Fastest Bowlers in Cricket: Cricket is a popular sport worldwide, and bowling plays a crucial role in the game. Over the years, several fast and aggressive bowlers have gained recognition for their speed. Here’s an updated list of the 10 fastest bowlers in the history of world cricket, including the latest records from 2023 after Australia won the World Cup against India and the Fastest Bowlers in the World in 2024.
Fastest Bowlers in Cricket history
Cricket enthusiasts often marvel at the speed of bowlers, and Mitchell Johnson’s feat showcases his exceptional talent on the field. The latest records from the 2023 World Cup contribute to the ongoing excitement and discussions about the fastest bowlers in cricket history.
10. Shane Bond
- Shane Bond Bowling Speed: 156.4 km / h
Shane Edward Bond, a right-arm fast bowler from New Zealand, is often hailed as the country’s fastest bowler. Known for his exceptional skills, he was considered one of the most formidable bowlers during his playing days. His fastest recorded delivery was at a remarkable speed of 156.4 km/h (97.1 mph) during the 2003 ICC World Cup.
Currently serving as the bowling coach for the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Bond represented New Zealand in international cricket from 2002 to 2010. Throughout his playing career, he made significant contributions, taking 87 wickets in Test matches and 147 wickets in One Day Internationals (ODIs) for the ‘Black Caps.’
One of Bond’s standout performances occurred in a Test match against Zimbabwe in 2005, where he achieved the remarkable feat of taking 10 wickets for 99 runs. Additionally, he accomplished five-wicket hauls in Test matches five times and in ODIs four times, showcasing his consistency and skill as a premier fast bowler.
9. Mohammad Sami
- Mohammad Sami Bowling Speed: 156.4 km/h
Mohammad Sami, a Pakistani right-arm fast bowler, holds the record for the worst average in Test cricket. Despite this, he is recognized as the second-fastest bowler in Pakistan’s cricket history, securing the ninth position on our list. His fastest recorded delivery, clocking at 156.4 km/h (97.1 mph), occurred during an ODI in Sharjah against Zimbabwe in April 2003.
Since the start of his playing career in 2001, Sami has made significant contributions, taking 85 Test wickets and 121 ODI wickets for Pakistan.
An indelible mark in cricket history, Mohammad Sami stands out as the only player to have achieved a hat-trick in all three formats of the game. Renowned for his swing and pace, he is widely regarded as one of the best bowlers produced by Pakistan.
8. Mitchell Johnson
- Mitchell Johnson’s Bowling Speed: 156.8 km/h
The retired cricketer Mitchell Johnson is widely recognized as Australia’s premier fast bowler with an added capability of batting deep in the order. Holding the seventh position on the list of the fastest bowlers, Johnson showcased his remarkable speed by delivering a ball at a pace of 156.8 km/h during the 4th Ashes Test, Day 3 against England in December 2013 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Throughout his cricket career spanning from 2005 to 2015, Johnson made a significant impact, claiming 313 Test wickets and 239 One Day International (ODI) wickets. His exceptional performances earned him the prestigious Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy from the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 2009.
Notably, he was named the ICC Cricketer of the Year and ICC Test Player of the Year in 2014, solidifying his status as one of the top cricketers globally.
7. Fidel Edwards
- Fidel Edwards Bowling Speed: 157.7 km/h
The West Indian fast bowler, Fidel Henderson Edwards, has been a part of the West Indies national cricket team since 2003. Notably, his fastest delivery, recorded at an impressive speed of 157.7 km/h, was unleashed against South Africa in 2003. Interestingly, the legendary Brian Lara, one of the greatest left-handed batsmen, discovered Edwards in the nets, leading to his eventual selection for the national team.
Fidel Edwards has had a noteworthy career, having taken 165 wickets in Test cricket and 60 wickets in One Day Internationals (ODIs) as of 2021. His skill is evident in his performance of taking 5 wickets in 12 Test matches. Beyond international cricket, he has also contributed to domestic leagues, playing for the Bangladesh Premier League franchise Khulna Royal Bengals.
Additionally, Edwards showcased his talents in the Indian Premier League (IPL) while representing the Deccan Chargers and Rajasthan Royals. His journey in cricket reflects his impact on both the international and franchise cricket scenes.
