Cricket’s Speedsters: Ranking the Top 7 Fastest Bowlers in History

In the cricket realm, bowling with the pace has always been a thrilling spectacle as it captivates the fans with its raw velocity and unmatched power. The Fast bowlers possess a unique ability to intimidate batsmen with their astonishing speed, as the latter remain spellbound watching the ball hit the stumps. 

Over the years, cricket has witnessed some legendary speedsters who have consistently clocked lightning-fast deliveries, and have left an indelible mark on the sport. From unplayable bouncers to the toe-crushing yorkers, these pacers have redefined the art of pace. 

In this article, we’ll delve into the list of the top 7 fastest bowlers in cricket history, who have redefined the sport as not only a batsman’s game.

Top 7 Fastest Bowlers in Cricket History 

1 Shoaib Akhtar (161.3 km/h) 

The Pakistan fast bowler, Shoaib Akhtar is renowned to be the fastest bowler in cricket history. Akhtar bowled the fastest ball of his career during his home team’s match against England in 2003 at a speed of 161.3 km/h in the 3.5 overs of the game to the left-handed batsman Nick Knight. Akhtar had consistently delivered 150 kmph + deliveries, making him the fastest bowler for Pakistan. 

 2 Shaun Tait (161.1 km/h) 

The Australian pacer is next on the list of fastest bowlers in cricket history. Tait bowled the fastest ball of his international cricket career at the speed of 161.1 km/h during the team’s match against Pakistan in 2010 in Melbourne, Australia. Shaun Tait bowled the lightning fast deliveries during the later stages of his career, proving his efficiency as an experienced fast bowler. 

3 Brett Lee (161.1 km/h) 

The veteran Australian pacer Brett Lee has been renowned to be one of the greatest fast bowlers to ever play the game. Brett Lee registered the second fastest ball in Cricket at a speed of 161.1 km/h against the Aussies’ archrivals New Zealand in 2005 at Napier, New Zealand. His record was later tied by Shaun Tait who bowled at the same speed. 

4 Jeffrey Thomson (160.6 km/h)

The former Australian bowler Jeffrey Thomson delivered his fastest ball in cricket at the speed of 160.6 km/h during the Men in Yellow’s match against the West Indies in Perth, Australia in 1975. He has consistently played a vital role for the Australian team back in the 70s by registering 200 Test wickets and 55 ODI wickets in the active years of his career. 

5 Mitchell Starc (160.4 km/h) 

Mitchell Starc is the only active bowler in the list of the Top 7 Fastest Bowlers in Cricket History. Starc has become a lethal pacer who has troubled several batters on the field. Mitchell Starc bowled his fastest delivery at a speed of 160.4 km/h against their archrivals New Zealand during the test match in 2015 at Perth, Australia, making him a member of this prestigious list.

6 Andy Roberts (159.5 km/h) 

The Caribbean Pacer Andy Roberts became one of the most feared bowlers back in the 70s as he helped West Indies to register several crucial scalps. Roberts narrowly missed the remarkable 160 Kmph mark as he delivered his fastest delivery at a speed of 159.5 km/h against Australia in 1975. 

7 Fidel Edwards (157.7 km/h) 

The West Indies fast bowler promptly gained success as he was one of the few to consistently deliver over the speed of 155 km/h. Fidel Edwards delivered the fastest delivery of his career at a speed of 157.7 km/h during the match against South Africa back in 2003.

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— Arijit Shanto (@ArijitShan18431) September 24, 2024

Conclusion 

The sheer pace of the above presented fast bowlers has helped them to obtain the status of ‘legends’ as they revolutionized the game. The fast bowlers’ ability to consistently bowl at lightning fast speed has left an impactful mark on the sport, as they work on creating new milestones and setting a benchmark for the upcoming generation of fast bowlers.

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