Top 5 Fastest Balls in Cricket and Their Impact

Cricket is often seen as a game of strategy, skill, and timing. But sometimes, pure speed steals the spotlight. The fastest balls in cricket history have thrilled fans, rattled batters, and shifted match momentum in seconds. While spin and swing have their place, there’s nothing quite like a ball that hits 160 km/h or more.

In this blog, we’re looking at the top 5 fastest balls ever bowled in cricket, who delivered them, and how they changed the game around them.

Why Speed Matters in Cricket

Speed isn’t just about show. Fast bowlers use their pace to:

• Beat batters with reaction time

• Force errors under pressure

• Control the tempo of the game

• Break partnerships quickly

Cricket’s fastest deliveries don’t just earn headlines — they shape outcomes.

What Counts as a “Fast Ball”?

A delivery is generally considered extremely fast if it reaches over 150 km/h (93 mph). Some of the most feared bowlers in cricket history have consistently hit these numbers. Technology such as speed guns and ball-tracking systems has made it easier to track and verify these speeds in real-time.

Top 5 Fastest Balls in Cricket History

Let’s break down the top five fastest deliveries recorded officially in international matches.

1. Shoaib Akhtar – 161.3 km/h (100.23 mph)

Match: Pakistan vs England, 2003 World CupImpact: Shook global cricket headlines

Known as the “Rawalpindi Express,” Shoaib Akhtar holds the record for the fastest ball in cricket history. This blistering delivery came against England’s Nick Knight during the 2003 World Cup in South Africa.

• First ball ever officially clocked over 100 mph

• Changed expectations around fast bowling forever

• Proved that raw speed could dominate top-tier batters

Shoaib’s aggressive style and fierce pace made him a crowd favorite and a nightmare for opposition batters.

2. Shaun Tait – 161.1 km/h (100.1 mph)

Match: Australia vs England, 2010Impact: Highlighted how modern fitness can push speed limits

Shaun Tait wasn’t always consistent, but when he was on, he was terrifying. In a 2010 ODI, he bowled one of the fastest deliveries in cricket — clocking 161.1 km/h.

• Helped Australia dominate England in the series

• Proved Australia’s pace legacy wasn’t slowing down

• Inspired a new generation of quicks, especially in T20s

Tait often bowled with an open-chested action that gave his deliveries extra whip and bounce.

3. Brett Lee – 161.1 km/h (100.1 mph)

Match: Australia vs New Zealand, 2005Impact: Cemented Brett Lee’s legacy as an all-format pace legend

Brett Lee was more than just speed — he had accuracy, aggression, and control. But his 161.1 km/h thunderbolt against New Zealand was his fastest recorded delivery.

• Known for clean, repeatable action

• Played across all formats with top performance

• Helped Australia win across generations

Lee was also a mentor to many younger pacers and a key figure in global cricket’s fast bowling evolution.

4. Jeff Thomson – 160.6 km/h (99.8 mph)

Match: Australia vs West Indies, 1975Impact: Set the pace benchmark before speed guns became common

Thomson was part of Australia’s deadly bowling attack in the 1970s. He had an unusual slinging action and produced speeds many believed were unplayable for his time.

• Considered fastest in pre-digital era

• Feared for hostile bouncers and unpredictable bounce

• Pioneered the role of pure pace in Test cricket

Even without modern tracking tech, Thomson's deliveries were clocked using radar, showing how ahead of his time he truly was.

5. Mitchell Starc – 160.4 km/h (99.6 mph)

Match: Australia vs New Zealand, 2015Impact: Modern fast bowling at its most explosive

Mitchell Starc has become one of the most lethal left-arm pacers in the modern game. His 160.4 km/h ball in the 2015 World Cup stunned Ross Taylor and left viewers speechless.

• Combined pace with deadly swing

• Key to Australia’s 2015 World Cup win

• Known for crushing yorkers and reverse swing

Starc’s performance redefined fast bowling in ODIs and proved speed and skill can work hand in hand.

How Fast Bowling Impacts the Game

Fast bowling isn’t just exciting — it changes matches. Here’s how:

• Tactical Advantage: Fast bowlers tire out batters quickly.

• Psychological Pressure: Batters are less likely to settle when pace is unpredictable.

• Crowd Energy: Nothing lifts a stadium like a 150+ km/h rocket.

• Wicket-Taking Threat: Speed forces mistakes — mistimed shots, edges, or missed blocks.

In short, speed adds drama and control to cricket, especially in big matches.

Fast Bowling in Different Formats

• Tests: Speed is used in short bursts to break partnerships and create chances.

• ODIs: Controlled aggression with pace variations is key.

• T20s: Yorkers and bouncers at speed keep batters guessing.

In modern cricket, bowlers like Lockie Ferguson, Jofra Archer, and Anrich Nortje regularly touch 150+ km/h, keeping the tradition of speed alive.

Fast Bowling Stats to Know

• Only three bowlers have officially crossed the 100 mph mark.

• Speeds are recorded using radar guns at the bowler’s release point.

• Fastest deliveries often come in white-ball formats where aggression is rewarded.

What Makes a Bowler Fast?

• Strong lower body strength

• Quick arm rotation and release

• Seam position control

• Proper run-up and momentum

Most fast bowlers train with a focus on explosive fitness, rather than just stamina.

FAQs About the 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 in 2003 against England.

What is the average speed of a fast bowler?

Most international fast bowlers bowl between 135–145 km/h, while elite pacers regularly cross 150 km/h.

Where was the fastest ball recorded?

The fastest ball in cricket history was bowled in Cape Town, South Africa during the 2003 World Cup.

Why are speed records so rare?

Consistently bowling over 150 km/h is tough on the body. Accuracy and injury risk make extreme pace a rare skill.

How are bowling speeds measured?

Speeds are recorded using radar speed guns or Hawk-Eye tracking systems placed near the field.

Will anyone break Shoaib Akhtar’s record?

It’s possible, but unlikely. With more focus on fitness and control, bowlers tend to prioritize consistency over raw pace.

Final Thoughts

The fastest balls in cricket history aren’t just numbers — they represent moments of intensity, skill, and high-stakes drama. Each of the top five deliveries listed above left an impression not just on the batters who faced them, but on the game itself.

From Shoaib Akhtar’s 100.23 mph thunderbolt to Starc’s lethal 160+ deliveries, these balls showed what speed can do. Whether you're a fan of Test cricket or T20 fireworks, fast bowling will always be one of the game’s most thrilling elements.