Speed in cricket isn’t just about numbers on a speed gun — it’s about raw fear, precision, and sheer excitement. For decades, cricket fans have been obsessed with one question: Who bowled the fastest ball in cricket history? This post gives you the full breakdown — not just the top 10, but the top 25 fastest deliveries ever recorded.
Whether it's the thunderbolts from Shoaib Akhtar or new-age pace from Umran Malik, fast bowling has always grabbed attention. We’ll also look at fastest deliveries in IPL history, top Indian pacers, and the myths that surround speed records in cricket.
Let’s get right into the action.
Top 25 Fast Balls in Cricket History
Here’s a ranked list of the fastest balls ever recorded in cricket. This list includes international matches, World Cups, and franchise leagues like the IPL.
| Rank | Bowler | Speed (km/h) | Opponent | Format | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shoaib Akhtar | 161.3 | England | ODI | 2003 |
| 2 | Shaun Tait | 161.1 | England | ODI | 2010 |
| 3 | Brett Lee | 161.1 | New Zealand | ODI | 2005 |
| 4 | Jeff Thomson | 160.6 | West Indies | Test | 1975 |
| 5 | Mitchell Starc | 160.4 | New Zealand | Test | 2015 |
| 6 | Andy Roberts | 159.5 | Australia | Test | 1975 |
| 7 | Fidel Edwards | 157.7 | South Africa | Test | 2003 |
| 8 | Lockie Ferguson | 157.3 | Rajasthan Royals | IPL | 2022 |
| 9 | Mitchell Johnson | 156.8 | England | Test | 2013 |
| 10 | Mohammad Sami | 156.4 | Zimbabwe | ODI | 2003 |
| 11 | Shane Bond | 156.4 | India | ODI | 2003 |
| 12 | Anrich Nortje | 156.2 | Rajasthan Royals | IPL | 2020 |
| 13 | Umran Malik | 157 | Delhi Capitals | IPL | 2022 |
| 14 | Jofra Archer | 154.7 | Australia | ODI | 2019 |
| 15 | Kagiso Rabada | 154.5 | India | Test | 2018 |
| 16 | Umesh Yadav | 154.5 | Australia | ODI | 2015 |
| 17 | Irfan Pathan | 153.7 | Pakistan | ODI | 2006 |
| 18 | Jasprit Bumrah | 153.6 | Australia | T20I | 2019 |
| 19 | Mohammad Shami | 153.3 | New Zealand | ODI | 2019 |
| 20 | Mark Wood | 156.1 | Australia | Test | 2024 |
| 21 | Haris Rauf | 154.5 | England | T20I | 2022 |
| 22 | Wahab Riaz | 154.5 | India | ODI | 2015 |
| 23 | Dale Steyn | 155.7 | New Zealand | Test | 2010 |
| 24 | Lasith Malinga | 155.7 | New Zealand | ODI | 2011 |
| 25 | Mayank Yadav | 156.7 | Royal Challengers Bangalore | IPL | 2024 |
Fastest Bowlers in Detail: Speed, Opponents & Impact
Let’s take a closer look at the bowlers behind the fastest balls in cricket history. Here’s how each one made their mark.
1. Shoaib Akhtar – 161.3 km/h (100.2 mph)
- Against: England
- Format: ODI
- Year: 2003
Known as the “Rawalpindi Express,” Shoaib Akhtar holds the record for the fastest ball in cricket history. He bowled a thunderbolt at 161.3 km/h during the 2003 World Cup. With an explosive run-up and unmatched aggression, Shoaib terrorized batters with raw pace throughout his career.
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2. Shaun Tait – 161.1 km/h (100.1 mph)
- Against: England
- Format: ODI
- Year: 2010
Australia’s Shaun Tait was one of the wildest, fastest bowlers in modern cricket. In a match against England, he touched 161.1 km/h — just 0.2 short of Akhtar’s record. Known for slingy action and unpredictable lines, Tait’s speed came naturally, though it often made him injury-prone.
