Speed is one of the most exciting parts of cricket, and the fastest balls in cricket history have created unforgettable moments on the field. From Shoaib Akhtar’s thunderbolt to fiery spells by Australian legends, fast bowling has always kept batters on edge.
In this blog, we’ve listed the top 10 fastest balls in cricket history—including when, where, and who bowled them.
1. Shoaib Akhtar – 161.3 km/h (Pakistan, 2003)
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Opponent: England
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Event: ICC Cricket World Cup 2003
Shoaib Akhtar, also known as the “Rawalpindi Express,” holds the official record for the fastest ball in cricket history. Clocked at 161.3 km/h (100.23 mph), this delivery came against England and has not been topped to this day.
2. Shaun Tait – 161.1 km/h (Australia, 2010)
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Opponent: England
Shaun Tait was known for his raw, unpredictable pace. He came incredibly close to Akhtar’s record with a ball clocked at 161.1 km/h.
3. Brett Lee – 161.1 km/h (Australia, 2005)
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Opponent: New Zealand
Brett Lee, one of the most feared fast bowlers in the early 2000s, also bowled a 161.1 km/h delivery, matching Tait’s pace.
4. Jeff Thomson – 160.6 km/h (Australia, 1975)
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Opponent: West Indies
Jeff Thomson was terrifying in his time. Even without modern technology, he bowled at speeds above 160 km/h with ease.
5. Mitchell Starc – 160.4 km/h (Australia, 2015)
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Opponent: New Zealand
Mitchell Starc’s deadly yorkers and sharp bouncers were on full display when he delivered a 160.4 km/h thunderbolt during the 2015 World Cup.
6. Andy Roberts – 159.5 km/h (West Indies, 1975)
One of the original West Indian speed demons, Roberts made life difficult for batters in the ‘70s with his pace and bounce.
7. Fidel Edwards – 157.7 km/h (West Indies, 2003)
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Opponent: South Africa
Fidel Edwards delivered one of the fastest balls in cricket history during his early career, clocking 157.7 km/h.
8. Mitchell Johnson – 156.8 km/h (Australia, 2013)
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Opponent: England (Ashes Series)
Johnson was unplayable during the 2013 Ashes, and his pace reached as high as 156.8 km/h.
9. Mohammad Sami – 156.4 km/h (Pakistan, 2003)
Mohammad Sami bowled consistently over 150 km/h and reached a top speed of 156.4 km/h against Zimbabwe in 2003.
10. Shane Bond – 156.4 km/h (New Zealand, 2003)
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Opponent: India
Known for combining speed with swing, Shane Bond bowled a 156.4 km/h delivery that still stands among the top 10 fastest balls in cricket history.
Final Thoughts
These fastest balls in cricket history are more than just statistics—they’re moments that left fans speechless and batters stunned. Fast bowling continues to thrill fans around the world, and with rising stars on the scene, these records may soon be challenged.
Until then, these top 10 deliveries remind us why speed remains one of the most exciting parts of cricket.
