Top 10 Fastest Bowlers in World Cricket History

The world of cricket has always been captivated by the sheer thrill of pace bowling. In the blink of an eye, a fast bowler rapidly throws the cricket ball towards the batsman, leaving spectators breathless and batters battling to react in time. These speed demons of the cricketing realm have become legendary figures, esteemed for their ability to throw the cricket ball flying at astonishing speeds. In this exploration, we will take a closer look at these remarkable cricketers, the fastest bowlers in the world, who have etched their names into the records of cricket history.

Whether you're a passionate cricket fan or simply curious about the exciting realm of pace bowling, prepare to delve into the world of the fastest bowlers. We'll provide you with all the intriguing details you'll want to know-

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Top 10 Fastest Bowlers in the world

Here’s a detailed list of the fastest bowlers in the world, with their fastest ball in cricket and details of when it happened:

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Shoaib Akhtar - 161.3 km/h

"The Rawalpindi Express" continues to hold the record for the fastest ball ever bowled in the history of cricket. His lightning-fast deliveries were a nightmare for batsmen around the world. Shoaib Akhtar stands as a unanimous choice for the title of the fastest bowler in the records of cricket. His name is imprinted in history for delivering the fastest ball ever documented in international cricket, clocking in at an astonishing 161.3 km/h (100.2 mph) during a match against England in the 2003 Cricket World Cup.

‍Brett Lee - 161.1 km/h

Brett Lee was the second fastest bowler in the world after Shoaib Akhtar. The former Australian pace sensation, came remarkably close to breaking the 100mph barrier in international cricket. He set his personal record with a lightning-fast delivery, clocked at 160.8 km/h (99.9 mph), during a match against New Zealand in the fifth ODI held in Napier in 2005.

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Lee unleashed this searing delivery against former New Zealand opener, Craig Cumming, in the opening over of the 50-over contest. 

Mohd. Shami - 156.4 km/h

Shami currently ranks among India's fastest bowlers. While his deliveries may not always grab your attention on the speedometer, the right-arm fast bowler consistently registers speeds exceeding 140 kmph. Shami's prowess extends beyond just pace; he also boasts the distinction of being one of India's premier reverse swing bowlers in the contemporary cricketing landscape.

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A standout feature of Shami's bowling is his remarkable ability to swing the ball in both directions, a quality that has cemented his status as a valuable asset for the Indian national team.

Shaun Tait - 161.1 km/h

Shaun Tait, known for his unpredictable pace, was one of the fastest bowlers in the 2010s. Although his international career with Australia was brief, featuring three Tests and 35 ODIs from 2004 to 2016, his slinging action allowed him to consistently clock speeds above 150 km/h. His fastest delivery, a searing 161.1 km/h, was unleashed against England. Tait even breached the 100mph barrier during a T20I against Pakistan in Melbourne, solidifying his place among the fastest bowlers in cricket history despite his short career.

Jeffrey Thomson - 160.6 km/h

Thomson, known as "Thommo," was a sensation in the 1970s. His express pace earned him 200 wickets in just 51 test matches, which was a remarkable feat during his era.

Andy Roberts - 159.5 km/h

Andy Roberts stood out as one of the swiftest international bowlers in his era, earning acclaim for his devastating bouncers and blistering pace. Notably, he unleashed a scorching delivery, registering as the sixth-fastest ball on record, clocking in at 159.5 km/h (99.12 mph) in a 1975 contest against Australia.

Mitchell Johnson - 156.8 km/h

Johnson ranks among the most accomplished cricket players hailing from Australia and renowned on the global stage. Remarkably versatile, he distinguishes himself as one of the few bowlers with professional batting skills. His pinnacle of pace was reached during a memorable encounter against England on the third day of the fourth Ashes Test in Australia in December 2013. Johnson's bowling prowess is evident through his impressive record of 313 Test wickets, 239 wickets in ODIs, and 38 wickets in T20Is.

Shane Bond - 156.4 km/h

Shane Bond, a fast bowler hailing from New Zealand, gained renown for his fastest speed and pinpoint accuracy. His name is etched in cricket history as he delivered the ninth-fastest ball ever recorded, clocking a remarkable 156.4 km/h (97.26 mph) during a match against India in 2003.

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Check Out the 5 Fastest Bowlers in India

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These fast bowlers have etched an indelible mark on the game of cricket, thanks to their remarkable combination of lightning-fast pace and pinpoint accuracy. The sheer exhilaration of propelling the cricket ball at such extraordinary speeds can electrify the bowlers while sending shivers down the spine of the opposing batsmen. However, this exceptional skill set is not achieved without relentless dedication, extensive practice, and peak physical condition. It comes as no shock that these bowlers stand tall as some of the most revered and daunting figures in the annals of cricket history.

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Final Words...

These are the top 10 fastest bowlers in the world cricket history as of 2023. These exceptional individuals have not only mesmerised the cricketing world with their skills but have also become the base of world’s bowling strength. While Shoaib Akhtar's record-breaking speed may stand unbroken for some time, the new generation of fast bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Mitchell Starc continues to keep the excitement alive.

The legacy of these fast bowlers is a base to the enduring thrill of speed in cricket, and they've made their mark in the history of the game. 

So, the next time you witness a bowler breaking the sound barrier with their deliveries, remember these legends who paved the way for the fast and furious side of cricket.