Top 15 Fastest Balls in Cricket History

This article takes us into the world of the fastest balls in cricket history. We’re going to list the top 15 quickest deliveries ever recorded, all updated for 2025. Each one comes from a bowler who pushed speed to the limit, leaving batsmen stunned and crowds cheering. From Shoaib Akhtar’s record-breaking throw to others who came close, we’ll see who they are and what made their balls so special. Get ready to feel the excitement of these incredible moments as we go through them one by one.

Historical Context: The Evolution of Fast Bowling

Back in cricket’s early days, fast bowlers were famous for how they scared batsmen, not for exact numbers. Players like Fred Spofforth from Australia and Fred Trueman from England had a big name for speed. People said they bowled like lightning, but no one could measure it then. Their pace was a mystery, passed down in stories from fans and players who saw them. Those bowlers set the stage for what fast bowling would become, even without the tools we have today to clock their deliveries.

Things changed when technology came into cricket. Now, speed guns and high-definition cameras catch every detail of a ball’s flight. These tools tell us exactly how fast a bowler sends it down the pitch. Because of this, we can track the fastest balls in cricket history with real numbers, not just guesses. It’s exciting to think how Spofforth or Trueman might stack up today, but modern gear lets us celebrate the speed demons we know for sure, giving us a clear picture of their amazing feats.

Measuring Speed in Cricket

Today, finding out how fast a cricket ball goes is pretty high-tech. Speed guns sit near the pitch, using radar to catch the ball’s speed right after it leaves the bowler’s hand. These machines are super accurate, telling us the pace in kilometers per hour. Cameras also help, showing the ball’s path in slow motion so we can double-check the numbers. This setup makes sure we know the real speed of the fastest balls in cricket history, no doubts about it.

Knowing the speed matters a lot in cricket. It lets us compare bowlers from different years and places, like Shoaib Akhtar in 2003 to Mitchell Starc now. Speed numbers show how much power a bowler puts into each throw. They also help teams figure out who’s the quickest and how to use them in a game. For fans, it’s fun to see those big numbers flash up, proving just how fast these players can go when they let the ball fly.

The Top 15 Fastest Balls in Cricket History

Here comes the big list—the top 15 fastest balls in cricket history! These are the quickest deliveries ever caught on record, and they come from all over the world. Bowlers from Pakistan, Australia, West Indies, and more have made it here, each with a ball that broke speed barriers. Some happened years ago, others more recent, but they all share one thing: unbelievable pace. This list, updated for 2025, shows the best of fast bowling, and we’re about to dive into each one.

The speeds on this list go from 161.3 km/h down to 153.7 km/h, a tight range of pure power. Every bowler brought their own style, whether it’s a wild throw or a steady rocket. We’ll look at legends like Shoaib Akhtar, who set the mark no one’s topped, and newer names like Lockie Ferguson, still pushing the limits. Each story behind these balls is different, but together they make up the fastest moments cricket has ever seen. Let’s meet these speed kings now.

1. Shoaib Akhtar (161.3 km/h)

Shoaib Akhtar holds the top spot with a blazing 161.3 km/h ball, bowled in the 2003 World Cup against England. They call him the “Rawalpindi Express” because he came in like a train—fast and unstoppable. That day, the ball flew so quick the batsman barely had time to blink. It’s the fastest ball in cricket history, a record still standing in 2025. We can almost hear the crowd roar just thinking about it, as Akhtar showed what speed really means in this game.

His bowling wasn’t just fast—it was scary. Batsmen facing him needed guts as much as skill, because that pace could rattle anyone. Akhtar’s big presence on the field added to the fear, making every delivery a battle. Pakistan had a star in him, someone who turned heads and set a mark others still chase. His 161.3 km/h throw isn’t just a number; it’s a piece of cricket history that keeps fans talking years later.

2. Shaun Tait (161.1 km/h)

Shaun Tait nearly matched Akhtar with a 161.1 km/h delivery for Australia against England. Known as “The Wild Thing,” his bowling was raw and hard to predict. His action looked strange, almost messy, but it worked—pumping out speed that shocked batsmen. That ball came so close to the top record, just 0.2 km/h off, showing Tait’s place among the fastest in cricket history. We can feel the buzz of that moment, picturing him charging down the pitch.

Tait’s speed was his weapon, even if he didn’t always hit the perfect spot. Batsmen stayed on edge, never sure what was coming next. Australia loved having him, a bowler who could shake up any game with pure pace. Sometimes his aim wandered, but when it landed, it was trouble. That 161.1 km/h ball proves he could fire it down with the best, keeping his name alive in cricket’s speed story.