6. Andy Roberts
- Andy Roberts Bowling Speed: 159.5 km / h
Sir Andy Roberts, the former West Indian fast bowler, was a standout performer known for his excellence in pace bowling. His remarkable achievements include twice taking seven wickets in an innings of a Test match. Notably, he unleashed his fastest delivery at a staggering speed of 159.5 km/h (99.1 mph) against Australia in Perth in 1975. Roberts gained recognition for his ability to deliver two different types of bouncers, adding to the challenge for opposing batsmen.
Throughout his prime, Sir Andy Roberts made significant contributions to West Indies cricket, claiming 202 wickets in Test matches and 87 wickets in One Day Internationals (ODIs). His skill was evident in his accomplishment of playing 10-wicket Tests on two occasions. Beyond his international appearances, he also played first-class cricket for Hampshire and Leicestershire County.
In recognition of his outstanding cricketing career, Sir Andy Roberts was honored by the United States, which inducted him into its Cricket Hall of Fame in October 2005. His legacy as a fast bowler and his impact on the game has left an enduring mark in the history of West Indian cricket.
5. Mitchell Starc
- Mitchell Starc Bowling Speed: 160.4 km/h
The outstanding performance of this left-arm fast bowler at WACA on Day 3 of the 2nd Test between New Zealand and Australia has earned him the fifth spot on this list. With a top speed of 100.4 mph (160.4 km/h) and a consistent average of 146.4 km/h during the games, his pace has been truly remarkable. Notably, he played a pivotal role in Australia’s victory in the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup.
Since 2010, this fast bowler has made a significant impact, securing 229 wickets in Test matches and 236 wickets in One Day Internationals (ODIs) throughout his professional career. His talent extended beyond international cricket, as he contributed to the IPL team Royal Challengers Bangalore and the Big Bash franchise Sydney Sixers. In the 2023 IPL auction, he was acquired by the Kolkata Knight Riders for INR 24 Crores, showcasing his value in the franchise cricket circuit.
Certainly, Mitchell Starc has rightfully earned his place among the fastest bowlers in the current cricketing landscape. His pace and skill make him a formidable force, and his performances continue to contribute to his reputation as one of the best fast bowlers actively playing the game.
4. Jeff Thomson
- Jeff Thomson Bowling Speed: 160.6 km/h
Former Australian right-arm fast bowler Jeffrey Robert Thomson holds the current rank of fourth in the list of the fastest bowlers of all time. During his playing days, he was widely regarded as the fastest bowler of his era, delivering his quickest ball at an impressive 100.4 mph (160.6 km/h) against West Indies in Perth in 1975. Thomson formed a formidable bowling partnership with Dennis Lillee, earning a reputation for having the most fearsome attack in Test cricket during that period.
In his illustrious playing career spanning from 1972 to 1985, Thomson left an indelible mark by taking 200 wickets in Test matches and 55 wickets in One Day Internationals (ODIs). His contributions extended to first-class cricket, where he claimed an impressive total of 675 wickets while representing Middlesex and New South Wales.
Recognizing his outstanding achievements and impact on Australian cricket, the Australian Cricket Board paid tribute to Thomson by inducting him into the Hall of Fame on January 27, 2016. This acknowledgment solidifies his legacy as one of the finest and fastest bowlers in the history of the sport.
3. Shaun Tait
- Shaun Tait Bowling Speed: 161.1 km/h
Right-arm fast bowler Shaun William Tait, a former representative of the Australian national cricket team, holds the impressive rank of third in the list of the fastest bowlers of all time. His fastest recorded delivery reached a remarkable speed of 161.1 km/h (100.1 mph) against England. Tait gained recognition for his exceptional performances, particularly in One Day Internationals (ODIs), where he secured 62 wickets during his playing career from 2005 to 2016.
In addition to his contributions in ODIs, Tait also represented Australia in international Twenty20 matches. Unfortunately, his cricketing journey was cut short by a chronic elbow injury, leading to his retirement in March 2017. Beyond his international career, Tait made his mark in various T20 leagues, playing for IPL franchises such as Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders.
He also participated in the Big Bash League, showcasing his skills for teams like Hobart Hurricanes, Adelaide Strikers, and Melbourne Renegades. Tait’s remarkable speed and contributions have left a lasting impact on the cricketing world.