3. Brett Lee – 161.1 km/h (100.1 mph)
- Against: New Zealand
- Format: ODI
- Year: 2005
Brett Lee was a complete package: pace, control, and consistency. He clocked 161.1 km/h against New Zealand in a fiery spell in 2005. His smooth run-up and clean action made him one of the most feared bowlers of his era, and he often hovered above the 150 km/h mark.
4. Jeff Thomson – 160.6 km/h (99.8 mph)
- Against: West Indies
- Format: Test
- Year: 1975
Long before speed guns were common, Jeff Thomson shocked batters with his slingy, rapid deliveries. In 1975, he bowled one of the highest-speed balls ever recorded — 160.6 km/h. Thomson’s style was unconventional and frightening, often called the most intimidating of his generation.
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5. Mitchell Starc – 160.4 km/h (99.6 mph)
- Against: New Zealand
- Format: Test
- Year: 2015
Mitchell Starc is known for lethal yorkers and fast inswingers. During a Test match against New Zealand, he hit 160.4 km/h — making it one of the fastest balls ever bowled in red-ball cricket. His ability to maintain high speeds over long spells sets him apart.
6. Andy Roberts – 159.5 km/h (99.1 mph)
- Against: Australia
- Format: Test
- Year: 1975
Andy Roberts was one of the original West Indian pace legends. Known for clever variations and relentless pace, he hit 159.5 km/h during a Test in 1975. His ability to combine raw speed with sharp cricketing IQ made him a nightmare for batters.
7. Fidel Edwards – 157.7 km/h (98.0 mph)
- Against: South Africa
- Format: Test
- Year: 2003
Fidel Edwards burst onto the scene with a slingshot action and serious speed. He bowled his fastest delivery at 157.7 km/h in a Test against South Africa. Though inconsistent, his top-end speed made him one of the most exciting fast bowlers from the Caribbean in the 2000s.
8. Lockie Ferguson – 157.3 km/h (97.7 mph)
- Against: Rajasthan Royals
- Format: IPL
- Year: 2022
Lockie Ferguson made headlines in the IPL 2022 final by clocking 157.3 km/h. Playing for Gujarat Titans, he consistently delivered at high speed and brought genuine pace to T20 cricket. His fast spells have made him a key player for New Zealand across formats.
9. Mitchell Johnson – 156.8 km/h (97.4 mph)
- Against: England
- Format: Test
- Year: 2013
Mitchell Johnson had raw pace and aggression in abundance. His 156.8 km/h delivery came during the 2013 Ashes, a series where he dismantled England’s batting line-up. With a high-arm action and reverse swing, Johnson was unplayable at times.
10. Mohammad Sami – 156.4 km/h (97.2 mph)
- Against: Zimbabwe
- Format: ODI
- Year: 2003
Often underrated, Mohammad Sami was one of the quickest bowlers Pakistan ever produced. In an ODI against Zimbabwe, he clocked 156.4 km/h. Despite his struggles with control, his pace was never in doubt.
11. Shane Bond – 156.4 km/h (97.2 mph)
- Against: India
- Format: ODI
- Year: 2003
Shane Bond's career was short but impactful. In a match against India, he hit 156.4 km/h. Bond had the rare ability to combine pace, bounce, and deadly accuracy, and he remains one of New Zealand’s finest fast bowlers.
12. Anrich Nortje – 156.2 km/h (97.0 mph)
- Against: Rajasthan Royals
- Format: IPL
- Year: 2020
Nortje’s explosive spell for Delhi Capitals in 2020 included a 156.2 km/h rocket. The South African quick is known for clean pace and sharp aggression — a true T20 weapon who thrives under pressure.
13. Umran Malik – 157 km/h (97.6 mph)
- Against: Delhi Capitals
- Format: IPL
- Year: 2022
Umran Malik’s 157 km/h ball made him the fastest Indian ever. Representing Sunrisers Hyderabad, his raw pace caught the eye of national selectors. He brings genuine speed, something Indian cricket long craved.
14. Jofra Archer – 154.7 km/h (96.1 mph)
- Against: Australia
- Format: ODI
- Year: 2019
Jofra Archer’s calm demeanor contrasts with his fiery pace. During the 2019 World Cup, he bowled at 154.7 km/h against Australia. Archer blends speed with control, making him a constant threat in all formats.
