Jul 9, 2023, 01:31 PM IST

Top 10 fastest bowlers in cricket history

Chankesh Rao

10. Shane Bond (NZ)- 156.4 kph

Shane Bond represented New Zealand from 2002 to 2010. During his tenure, he established himself as the fastest bowler in the country. However, it was at the 2003 ICC World Cup where he truly showcased his exceptional skills, propelling the ball at an astonishing speed of 156.4 kph.

9. Mohammad Sami (PAK) – 156.4 kph

Sami holds a renowned record in the history of cricket as the sole player to have achieved a hat trick in all three international formats. One of his most remarkable feats was the delivery of a lightning-fast ball at a speed of 156.4 kph during a 2003 ODI against Zimbabwe in Dubai.

8. Mitchell Johnson (AUS)- 156.8 kmph

Johnson is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished cricket players in both Australia and the world. Notably, he possesses the rare ability to excel both as a bowler and a batsman. A defining moment in his career occurred during the fourth Ashes Test against England in December 2013, where he unleashed his fastest ball to date.

7. Fidel Edwards (WI) – 157.7 kph

Edwards is a rare left-arm fast bowler, which adds to his uniqueness. His remarkable delivery of 157.7 kph was unleashed during his debut year in international cricket, precisely against South Africa in 2003.

6. Andy Roberts (WI) – 159.5 kph

Roberts was renowned as one of the swiftest international bowlers during his prime in the 1970s. A remarkable testament to his skill and speed was his lightning-fast delivery of 159.5 kph, achieved during a match against Australia in 1975.

5. Mitchell Starc (AUS) – 160.4 kph

Mitchell Starc is renowned for his lightning-fast, in-swinging yorkers. One of his most memorable moments came during the second Test against New Zealand in 2015, when he unleashed his fastest delivery to date.

4. Jeff Thomson (AUS) – 160.6 kph 

Thomson was perhaps the most fearsome bowler in cricket in his career, spanning 1972-1985. His fastest delivery was against West Indies in Perth, 1975. 

3. Brett Lee (AUS)- 160.8 kph 

Brett Lee played a crucial role in leading Australia to victory in the 2003 and 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup championships. One of his most remarkable achievements was his lightning-fast delivery against New Zealand in Napier during 2005.

2. Shaun Tait (AUS)- 161.1 kph

Tait had a sporadic career as a bowler for the Australian cricket team from 2006 to 2016. One of his most memorable moments was when he unleashed his fastest delivery against England at Lord's in 2010.

1. Shoaib Akhtar (PAK)- 161.3 kph 

Known as the "Rawalpindi Express," Shoaib Akhtar earned his nickname as the first bowler to surpass the 100 mph mark. His blistering pace was on full display during the 2003 ICC World Cup clash against England, where he unleashed his fastest delivery.