2. Brett Lee
- Brett Lee Bowling Speed: 161.1 km/h
Former cricketer Brett Lee is renowned as the fastest Australian bowler in the history of Australian cricket and the second fastest in the overall history of cricket. His swiftest delivery, clocking at an incredible 161.1 km/h, was unleashed against New Zealand at Napier in 2005. Lee boasts an impressive career tally, claiming 310 wickets in Test matches, 280 wickets in One Day Internationals (ODIs), and a total of 487 wickets in first-class cricket. Widely debated as the fastest Australian bowler ever, Lee also gained acclaim as one of the best fielders in the game.
His contributions played a pivotal role in Australia winning the ICC World Cup twice, in 2003 and 2007. Lee extended his cricketing prowess to various T20 leagues, representing IPL teams such as Kings XI Punjab and Kolkata Knight Riders.
Additionally, he showcased his skills in the Big Bash League while playing for the Sydney Sixers. Notably, Brett Lee holds the distinction of scoring the first hat-trick in Twenty20 International cricket, adding another feather to his illustrious cricketing career.
1. Shoaib Akhtar
- Shoaib Akhtar Bowling Speed: 161.3 km/h [100.2 miles/hour]
Former Pakistan right-arm fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, famously known as the “Rawalpindi Express,” is widely acknowledged as the fastest bowler in the history of cricket. He represented the Pakistan national team across all formats of the game and set an official world record by delivering the fastest recorded delivery at 161.3 km/h against England during the 2003 ICC World Cup. Shoaib Akhtar holds the distinction of being the first bowler to exceed the 100-mile mark twice in his career, showcasing his extraordinary pace.
In his playing career from 1997 to 2011, Shoaib Akhtar left an indelible mark by taking 178 wickets in Test matches and 247 wickets in One Day Internationals (ODIs). Beyond his contributions on the international stage, he also showcased his skills in T20 leagues. Shoaib played for the IPL club Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and represented the NCL T20 Bangladesh franchise Cyclones of Chittagong.
Shoaib Akhtar’s legacy as the fastest bowler, combined with his impactful performances, has made him an iconic figure in the history of cricket. The moniker “Rawalpindi Express” is a testament to his unparalleled speed and contribution to the sport.
Fastest Deliveries of Cricket World Cup 2023
The 2023 Cricket World Cup is going to be filled with exciting matches and amazing cricket moments. One highlight will be the incredible speed at which the ball is bowled – from super-fast yorkers to deliveries that quickly knock off the bails. Get ready to see and enjoy the thrilling combination of the crowd’s cheers and the powerful sound of the bat hitting the ball. Here’s a list of 12 players who bowled the fastest deliveries, making the 2023 Cricket World Cup a truly memorable experience.
| Rank | Player | Speed (kph) | Speed (mph) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mark Wood (ENG) | 155 | 96.3 |
| 2 | Haris Rauf (PAK) | 154 | 95.6 |
| 3 | Lockie Ferguson (NZ) | 153 | 95 |
| 4 | Gerald Coetzee (SA) | 149 | 92.5 |
| 5 | Mitchell Starc (AUS) | 148 | 91.9 |
| 6 | Mohammad Siraj (IND) | 145.4 | 90.3 |
| 7 | Matheesha Pathirana (SL) | 145 | 90 |
| 8 | Marco Jansen (SA) | 144.6 | 89.8 |
| 9 | Lungi Ngidi (SA) | 144.5 | 89.7 |
| 10 | Jasprit Bumrah (IND) | 144.4 | 89.7 |
| 11 | Shaheen Afridi (PAK) | 144 | 89.4 |
| 12 | Hardik Pandya (IND) | 144 | 89.4 |
The fastest bowlers at T20 World Cup 2022
Here are 10 players with the fastest bowl in the 2022 World Cup.
| Rank | Player | Speed (kph) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mark Wood (ENG) | 154.74 |
| 2 | Lockie Ferguson (NZ) | 154.55 |
| 3 | Anrich Nortje (SA) | 154.31 |
| 4 | Haris Rauf (PAK) | 150.75 |
| 5 | Mitchell Starc (AUS) | 149.95 |
| 6 | Taskin Ahmed (BAN) | 149.56 |
| 7 | Chris Jordan (ENG) | 148.74 |
| 8 | Lahiru Kumara (SL) | 148.24 |
| 9 | Alzarri Joseph (WI) | 147.82 |
| 10 | Pat Cummins (AUS) | 147.37 |
Fastest Bowlers in the World 2024
Let’s chat about the upcoming super-speedy bowlers who could set new records for fast bowling. Cricket fans, get ready for a quick journey through the world of the fastest bowlers in 2024! Picture deliveries so fast that they’re like lightning, zooming past the batsman in the blink of an eye and smacking into the stumps with a loud thud. That’s what we’re diving into – the exciting reality of lightning-quick bowlers.
