Cricket, one of the most loved sports worldwide, has also been the arena for some of the most booming displays of speed and skill. The sight of a fast bowler charging in and releasing the ball with a blistering pace is a performance that fans cherish. Over the years, several bowlers have left their mark by delivering some of the fastest balls ever recorded in cricket history. Let’s check out the list of Top 5 Fastest Balls in Cricket History.
Top 5 Fastest Balls in Cricket History
Some of the most renowned fast bowlers in cricket history have bowled the fastest balls. Let’s have a look at the Top 5 Fastest Balls in Cricket History.
Shoaib Akhtar (161.3 km/hr)
The Pakistani Legendary Pacer Shoaib Akhtar holds the record for the fastest ball in cricket history. Often known as “Rawalpindi Express,” Akhtar became the first bowler in 2003 to break the 100mph barrier. During the 2003 World Cup, his fastest delivery was 161.3 km/hr (100.2 mph) against England, which stunned fans and batters alike and making him one of the Top 5 Fastest Balls in Cricket History.
Shaun Tait (161.1 km/hr)
Australian fast bowler Shaun Tait joined the elite club of delivering balls above 160 km/h. His fierce delivery against England in 2010 matched Brett Lee’s record, cementing his reputation as a bowler with serious pace.
He wasn’t afraid of hitting batters on their heads. Once he said,
“It’s part of the game. Ever since I was young, every couple of games, I’ve hit someone and hurt them, so it’s always been the way. I’ve got to worry about my own head. They’re not shy of hitting our blokes in the head. It will be a good contest. I’m up for that.”
Brett Lee (161.1 km/hr)
Another Australian speedster, Brett Lee, was a nightmare for batters with his raw pace. In a match against New Zealand in 2005, he sent down a rocket at 161.1 km/h (100.1 mph), showcasing his ability to bowl at express speeds consistently.
“I build myself up with confidence with aggression, and confidence to control the game. If you’re the bowler and you’ve got the ball in your hand you’re controlling the game, so you’ve got to make sure the batsmen knows who’s boss.”
Jeffery Thompson (160.6 km/hr)
Jeffery Thompson is a legendary Australian pacer from 1975. He was known for his precise speed measurements, which weren’t available in his era. His delivery of 160.6 km/hr (99.8 mph) ranks as 4th fastest ball in cricket history.
Mitchell Starc (160.4 km/hr)
Mitchell Starc, a modern-day Australian pacer, is renowned for his ability to bowl fast and swing the ball. In a match against New Zealand in 2015, he unshackled a swift delivery at 160.4 km/h (99.7 mph), highlighting his lethal combination of speed and skill.
Andy Roberts (159.5 km/hr)
Andy Roberts, a West Indian pace sensation of 1975, was known for his express pace and ability to trouble the best batters. He bowled the 6th fastest ball in cricket history, which sped at 159.5 km/hr (97.9 mph) against Australia. His bowling was proof of the sheer speed he generated.
The great man said himself, just bowling lightning fast is not enough: “You can’t bowl 95 mp/h all the time and hope a batsman would surrender. They get used to it after a while. You need to vary the pace, the angle, the seam or the swing. I could bowl everything: seam, swing, pace, slower one, bouncer, cutters, everything.”
Fidel Edwards (157.7 km/hr)
West Indian bowler Fidel Edwards showcased his thunderous pace against South Africa in 2003, clocking in at 157.7 km/h (97.9 mph). His aggressive bowling style and rapid deliveries made him a formidable force in the cricketing world.
Fidel once said, “One of my aims is to be the fastest and regarded as the best fast bowler in the world. That’s my goal,”.
Mitchell Johnson (156.8 km/hr)
Mitchell Johnson, an Australian left-arm fast bowler, delivered a lethal ball in the 2013/14 Ashes Series. His ball registered a speed of 156.8 km/h (97.4 mph), marking the 8th fastest ball in cricket history. His ability to generate pace and movement made him a nightmare for opposing batters. As a fast bowler who has done excellent in the cricket field, check out the list of the top 5 highest run scorers in cricket history.