3. Brett Lee (161.1 km/h)

Brett Lee tied Tait at 161.1 km/h, bowling against New Zealand with his smooth, fast style. He was a regular over 150 km/h, a steady force for Australia. That delivery showed his knack for hitting top speed without losing control. It’s one of the fastest balls in cricket history, and Lee made it look almost easy. We can picture him running in, blonde hair flying, ready to unleash another quick one.

What set Lee apart was his mix of speed and accuracy. He didn’t just throw fast; he aimed it right, wearing batsmen down over long spells. Australia leaned on him for years, a bowler who could do it all. His 161.1 km/h ball wasn’t a fluke—it was Lee at his peak, showing why he’s remembered as one of the greats in fast bowling.

4. Jeffrey Thomson (160.6 km/h)

Jeffrey Thomson took fast bowling to new heights in the 1970s with a 160.6 km/h ball against the West Indies. His slinging action was wild, like a whip cracking down the pitch. That speed changed how people saw fast bowling back then. It’s one of the fastest balls in cricket history, even without today’s fancy tech to catch every detail. We can only imagine how batsmen felt facing that kind of heat in those days.

Thomson teamed up with Dennis Lillee, and together they were a nightmare for anyone with a bat. Australia had a duo that ruled with pace, making life tough for opponents. His 160.6 km/h delivery showed what he could do, setting a standard for years to come. Even now, that speed stands out, a throwback to when fast bowling started showing its true power.

5. Mitchell Starc (160.4 km/h)

Mitchell Starc hit 160.4 km/h against New Zealand, proving he’s a speed king in modern cricket. This tall left-arm bowler often goes over 150 km/h, a regular threat for Australia. That ball flew with force, one of the fastest in cricket history, and Starc’s still out there doing it in 2025. We love watching him run in, knowing something big might happen every time he lets go.

Starc brings more than just speed—he’s got swing and killer yorkers too. His left-arm angle makes it tricky for batsmen, adding to his danger. Australia counts on him in every format, from Tests to short games. That 160.4 km/h delivery shows his strength, a moment that keeps him among the top names when we talk about cricket’s fastest bowlers.

6. Andy Roberts (159.5 km/h)

Andy Roberts fired a 159.5 km/h ball for the West Indies against Australia, a star in their fierce pace attack of the 1970s and 80s. He wasn’t just fast; he was clever, mixing his speeds to keep batsmen guessing. That delivery ranks among the fastest balls in cricket history, a testament to his skill. We can feel the heat of those old battles, with Roberts leading the charge for his team.

His trick was changing pace—slow one ball, then blasting the next. Batsmen never knew what to expect, and that made him tough to face. The West Indies had a lineup of quick bowlers, but Roberts stood out with his brain and speed. His 159.5 km/h throw reminds us how he helped make fast bowling a big deal in cricket.

7. Fidel Edwards (157.7 km/h)

Fidel Edwards sent down a 157.7 km/h ball against South Africa, fast for a guy not so tall. His whippy action snapped the ball out quick, surprising batsmen with its pace. It’s one of the fastest balls in cricket history, showing size doesn’t matter when you’ve got that kind of fire. We can see him steaming in, proving small can still be mighty on the pitch.

Edwards bowled over 150 km/h all the time, with bounce that jumped at batsmen. The West Indies loved his energy, a bowler who could shake things up. His 157.7 km/h delivery was pure power, hard to play even for the best. That speed keeps him on the list, a name that pops up when we talk about cricket’s quick ones.

8. Mitchell Johnson (156.8 km/h)

Mitchell Johnson clocked 156.8 km/h against England, a terror in the 2013–14 Ashes. His fast, bouncy balls made batsmen duck and weave. That delivery is one of the fastest in cricket history, and it showed why he was so feared. We still remember how he charged in, turning games with his raw pace. Australia had a weapon in him, ready to strike any time.

Johnson’s speed came with bite—those short balls flew high and fast. England struggled that series, and he was a big reason why. His 156.8 km/h throw wasn’t just quick; it carried a message: watch out. He brought aggression to the field, making him a standout in Australia’s long line of fast bowlers.

9. Lockie Ferguson (157.3 km/h)

Lockie Ferguson hit 157.3 km/h in IPL 2022 for Gujarat Titans against Rajasthan Royals. He’s a modern speedster from New Zealand, often over 150 km/h. That ball ranks among the fastest in cricket history, a sign he’s keeping pace alive. We get a kick watching him run in, knowing he’s got that extra gear to surprise anyone.

His quick balls and sharp bouncers make him perfect for short games. New Zealand relies on him to shake up batsmen, especially when the pressure’s on. That 157.3 km/h delivery showed his power, a moment that lit up the IPL. Ferguson’s part of the new wave, proving fast bowling still rules in cricket today.