1. Jofra Archer
Jofra Archer, a fast bowler originally from Barbados, is now a key player for both Sussex County Cricket Club and the English national team. At 28 years old, he gained significant attention during the 2019 World Cup with an exceptional performance.
Archer played in every match for England after making it to the team, contributing significantly to their victory in the 2019 World Cup. Following this success, the ICC recognized him as a rising star in the English squad. Currently, he can consistently bowl at an impressive speed of 150 km per hour.
Archer is particularly known for his lethal bouncers and yorkers, and he has showcased his skills in delivering fiery deliveries not only in international matches but also in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
2. Lockie Ferguson
Our second pick for the fastest bowlers in the world in 2024 is Lockie Ferguson. He proudly represents the New Zealand national team and competes in first-class cricket for Auckland.
Lockie is known for his remarkable ability to bowl at speeds exceeding 90 mph, with his fastest recorded speed being an impressive 97.7 mph (157.3 km/h).
His reputation in the cricket world is built on his searing pace and deadly bouncers, making him one of the fastest bowlers to have ever graced the game. Lockie Ferguson’s skill and speed on the cricket field undoubtedly make him a formidable force to reckon with.
3. Anrich Nortje
Anrich Nortje secures our third spot among the fastest bowlers in the world for 2024. In February 2019, he earned a spot in South Africa’s One Day International (ODI) squad for the series against Sri Lanka, making his debut in March 2019.
Although he faced an unfortunate injury that ruled him out of the T20I series against Sri Lanka in March 2019 and the 2019 Cricket World Cup in May, Nortje continued to showcase his talent. He debuted in Tests and T20Is against India in 2019. Notably, in January 2020, he achieved a significant milestone by taking his maiden five-wicket haul in Test cricket against England.
Nortje’s contributions led to his inclusion in South Africa’s squads for the 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and the 2023 Cricket World Cup, though he missed the latter due to injury. His journey also includes stints in the Indian Premier League (IPL), playing for teams like Kolkata Knight Riders, Cape Town Blitz in the Mzansi Super League, and Delhi Capitals in the IPL. In the 2020 IPL, he made headlines by bowling at an impressive speed of 156.22 km/h (97 mph), marking the second-fastest delivery in IPL history during a match against Rajasthan Royals.
4. Mark Wood
Mark Wood takes the fourth spot in our list of the fastest bowlers in the world for 2024. He entered the cricket scene in 2015, making his Test, One Day International (ODI), and Twenty20 International (T20I) debuts. Wood played a crucial role in the success of the England teams that clinched victory in the 2019 Cricket World Cup and the 2022 T20 World Cup.
As a right-handed fast bowler, Wood has established himself as one of the speedsters in the cricket world. Since 2020, he has maintained an impressive average Test pace of 89 mph.
His contributions with the ball have undoubtedly added firepower to the England bowling attack, making him a key player to watch out for in the fast-bowling domain.
5. Umran Malik
Umran Malik secures the fifth position in our list of the fastest bowlers in the world for 2024. Making his debut for India in June 2022 against Ireland, Malik has quickly gained attention for his remarkable skills. He represents Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and plays for Jammu and Kashmir in domestic cricket.
Notably, Malik was retained by Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL 2022 auction. In a match against the Gujarat Titans on April 27, 2022, he achieved a significant milestone by taking his first five-wicket haul in Twenty20 cricket. His outstanding performance earned him the title of the Emerging Player of the tournament.
One of Malik’s standout moments was when he bowled the fastest ball by an Indian in the IPL, clocking an impressive 157 km/h in a match against the Delhi Capitals. His speed and promising talent make him a rising star in the world of fast bowling.
