 | Irfan Pathan | 153.7 km/h |
| 3 | Mohammed Shami | 153.3 km/h |
| 4 | Jasprit Bumrah | 153.26 km/h |
| 5 | Navdeep Saini | 152.85 km/h |
Umran Malik
Umran Malik is India’s fastest bowler. He set a record in India by delivering 156 KMPH balls in the match against Sri Lanka. It was the first ODI match on Tuesday at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati.
He is a right-armed pacer.
After him, there is Jasprit Bumrah. He delivered the second-most fastest ball in India at 153.36 KMPH. But, soon his record was broken by Umran Malik.
FAQ: Fastest Ball in Cricket History
No prizes for guessing that the fastest bowler in the history of cricket is Pakistan’s Shoaib Akhtar, nicknamed Rawalpindi Express for his pace. He holds the record for bowling the fastest delivery of 161.3kmph against England in the 2003 World Cup.
Umran Malik is at the top of the list when it comes to bowling the fastest ball by an Indian in international cricket. He bowled 155 kph during a T20I against Sri Lanka in 2023.
Shoaib Akhtar (Pakistan) – 161.3 kmphKnown as the ‘Rawalpindi Express’, Shoaib Akhtar is the fastest bowler in the world of cricket.
Conclusion
This was our guide on the fastest ball in cricket history.
No doubt, Shoaib Akhtar is the bowler to deliver the fastest ball. He has great abilities and bowling skills that are unbeatable. But, currently, he is retired.
This post will be updated soon, till then share your views below.