Top 10 Fastest Bowlers in the World

Cricket, known for its electrifying pace and fierce competition, has seen some exceptional fast bowlers throughout its history. These bowlers possess the ability to generate incredible speed and deliver thunderous deliveries, leaving batsmen in awe and spectators on the edge of their seats.

Here we will explore the top 10 fastest bowler in the world.

1. Shoaib Akhtar (Pakistan)

Shoaib Akhtar, famously known as the “Rawalpindi Express” holds the record for the fastest delivery ever recorded in cricket, clocking an astonishing 161.3 km/h (100.23 mph) during 2003 World Cup against England at Capetown (South Africa). And with this delivery he became the first bowler in the Cricket history to break 100 Mile barrier on speed gun. His blistering pace and intimidating presence made him one of the most feared bowlers of that era.

2. Shaun Tait (Australia)

Shaun Tait, nicknamed “The Wild Thing” possessed an explosive bowling action that generated immense speed. Tait consistently hit speeds of over 150 km/h (93 mph) with his slinging action and was a key part of Australia’s bowling attack all during the career. He had bowled his fastest delivery at speed of 161.1 km/hr against England. Despite having a short career, he is still resisting in the list of fast bowler in the world.

3. Brett Lee (Australia)

Brett Lee, known for his smooth run-up and lethal speed, consistently bowled above 150 km/h (93 mph). His aggressive style and ability to swing the ball at high speeds made him a nightmare for batsmen around the world. He had recorded his fastest delivery at speed of 160.8 km/hr against New Zealand at Napier in 2005. He was second bowler to come near 100mph barrier in International cricket.

4. Jeffrey Thomson (Australia)

Jeff Thomson, known as one of the fastest bowlers in cricket history, terrorized batsmen during the 1970s. With a slinging action and incredible pace, Thomson consistently bowled deliveries over 150 km/h (93 mph). He had delivered his fastest bowl at speed of 160.6 km/hr at Perth against West Indies in 1975.

5. Mitchell Starc (Australia)

Mitchell Starc, a left-arm fast bowler possesses the ability to swing the ball at high speeds. With a smooth run-up and a lethal yorker, Starc consistently bowls above 145 km/h (90 mph), making him a potent weapon for Australia. This Aussie had bowled his fastest delivery at speed of 160.4 km/hr at Perth in a Test Match against New Zealand.

6. Andy Roberts

Andy Robert was the part of West Indies team during the 1970s and 80s. He was first Antiguan who had represented West Indies at International level. He had bowled his fastest delivery against Australia at speed of 159.5 km/hr in Perth in the year 1975.

7. Fidel Edwards (West Indies)

Fidel Edwards, hailing from the West Indies consistently bowled at express pace. With a smooth run-up and explosive action, Edwards regularly touched speeds of over 150 km/h (93 mph) all during the career. Fidel had bowled his fastest bowl against South Africa clocking at 157.7 km/hr.

8. Mitchell Johnson (Australia)

Mitchell Johnson’s left-arm pace and aggression made him a formidable force in world cricket. Known for ability to swing the ball at high speeds, Johnson consistently clocked speeds above 150 km/h (93 mph). The left-arm pacer had bowled his fastest bowl in 2013 Ashes at MCG at speed of 156.8km/hr.

9. Mohammad Sami

Mohammad Sami, Pakistan hailed bowler was known for his pace and swings. He had unofficially bowled the fastest bowl in Cricket during an ODI at speed of 164 km/hr. But officially he had bowled his fastest delivery against Zimbabwe in a ODI series in 2003 at speed of 156.4km/hr.

10. Shane Bond

Shane Bond was the fast, destructive and fear-some pace bowler for the Kiwis (New Zealand). He was renowned for the brutal pace and the comfort at which he used to nail off the toe-crushing Yorkers to the batsman. Specifically, he will be remembered for claiming the wicket of best batsman of that era- Ricky Ponting, in all the first six ODI they played against each other. The Kiwi bowler had bowled the fastest bowl in the World Cup 2003 against India at the speed of 156.4 km/hr.

These ten bowlers have left permanent mark on game of cricket with their sheer pace and ability to intimidate batsmen. While there have been many other great fast bowlers throughout history, these individuals have showcased exceptional speed and skill making them a cut above the rest.

Relevant news