In cricket, speed is one of the most important factors which is the main feature in fast bowling. The ability for fast bowlers to generate pace has proved to be an unsettling factor to even the best batsmen in the world, creating a thrilling experience for fans around the world. Over the decades of cricketing history, there have been several fast bowlers who were able to etch their names in the history books by consistently throwing the ball over 150 km/h. This feat still inspires youngsters around the world.
This article covers the world fastest bowler around the world, along with their top speeds and stats. So brace yourself because you are about to find out if your all time favorite cricketer is on this list.
Top 12 World Fastest Bowlers in Cricket
Shoaib Akhtar (Pakistan)
- Fastest Ball: 161.3 km/h (100.23 mph)
- Against: England
- Year: 2003
One of the greatest bowlers of all time, Akhtar is known as the Rawalpindi Express of Pakistan due to his fierce speeds of 150 km/h+ during his career. He has one of the fastest recorded deliveries in the history of cricket which is 161 km/h. Along with hurting and scarring the batsmen on the receiving end, he also suffered from many injuries which proves that the job comes with its pros and cons.
Brett Lee (Australia)
- Fastest Ball: 161.1 km/h (100.1 mph)
- Against: New Zealand
- Year: 2005
Rowdy Lee was an outstanding fast bowler who consistently bowled over 150 km. He was one of the few bowlers who could generate speed and maintain precise aim. It was easy to understand why he was an asset for Australia. Lee remains a motivating figure for aspiring quicks as he has clinched the cup twice.
Mitchell Starc (Australia)
- Fastest Ball: 160.4 km/h (99.7 mph)
- Against: New Zealand
- Year: 2015
Mitchell Starc is appreciated for his dexterous yorkers as well as his speed pitching. His compulsive pace which has turn
Shaun Tait (Australia}
- Fastest Ball: 161.1 km/h (100.1 mph)
- Against: England
- Year: 2010
With an incredibly self propelled slinging motion, Shaun Tait set a high bar during his peak. Despite his career being shortened with numerous injuries, Tait keep pace with other frontrunners in the game.
Jeff Thomson (Australia)
- Fastest Ball: 160.6 km/h (99.8 mph)
- Against: West Indies
- Year: 1975
Jeff Thomson, along with Dennis Lillee, was a nightmare for batsmen in the 1970s. The way he used his unconventional slinging action and brute force set him apart and is regarded among the most intimidating bowlers in the sport.
Andy Roberts (West Indies)
- Fastest Ball: 159.5 km/h (99.1 mph)
- Against: Australia
- Year: 1975
The West Indian speedster Andy Roberts is one of the most gifted bowlers of all time, skillfully toying with the speed at which he operated. His strategies were essential in the rise of West Indies fast bowling supremacy.
Fidel Edwards (West Indies)
- Fastest Ball: 157.7 km/h (98.0 mph)
- Against: South Africa
- Year: 2003
Fidel Edwards’ trademark fast arm action set the pace for high-strung competitive crickets. Edwards is arguably known as the fastest flowed bowler of his generation.
Mohammad Sami (Pakistan)
- Fastest Ball: 156.4 km/h (97.1 mph)
- Against: Zimbabwe
- Year: 2003
When Mohammad Sami was on fire, he could reach in excess of 150 km/h. His high-speed deliveries made him one of the fastest bowlers from Pakistan, but he struggled with cons
Mitchell Johnson (Australia)
- Fastest Ball: 156.8 km/h (97.4 mph)
- Against: England
- Year: 2013
With an Ashes series already in the bag, the Johnson spell prepared fans for what was to come from Mitchell Johnson in the 2013-14 series, when he bulldozed his way through the England batting lineup.
Shane Bond (New Zealand)
- Fastest Ball: 156.4 km/h (97.1 mph)
- Against: India
- Year: 2003
Bond was renowned for his rapid pace and uncanny precision coupled with a knack for troubling even the top batsmen. Despite also having a career full of injuries, Bond was impactful and match-winning for New Zealand.
Nantie Hayward (South Africa)
- Fastest Ball: 154.4 km/h (95.95 mph)
- Against: India
- Year: 2001
Nantie Hayward was amongst the fastest bowlers for South Africa, temting 150 km/h quite often. His pace combined with aggression gave South African cricket a strong force.
Jason Gillespie (Australia)
- Fastest Ball: 153.9 km/h (95.6 mph)
- Against: South Africa
- Year: 2002
Jason gillepse showed controlled agression and consistency. He may not have been the fastest Australian bowler, but he could quickly dish high-speed bursts when needed.
Conclusion
While’s bowlers have an unforgettable mark on the game, fast bowlers bring an entirely unique dimension to cricket that leaves fans proud while also creating excitement along the way. From Akhtar’s lightning speed to Starc’s domination in modern times, these fast bowlers have all left a mark on the history of cricket.
Although not a single trait defines a stand out fast bowler, pace combined with precision, lateral movement and stamina truly makes a difference. Given the fast evolution of the game, new names will enter the fray, however these legends will never be forgotten as some of the fastest bowlers in cricket history.
Also read:- Top 10 Richest Cricketers in India 2025