15. Kagiso Rabada – 154.5 km/h (96.0 mph)
- Against: India
- Format: Test
- Year: 2018
Kagiso Rabada combines high speed with fierce accuracy. In a Test against India, he bowled at 154.5 km/h. His ability to sustain pressure and pick wickets consistently makes him a key figure in South African cricket.
16. Umesh Yadav – 154.5 km/h (96.0 mph)
- Against: Australia
- Format: ODI
- Year: 2015
One of India’s fastest bowlers, Umesh Yadav touched 154.5 km/h in 2015. Known for his smooth run-up and ability to swing the ball at high speed, he has been a consistent performer in both red and white ball formats.
17. Irfan Pathan – 153.7 km/h (95.5 mph)
- Against: Pakistan
- Format: ODI
- Year: 2006
Before becoming a swing bowler, Irfan Pathan hit serious speeds. His 153.7 km/h delivery came in an ODI against Pakistan. Though he evolved into a new-ball specialist, early in his career he could bowl with surprising pace.
18. Jasprit Bumrah – 153.6 km/h (95.4 mph)
- Against: Australia
- Format: T20I
- Year: 2019
Bumrah isn’t known primarily for speed, but in a T20I against Australia, he bowled a 153.6 km/h delivery. With his unique action and deadly accuracy, Bumrah remains India’s top fast bowler across all formats.
19. Mohammad Shami – 153.3 km/h (95.3 mph)
- Against: New Zealand
- Format: ODI
- Year: 2019
Shami is often praised for seam movement and control, but he can crank it up when needed. In 2019, he bowled at 153.3 km/h — showing his ability to mix skill with pace.
20. Mark Wood – 156.1 km/h (97.0 mph)
- Against: Australia
- Format: Test
- Year: 2024
Mark Wood clocked 156.1 km/h in a Test match against Australia in 2024. Known for his short, explosive spells, Wood has developed into England’s go-to pace enforcer in all conditions.
21. Haris Rauf – 154.5 km/h (96.0 mph)
- Against: England
- Format: T20I
- Year: 2022
Haris Rauf is part of Pakistan’s new fast bowling wave. He hit 154.5 km/h in a T20I against England, delivering high pace with sharp bounce and energy.
22. Wahab Riaz – 154.5 km/h (96.0 mph)
- Against: India
- Format: ODI
- Year: 2015
Wahab Riaz’s fiery spell against India in the 2015 World Cup included a 154.5 km/h delivery. His intensity and aggression made that performance one of the most memorable in recent ODI history.
23. Dale Steyn – 155.7 km/h (96.8 mph)
- Against: New Zealand
- Format: Test
- Year: 2010
Steyn was pure class and speed. In 2010, he hit 155.7 km/h during a spell full of swing and aggression. Steyn is widely regarded as one of the greatest fast bowlers of the modern era.
24. Lasith Malinga – 155.7 km/h (96.8 mph)
- Against: New Zealand
- Format: ODI
- Year: 2011
Famed for his slingy action and deadly yorkers, Malinga bowled his fastest ball at 155.7 km/h in 2011. His unorthodox style made him a nightmare for even the best batters in the world.
25. Mayank Yadav – 156.7 km/h (97.4 mph)
- Against: Royal Challengers Bangalore
- Format: IPL
- Year: 2024
Mayank Yadav made an instant impact in IPL 2024 with speeds over 150 km/h. His 156.7 km/h delivery became the fastest of the tournament. Still early in his career, he has the potential to be India’s next big pace star.
Fastest Deliveries in IPL History
The Indian Premier League has seen some serious pace over the years. With top international bowlers and rising Indian stars, the IPL is no less than an international platform when it comes to raw speed.
Here are the fastest balls ever bowled in the IPL:
| Bowler | Speed (km/h) | Year | Team | Opponent / Match Context |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lockie Ferguson | 157.3 | 2022 | Gujarat Titans | Bowled in the IPL Final vs Rajasthan Royals |
| Umran Malik | 157 | 2022 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Fastest ever by an Indian in IPL history |
| Mayank Yadav | 156.7 | 2024 | Lucknow Super Giants | Made headlines with consistent 150+ speeds in debut IPL season |
| Anrich Nortje | 156.2 | 2020 | Delhi Capitals | Delivered this rocket against Rajasthan Royals |
These numbers prove that the IPL is now a true testing ground for fast bowlers globally.