6. Haris Rauf
Haris Rauf claims the sixth spot in our lineup of the fastest bowlers in the world for 2024. The Pakistani fast bowler made his international debut for the Pakistan cricket team in January 2020. His journey began in Twenty20 cricket when he debuted for the Lahore Qalandars in the 2018 Abu Dhabi T20 Trophy on October 5, 2018.
Rauf’s talent caught the attention of Lahore Qalandars, and he was selected in the players’ draft for the 2019 Pakistan Super League tournament. Notably, he expanded his horizons by making his Test debut against England in December 2022.
On January 8, 2020, Haris Rauf achieved a remarkable feat by taking a hat-trick against the Sydney Thunder. This made him the first Pakistani and the first Melbourne Stars bowler to achieve a hat-trick in the Big Bash League (BBL). Notably, one of his deliveries during this hat-trick was bowled at an impressive speed of 151.3 km/h, showcasing his speed and skill on the cricket field.
7. Gerald Coetzee
Gerald Coetzee secures the seventh position in our list of the fastest bowlers in the world for 2024. He is renowned not only for his impressive bowling speed but also for his passionate and aggressive celebrations after taking wickets. Interestingly, his style and body language have often been compared to that of former South African pacer Dale Steyn.
Coetzee made a significant mark in the 2023 Cricket World Cup by becoming the leading wicket-taker for South Africa in a single edition of the tournament, reaching a record 18 wickets. His standout performances in the World Cup earned him recognition as one of the breakout stars of the tournament.
During the 2023 Cricket World Cup, Coetzee consistently bowled at speeds exceeding 140 kph, showcasing his pace and skill on the international stage. Looking ahead, for the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL), he was picked up by the Mumbai Indians for ₹5 crores. Additionally, in June 2023, Coetzee joined the Texas Super Kings roster for the inaugural season of Major League Cricket, marking another exciting chapter in his cricketing journey.
8. Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah takes the eighth spot in our lineup of the fastest bowlers in the world for 2024. Recognized as one of the swiftest Indian bowlers, Bumrah maintains an average speed of 142 km/h. His fastest delivery, clocking in at 153 km/h, was unleashed during the first Test match of the India Tour of Australia in 2018 at the Adelaide Oval. Notably, in this feat, he outpaced the likes of Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins.
Bumrah draws inspiration from legendary bowlers, citing Mitchell Johnson, Wasim Akram, and Brett Lee as his all-time favorites. He acknowledges learning a great deal from watching videos of these cricket greats. In particular, Bumrah mentions that he has gained valuable insights from Mitchell Johnson and Lasith Malinga.
His eagerness to learn from senior bowlers who have excelled in international cricket reflects his commitment to honing his skills and contributing to India’s fast-bowling legacy.
9. Alzarri Joseph
Alzarri Joseph claims the ninth position in our compilation of the fastest bowlers in the world for 2024. He is a versatile player, representing Leeward Islands and the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in West Indian domestic cricket.
Joseph serves as an all-rounder, showcasing his prowess as a right-arm fast bowler and a right-handed batsman. Notably, he was chosen by the Mumbai Indians franchise as a replacement for Adam Milne in the 2019 Indian Premier League (IPL) season.
Joseph’s impressive speed was highlighted in the T20 World Cup 2022, where he bowled the fastest delivery at 147.82 kph. This feat solidifies his reputation as one of the notable fast bowlers in the cricketing world, adding excitement to his contributions in international and domestic competitions.
10. Naseem Shah
Naseem Shah has captured attention on the global stage, especially after being called up by the Pakistan Cricket Board to play for the national Test side. His journey began at the age of 16 when he made his debut against Australia in November 2019, earning him the distinction of being the ninth youngest cricketer ever to make a Test debut.
In his debut match, he opened the bowling attack against Australia on November 21, 2019, and on the following day, he bowled a delivery at an impressive speed of 148.1 km/h. Despite his youth, cricket enthusiasts worldwide have high expectations for his future in international formats.
Naseem Shah’s standout performance was noted in the 2022 T20 World Cup, where his fast bowling skills shone, particularly in the final. His intimidating pace posed challenges for renowned batsmen like Stokes and Buttler, earning him recognition for his fearless and impactful contribution to Pakistan’s bowling attack.
