Fastest Balls in Cricket History: Top Speeds Ever Recorded

Speed is one of the most thrilling parts of cricket. The faster the ball, the tougher it is for the batter. Over the years, several bowlers have pushed the limits of speed, bowling at mind-blowing pace. In this article, we’ll look at the Fastest Balls in Cricket History, who bowled them, and how these moments shaped the game.

Whether you're a die-hard cricket fan or just curious about fast bowling records, you’re in for a treat.

Why Speed Matters in Cricket

Bowling fast isn’t just about flair — it directly affects the outcome of a match. Here’s why pace matters:

• It gives the batter less time to react

• It increases the chance of mistakes and edges

• It can intimidate the batter, especially on fast pitches

• It adds energy and excitement to the match atmosphere

With speed guns and ball tracking, we now know exactly how fast a delivery was — and fans love that kind of data.

Fastest Ball in Cricket History

The fastest ball ever recorded in professional cricket came from Shoaib Akhtar, the Rawalpindi Express.

• Speed: 161.3 km/h (100.23 mph)

• Date: February 22, 2003

• Match: Pakistan vs England, World Cup

• Batter: Nick Knight

That delivery broke the 100 mph barrier — a rare feat in cricket — and it remains unmatched to this day.

Top 10 Fastest Balls in Cricket History

Here’s a list of the top 10 fastest deliveries ever recorded in international cricket:

*Estimated based on older radar technology

Shoaib Akhtar – The Rawalpindi Express

Shoaib Akhtar wasn’t just fast — he was terrifyingly quick. Known for his aggressive run-up and slinging action, Akhtar’s pace shook even the best batters in the world.

• Nicknamed the Rawalpindi Express

• Consistently bowled above 150 km/h

• Known for fiery spells against India and Australia

He reached top speeds multiple times in his career and made fast bowling look like a weapon.

Modern Speedsters Pushing Limits

While Shoaib set the benchmark, modern bowlers are not far behind. Let’s look at some current players who are known for serious pace.

Mitchell Starc (Australia)

• Fastest delivery: 160.4 km/h

• Deadly with swing and pace, especially in World Cups

Anrich Nortje (South Africa)

• Consistently clocks over 150+ km/h

• Known for 156.2 km/h delivery in IPL 2020

Lockie Ferguson (New Zealand)

• Top speed over 153 km/h

• Known for aggressive short-ball bowling

Mark Wood (England)

• Reached 156.1 km/h in the Ashes 2021

• Brings serious speed on English pitches

What Makes a Ball Fast?

Bowling fast requires a mix of technique, strength, and rhythm. Here are key factors:

• Strong shoulder and core muscles

• Long, smooth run-up

• Seam position and wrist action

• Smooth follow-through

• Mental focus and repetition

Also, pitch conditions and the type of ball used can influence the final speed reading.

Speed Records in Different Formats

Fastest Ball in Test Cricket

• Jeff Thomson was once clocked at 160.6 km/h in the 1970s.

• Starc and Johnson also hold high marks in the format.

Fastest Ball in ODI Cricket

• Shoaib Akhtar again leads the chart here with his 161.3 km/h delivery.

Fastest Ball in T20/IPL

• Anrich Nortje bowled 156.2 km/h in IPL 2020

• One of the fastest in franchise cricket history

Fastest Balls in IPL History

Indian Premier League (IPL) is no stranger to extreme pace. Here are some of the fastest balls bowled in IPL history:

Fun Fact: Umran Malik became the fastest Indian bowler in IPL history.

How Fast Can a Human Bowl?

Cricket experts suggest that human biomechanics make it extremely tough to go beyond 165 km/h.

So far, only Shoaib Akhtar has crossed the 100 mph mark in recorded history. With today’s training and data analysis, we may see a new name at the top — but it won’t be easy.

Safety and Fast Bowling

Bowling fast comes with risks too. Fast bowlers often suffer from:

• Stress fractures

• Hamstring injuries

• Shoulder and back strain

That’s why workload management and fitness programs are a must — especially in formats like Test and T20.

FAQs: Fastest Balls in Cricket History

Who bowled the fastest ball in cricket history?
Shoaib Akhtar holds the record with a 161.3 km/h delivery against England in 2003.

What is the fastest ball ever bowled in IPL?
Anrich Nortje bowled a 156.2 km/h delivery in IPL 2020 — the fastest in the tournament’s history.

How fast can bowlers go in modern cricket?
Top bowlers today regularly touch 150+ km/h, with rare spikes over 155 km/h.

Where are these speeds measured from?
Speeds are recorded using radar guns at the point of release from the bowler’s hand.

Why do some fast bowlers slow down over time?
Injuries, age, and match workload can reduce bowling speed over a long career.

Will we ever see someone break Shoaib Akhtar’s record?
It’s possible, but highly unlikely in the near future. His speed remains unmatched.

What helps bowlers increase their speed?
Consistent fitness training, proper technique, and good rhythm are key.

Final Thoughts

The Fastest Balls in Cricket History remind us just how thrilling this game can be. Watching a ball fly past at over 150 km/h brings unmatched excitement to fans worldwide.

Whether it's the roar of the crowd when the speed gun flashes, or the batter's reaction to a toe-crushing yorker, speed always gets attention.

As cricket evolves with better training, analysis, and young talent, we may see new names rise — but for now, Shoaib Akhtar remains the king of pace.