Top 15 Fastest Ball in Cricket History 2025: The Speed Records That Changed the Game

As of 2025, the fastest ball ever bowled in cricket was recorded by Shoaib Akhtar from Pakistan, who bowled an astonishing delivery at a speed of 161.3 kph (100.23 mph) during the 2003 World Cup.

In recent years, the current player who consistently bowls at high speeds is Rashid Khan. Known for his remarkable pace, he regularly delivers balls in the 150 kph range, making him a standout in modern cricket.

Speed is one of the most thrilling aspects of cricket. Bowlers who can bowl at blistering speeds often make headlines, with their deliveries striking fear into the hearts of batsmen. This article takes a deep dive into the fastest ball in cricket history and discusses the fastest bowlers in IPL history.

Top 15 Fastest Balls in Cricket History (2025)

Here are the top 15 fastest deliveries in cricket history, ranked by the speed of the ball at the moment of delivery:

1. Shoaib Akhtar (161.3 kph) - 2003 World Cup vs England

The record holder for the fastest delivery ever bowled. Shoaib Akhtar’s delivery during the 2003 World Cup against England remains the benchmark for speed. His deliveries were fearsome, earning him the nickname "The Rawalpindi Express."

2. Brett Lee (161.1 kph) - 2005 vs New Zealand

One of the most famous fast bowlers of all time, Brett Lee was known for his blistering pace and fiery aggression on the field. He nearly broke Akhtar’s record in the 2005 series against New Zealand.

3. Shaun Tait (161.1 kph) - 2010 vs Pakistan

Known for his high pace and aggressive short-pitched balls, Tait made a significant impact with his speed in the 2010 series against Pakistan.

4. Jeff Thomson (160.6 kph) – 1975 vs South Africa

A legend from the 1970s, Thomson’s deliveries were both fast and unpredictable. His pace and bounce often left batsmen in disarray. His 160.6 kph delivery during a 1975 match against South Africa remains memorable for its unpredictable speed and bounce.

5. Mitchell Starc (160.4 kph) - 2015 vs New Zealand

Starc is a modern-day speedster with consistent pace. He bowled at 160.4 kph during a 2015 match against New Zealand, becoming a crucial part of the Australian team, with his speed and accuracy making him a key weapon.

6. Andy Roberts (159.5 kph) - 1970 vs Australia

Roberts was a key figure in the West Indies' dominance during the 1970s and 1980s. His speed and skill were key to West Indies' success, and his 159.5 kph delivery against Australia in the 1970s is highly regarded.

7. Fidel Edwards (157.7 kph) - 2003 vs South Africa

Edwards was known for his slingy action and raw pace. He bowled at 157.7 kph during the 2003 World Cup match against South Africa, establishing himself as one of the West Indies' most fearsome fast bowlers.

8. Mitchell Johnson (156.8 kph) - 2013 Ashes Series

Johnson, a left-arm pacer, terrorized batsmen with his speed and bounce during the 2013 Ashes series. His 156.8 kph delivery was part of his deadly bowling arsenal that helped Australia dominate England in the series.

9. Dale Steyn (156.2 kph) - 2010 vs India

Steyn is one of the most complete fast bowlers of the modern era, combining speed and precision. He bowled at 156.2 kph during a 2010 match against India, solidifying his place as one of the best fast bowlers in the world.

10. Anrich Nortje (156.2 kph) - 2020 IPL

Nortje, a rising South African fast bowler, impressed with his extreme pace. His 156.2 kph delivery during the 2020 IPL remains the fastest in the competition’s history, marking him as a major force in fast bowling.

11. Jofra Archer (155.1 kph) - 2019 World Cup vs Australia

Archer, a key member of the England team, impressed with his pace and accuracy. He bowled at 155.1 kph during the 2019 World Cup against Australia, becoming a pivotal figure for England during their campaign.

12. Mark Wood (154.6 kph)

Known for his raw speed, Mark Wood was a standout player for England in the 2023 World Cup, regularly bowling deliveries over 150 kph.

13. Kemar Roach (154.4 kph)

A reliable pace bowler for the West Indies, Roach has made a name for himself by consistently clocking speeds above 150 kph, particularly during the 2024 series against Australia.

14. Chris Woakes (153.7 kph)

A bowler who is as consistent as he is fast, Chris Woakes combines pace and accuracy to trouble the best batsmen in the world.

15. Lockie Ferguson (153.7 kph) – 2021 IPL

Ferguson, a promising fast bowler from New Zealand, has been known for his express pace and excellent control. He bowled at 153.7 kph during the 2021 IPL, contributing significantly to his team’s success with his rapid deliveries.

Top 10 Fastest Ball in IPL History

The Indian Premier League has showcased some of the fastest deliveries in recent years. Here are the top 10 fastest deliveries ever bowled in the IPL:

• 1. Shaun Tait (157.7 kph) – 2011 IPL

• 2. Umran Malik (157.0 kph) – 2022 IPL

• 3. Anrich Nortje (156.2 kph) – 2020 IPL

• 4. Jofra Archer (154.4 kph) – 2021 IPL

• 5. Dale Steyn (154.4 kph) – 2012 IPL

• 6. Kagiso Rabada (154.2 kph) – 2020 IPL

• 7. Shane Bond (153.8 kph) – 2009 IPL

• 8. Lockie Ferguson (153.7 kph) – 2021 IPL

• 9. Lasith Malinga (153.6 kph) – 2011 IPL

• 10. Pat Cummins (152.7 kph) – 2022 IPL

The IPL has always been a stage for the world's fastest bowlers to showcase their skills. The intense competition and packed stadiums create a thrilling atmosphere for these pace bowlers to shine.

Who is India's Fastest Bowler?

India's fastest bowler is Javagal Srinath, who recorded a speed of 158.5 kph (98.5 mph). Known for his sharp, fast deliveries, Srinath was one of India's most feared pacers in the 90s and early 2000s.

However, in the current generation, Mohammad Shami has consistently bowled at speeds above 150 kph (93 mph) and remains one of the fastest bowlers for India in recent years. He regularly clocks deliveries in the mid-150s range.

Conclusion

Speed remains a crucial weapon in the arsenal of any bowler. While Shoaib Akhtar still holds the record for the fastest ball in cricket history, the game continues to evolve, with newer bowlers constantly pushing the boundaries of pace. Whether in the IPL or international cricket, fast bowlers continue to captivate fans with their incredible speed and aggression. As the game evolves, we may soon see new challengers emerging to break these records, keeping the race for the fastest ball in cricket as exciting as ever.

FAQs

Q: What is the fastest ball in cricket history?

A: The fastest ball in cricket history is 161.3 kph (100.23 mph), bowled by Shoaib Akhtar in 2003.

Q: Who bowled the fastest ball in cricket history?

A: Shoaib Akhtar bowled the fastest ball at 161.3 kph (100.23 mph).

Q: Who bowled 175 kph?

A: No one has officially bowled 175 kph, but Shoaib Akhtar came close with his 161.3 kph delivery.

Q: Who is the fastest bowler in live cricket today?

A: Jofra Archer and Mark Wood are among the fastest, regularly exceeding 150 kph.

Q: What kind of cricket pitch is better for fast bowlers?

A: A hard, dry pitch with a bit of grass is ideal for fast bowlers.