Fastest Balls by Indian Bowlers
India might not have been known for raw pace in the past, but that’s changing fast. In the last decade, several Indian bowlers have consistently breached the 150 km/h mark.
Here are the top Indian bowlers based on their fastest deliveries:
| Bowler | Speed (km/h) | Format | Year | Match Context |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Umran Malik | 157 | IPL | 2022 | Fastest ever by an Indian bowler |
| Mayank Yadav | 156.7 | IPL | 2024 | Dominated RCB with raw pace in debut year |
| Umesh Yadav | 154.5 | ODI | 2015 | Versus Australia |
| Irfan Pathan | 153.7 | ODI | 2006 | Versus Pakistan |
| Jasprit Bumrah | 153.6 | T20I | 2019 | Against Australia |
| Mohammad Shami | 153.3 | ODI | 2019 | Versus New Zealand |
The new generation of pacers is proving that India can now produce bowlers who match the best in the world in terms of speed.
Controversies & Myths Around Fastest Deliveries
Speed in cricket is often celebrated, but it’s also been the center of debates. Not every speed reading has been accepted without questions. Let's look at some common points of confusion and myths.
1. Was Shoaib Akhtar's 161.3 km/h Real?
Yes, it was. Shoaib Akhtar bowled the fastest ball in cricket history at 161.3 km/h against England in the 2003 World Cup. The delivery was officially recorded by modern speed-gun technology and confirmed by broadcasters and ICC records. Some critics questioned the equipment at the time, but multiple angles and sources confirmed its accuracy.
2. What About Jeff Thomson’s 160.6 km/h in 1975?
Thomson's delivery is legendary, but the technology used then wasn’t as reliable. His speed was calculated using older radar systems which didn’t always capture release point speed. That said, Thomson’s raw pace was undisputed. He remains one of the fastest bowlers of all time.
3. Do IPL Speeds Match International Standards?
Yes. IPL uses top-grade broadcast and radar technology, comparable to what’s used in ICC events. Speeds recorded for bowlers like Lockie Ferguson and Umran Malik are considered accurate.
4. Can Conditions Affect Speed?
Definitely. Wind direction, pitch conditions, altitude, and even the type of ball used can influence final speed readings. That’s why some bowlers clock higher speeds in specific regions or during night games.
Conclusion
Fast bowling has always been one of cricket’s most thrilling aspects. Whether it’s Shoaib Akhtar’s 161.3 km/h thunderbolt, Lockie Ferguson in the IPL, or Umran Malik leading India’s next-gen pace attack, these speedsters have pushed the limits of what’s physically possible on a cricket field.
In this post, we looked beyond the usual top 10 and brought you the 25 fastest balls in cricket history, while also covering IPL records, Indian pace stars, and the stories that continue to shape the legend of fast bowling.
Which fast bowler do you think was the scariest to face? Let us know in the comments below — and if you found this post useful, share it with fellow cricket fans!
FAQs
Who bowled the fastest ball in cricket history?
Shoaib Akhtar bowled the fastest ball in cricket history at 161.3 km/h against England in the 2003 ODI World Cup.
What is the fastest delivery in IPL history?
Lockie Ferguson bowled the fastest delivery in IPL history at 157.3 km/h in the 2022 IPL final.
Who is the fastest Indian bowler ever?
Umran Malik is the fastest Indian bowler, clocking 157 km/h in IPL 2022.
Is Mayank Yadav faster than Umran Malik?
Mayank Yadav clocked 156.7 km/h in IPL 2024, just slightly below Umran Malik’s 157 km/h.
Are all fast deliveries measured the same way?
No. Older speed readings were based on different technology, which makes comparisons across decades difficult.
Why do some fans question speed records?
Because early speed guns were less accurate, and external conditions can also impact readings. Today’s data is more consistent.
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