Top 10 Fastest Bowlers in Cricket History
Cricket may be known for its grace and finesse, but when raw pace enters the scene, everything changes. There’s nothing quite like the adrenaline rush of a fast bowler steaming in, unleashing a delivery that zips past the bat before the batter can even blink. Over the years, the sport has seen some terrifying speedsters whose thunderbolts could shake even the best in the business. In this post, we take a deep dive into the top 10 fastest bowlers in cricket history—men who turned pace into poetry and made batsmen rethink their career choices.
1. Shoaib Akhtar – Pakistan
Known as the Rawalpindi Express, Shoaib Akhtar’s name is synonymous with raw, unfiltered speed. He holds the official record for the fastest delivery ever bowled—161.3 km/h (100.23 mph) against England in the 2003 World Cup. Akhtar combined blistering pace with a fierce attitude, often intimidating opponents even before the ball left his hand. Injuries may have hampered his career, but at his peak, he was untouchable.
2. Brett Lee – Australia
When it comes to Aussie fast bowling, Brett Lee is in a league of his own. Clocking speeds regularly above 150 km/h, his fastest recorded delivery was 161.1 km/h against New Zealand in 2005. Lee’s run-up was smooth, his action flawless, and his aggression relentless. He could swing the ball at speed, making him lethal across formats. He wasn’t just a bowler—he was a storm in spikes.
3. Shaun Tait – Australia
Nicknamed “The Wild Thing,” Shaun Tait was more chaos than control, but his pace was undeniable. In 2010, he unleashed a ball at 161.1 km/h against England, matching Lee’s mark. Tait didn’t play too many Tests due to fitness issues, but in white-ball cricket, his unpredictable pace and slingy action caused havoc. Watching Tait bowl was like watching fireworks—explosive and wild.
4. Jeff Thomson – Australia
One of the original pace demons, Jeff Thomson terrorized batsmen in the 1970s. His fastest delivery was unofficially clocked at 160.6 km/h, which in those days, with minimal protection and primitive equipment, felt like 200. Thommo’s action was unorthodox, but his arm speed and ability to generate bounce made him a nightmare to face. He once said, “I enjoy hitting a batsman more than getting him out.” Enough said.
5. Mitchell Starc – Australia
One of the modern game’s premier quicks, Mitchell Starc combines high pace with late swing—every batter’s nightmare. His fastest recorded delivery, 160.4 km/h, came against New Zealand in 2015. What makes Starc special is not just his speed, but his consistency and ability to bowl deadly yorkers at will. In a game increasingly dominated by batters, Starc brings the heat.
6. Andy Roberts – West Indies
A true pioneer of West Indian fast bowling, Andy Roberts was deceptively quick. While he didn’t have modern-day speed guns to validate his pace, it’s widely accepted that he touched 159+ km/h in his prime. Roberts was known for his two types of bouncers—one slow, one lightning fast—making him a master of deception. Without Roberts, the Caribbean fast bowling legacy wouldn’t be what it is today.
7. Fidel Edwards – West Indies
Often overshadowed by his more celebrated teammates, Fidel Edwards was raw pace personified. Clocking a top speed of 157.7 km/h, his skiddy action and aggressive body language made him a livewire. Edwards came into the scene on Brian Lara’s recommendation and left a mark with his fiery spells, especially in the mid-2000s.
8. Anrich Nortje – South Africa
The latest name on the list, Anrich Nortje has brought back the raw edge of pace bowling. In the IPL 2020, he delivered a ball at 156.2 km/h, the fastest in the tournament’s history at that time. What makes Nortje special is his control at high speed, a trait not many modern quicks have. With age on his side, he’s likely to climb even higher on this list.
9. Wahab Riaz – Pakistan
Best known for his explosive spell against Shane Watson in the 2015 World Cup, Wahab Riaz is one of the fastest left-arm bowlers Pakistan has produced. Clocking speeds up to 154.5 km/h, he’s all about aggression and fire. Wahab’s ability to crank up the pace in big games made him a cult figure in Pakistan cricket circles.
10. Jasprit Bumrah – India
India wasn’t traditionally known for express pace, but Jasprit Bumrah changed the narrative. Though not as fast as others on this list, Bumrah consistently hits the 150 km/h mark, with a top speed of around 153.2 km/h. His awkward action, pinpoint yorkers, and deceptive bounce make him a modern-day enigma. While his inclusion might surprise purists, Bumrah’s impact at pace is too significant to ignore.
Honorable Mentions
- Tymal Mills (England) – Clocked over 150 regularly in T20s.
- Jofra Archer (England) – Known for sudden bursts of high-speed spells.
- Pat Cummins (Australia) – Blends pace with precision.
- Mohammad Sami (Pakistan) – Once clocked at 156.4 km/h.
- Shane Bond (New Zealand) – Injuries cut short a potentially legendary fast-bowling career.
Why Speed Still Matters
In today’s T20-centric cricket world, where batsmen dominate headlines, genuine pace remains a game-changer. The top fastest bowlers in cricket history didn’t just rely on speed—they used it to break partnerships, turn matches, and rattle even the best. Speedsters keep batters honest and fans on the edge of their seats. While skill, swing, and smarts are crucial, raw pace brings a thrill like nothing else.
Final Thoughts
Cricket has always evolved, but the thrill of fast bowling remains timeless. From the brute force of Shoaib Akhtar to the calculated aggression of Bumrah, each of these bowlers has carved out a unique place in the sport’s lore. Whether you’re a stat geek, an old-school purist, or a Gen-Z fan, you can’t ignore the magic of speed.
The legacy of the fastest bowlers in cricket is not just in numbers or replays—it’s in the gasps of crowds, the broken stumps, and the unforgettable moments they created.