10. Mohammad Sami (156.4 km/h)

Mohammad Sami blasted a 156.4 km/h ball for Pakistan against Zimbabwe, strong enough to smash the stumps. His speed was real, one of the fastest balls in cricket history. That moment showed what he could do when everything clicked. We can picture the ball flying, a rare burst from a bowler with big potential. Pakistan had a talent in him, even if things didn’t always go smooth.

Injuries and ups-and-downs marked Sami’s career, but his pace was never in doubt. When he hit that 156.4 km/h mark, batsmen felt the heat. He’s one of Pakistan’s quickest, a name that sticks around in speed talks. That delivery keeps him on this list, a flash of brilliance from his time on the field.

11. Shane Bond (156.4 km/h)

Shane Bond matched Sami with a 156.4 km/h ball in the 2003 World Cup against India. He was one of New Zealand’s best, fast and fierce. That throw is among the fastest in cricket history, a proud mark for him. We can hear the crowd cheer as he let it rip, a bowler who made every game exciting.

Bond grabbed tons of wickets—87 in Tests, 147 in ODIs—before coaching took him off the field. His 156.4 km/h delivery was no fluke; it was Bond at his peak. New Zealand had a gem, someone who could match the world’s quickest. Even now, that speed keeps his name alive in cricket’s fast-bowling tales.

12. Anrich Nortje (156.2 km/h)

Anrich Nortje fired a 156.2 km/h ball in IPL 2020 against Rajasthan Royals, helping Delhi Capitals reach the finals. He’s a South African who bowls over 150 km/h all the time. That delivery sits among the fastest in cricket history, showing his class. We love seeing him charge in, bringing heat to every match he plays.

Nortje’s pace gave his team an edge, troubling batsmen with raw speed. That 156.2 km/h throw was a highlight, a ball that stood out in a big tournament. South Africa’s got a star in him, keeping their fast-bowling tradition strong. His spot on this list proves he’s one of the quickest around in 2025.

13. Nantie Hayward (154.4 km/h)

Nantie Hayward hit 154.4 km/h against India in 2001, a fiery spell for South Africa. His aggressive style made batsmen jump. That ball’s one of the fastest in cricket history, even if his career didn’t last long. We can feel the intensity he brought, a bowler who loved going full tilt every time.

Hayward’s time in the game was short, but his speed left a mark. That 154.4 km/h delivery showed what he could do, earning him respect. South Africa had a quick one in him, someone batsmen didn’t forget. His place here reminds us of those fast, fierce days on the pitch.

14. Jason Gillespie (153.9 km/h)

Jason Gillespie reached 153.9 km/h against South Africa in 2002, a solid effort for Australia. He mixed speed with pinpoint aim. That ball’s among the fastest in cricket history, a quiet gem in his career. We can see him running in steady, part of a team packed with big names, doing his job well.

Gillespie often got less spotlight than Lee or McGrath, but he was key. His 153.9 km/h throw proved he could hit high speeds too. Australia’s attack was stronger with him, a bowler who kept things tight. His spot on this list shows his pace mattered, even among the giants of his time.

15. Irfan Pathan (153.7 km/h)

Irfan Pathan swung a 153.7 km/h ball for India against Pakistan, a left-arm beauty. He made history with a Test hat-trick there too. That delivery ranks in the fastest balls in cricket history, a highlight from his early days. We still smile thinking of him steaming in, a fan favorite who lit up the field.

Injuries cut Pathan’s career short, but his start was golden. That 153.7 km/h ball showed his speed, paired with swing that fooled batsmen. India had a winner in him, someone who shone bright before fading. His place here keeps his fast-bowling legacy alive for us to cheer.

The Impact of Fast Bowling

Fast bowling turns cricket games upside down. A quick delivery can break a strong pair of batsmen, shifting the whole match. It’s one of the fastest balls in cricket history that often makes the difference, like Akhtar’s or Starc’s. Teams use speed to take control, putting pressure on the other side. We’ve seen it happen—when a bowler goes full pace, the game changes fast, and everyone feels it.

The mind game is huge with fast bowling. Batsmen get shaky facing speeds over 150 km/h, knowing one slip could cost them. That fear makes them rush, leading to mistakes like edges or wild swings. It’s not just the ball; it’s the worry it brings. Fast bowlers like Johnson or Tait used that edge, turning nerves into wickets with every quick throw.

Modern Speed Demons

Today, fast bowling lives on with names like Mitchell Starc and Jofra Archer. Starc’s 160.4 km/h and Archer’s high speeds keep the tradition roaring. They hit over 150 km/h often, showing the fastest balls in cricket history aren’t just old stories. We get a thrill watching them, knowing they carry the torch for pace in 2025’s game.

Even India, once all about spin, now has quick bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Umesh Yadav. Bumrah’s hit 153 km/h, proving they can match the best. These guys are changing how we see their team, adding speed to the mix. It’s exciting to see this shift, with fast bowling growing strong everywhere cricket’s played.