Top 10 Fastest Deliveries in Cricket of All Time

Cricket has always been a game of fine margins — and when it comes to pace bowling, just a few kilometers per hour can make all the difference. Some deliveries aren’t just fast — they’re historic. In this post, we look at the Fastest Balls in Cricket History and the bowlers who clocked record-breaking speeds on the world stage.

Speed has always captured fans' attention. Whether you're watching a raw tearaway quick in a World Cup or a seasoned pacer in a Test match, there’s nothing more thrilling than a ball that rattles the stumps at over 150 km/h.

This list is a celebration of pace — the raw, intimidating kind that only a few in history have mastered. Let’s look at the top 10 fastest deliveries ever recorded in international cricket and what made them unforgettable.

What Are the Fastest Balls in Cricket History?

Before jumping into the list, it's important to understand how bowling speeds are measured and why they're such a big deal.

How Are Bowling Speeds Tracked?

Most international matches use radar guns placed near the sight screen to track the speed of the ball at the point of release. These readings are verified by broadcasters and official data providers, making them reliable for record-keeping.

• Speed is measured in kilometers per hour (km/h)

• Speeds are captured at release, not after the ball bounces

• Fastest deliveries usually happen early in a bowler’s spell, when they’re fresh

Why Fast Bowling Matters in Cricket

Fast bowling isn’t just about speed — it’s about timing, pressure, and mental warfare. A ball traveling over 150 km/h gives the batter less than half a second to react. That’s why express pace bowlers are so important in cricket:

• They intimidate batters

• They force errors and quick reactions

• They change the rhythm of a game instantly

Over the years, several bowlers have touched — and crossed — the 155 km/h mark. But only a few have reached the top tier.

Fastest Ball Ever Bowled in Cricket

The fastest delivery ever recorded in cricket history was bowled by Shoaib Akhtar of Pakistan. In a 2003 World Cup match against England, he clocked an astonishing 161.3 km/h (100.23 mph).

• Bowler: Shoaib Akhtar (Pakistan)

• Speed: 161.3 km/h (100.23 mph)

• Match: Pakistan vs England, 2003 World Cup

• Venue: Newlands, Cape Town

Shoaib wasn’t just fast — he was fierce. Nicknamed the Rawalpindi Express, he often touched 150+ km/h in most spells. That 161.3 km/h delivery made him the first — and still only — bowler to officially breach the 100 mph barrier in a match.

Top 10 Fastest Deliveries in Cricket History

Here's the list of the top 10 fastest balls in cricket history — including who bowled them, when, and under what conditions:

Highlights and Moments That Shook the Stadium

Shoaib Akhtar – 161.3 km/h

It wasn’t just a fast ball — it was a moment that lit up world cricket. The delivery zipped past England’s Nick Knight and shocked the world. Even the batter looked stunned.

Shaun Tait – 161.1 km/h

Australia’s Shaun Tait was known for raw, unpredictable pace. Against England in 2010, he nearly matched Shoaib's record, hitting 161.1 km/h at Lord’s — an iconic venue for such a feat.

Brett Lee – 161.1 km/h

One of the most loved Aussie pacers, Brett Lee bowled his fastest delivery in 2005, right in the middle of a fierce series against New Zealand. His speed was matched by precision.

How Modern Bowlers Compare

While crossing 160 km/h is rare, several current bowlers regularly hit the 150–155 km/h mark. Among them:

• Jofra Archer (England) – up to 154.6 km/h

• Lockie Ferguson (New Zealand) – up to 153.8 km/h

• Anrich Nortje (South Africa) – clocked 156.2 km/h in the IPL

• Umran Malik (India) – touched 157 km/h in IPL 2022

Though no one has yet broken Shoaib Akhtar’s record, the next generation of pacers is closing in fast.

Fastest Balls by Format

Fastest Ball in Test Cricket

Jeff Thomson (Australia) was clocked at 160.6 km/h in a Test match in 1975 — a speed that’s almost unheard of in red-ball cricket today.

Fastest Ball in ODI

Shoaib Akhtar’s 161.3 km/h remains the fastest in ODI history.

Fastest Ball in T20/League Cricket

Anrich Nortje bowled a 156.2 km/h delivery in the IPL — one of the fastest balls ever in a T20 match.

FAQs: Fastest Balls in Cricket

Who bowled the fastest ball in cricket history?

Shoaib Akhtar bowled the fastest delivery ever recorded at 161.3 km/h against England in 2003.

What is the fastest ball in IPL history?

Anrich Nortje bowled the fastest ball in IPL history at 156.2 km/h for Delhi Capitals.

Where was the fastest ball ever bowled?

It was bowled at Newlands, Cape Town during a 2003 World Cup match.

Why are bowlers not bowling over 160 km/h now?

Extreme pace requires a perfect combination of fitness, technique, and natural strength. Most bowlers today focus on control and variation over pure speed.

How fast is 160 km/h in reaction time?

A batter gets just 0.4 seconds to react to a 160 km/h delivery — almost the same as the blink of an eye.

Will anyone break Shoaib Akhtar’s record?

It’s possible. With better training, biomechanics, and technology, the next generation of fast bowlers might push that record even further.

Final Thoughts

The Fastest Balls in Cricket History are more than just numbers — they’re iconic moments that fans never forget. These deliveries showcase what’s possible when skill, aggression, and speed come together on the pitch.

From Shoaib Akhtar’s 161.3 km/h rocket to Mitchell Starc’s left-arm fury, these balls didn’t just beat batters — they made history.

As fitness and fast-bowling techniques evolve, don’t be surprised if a young tearaway soon etches his name on this list.