Top 10 Fastest Deliveries Bowled in the History of Cricket

Cricket has always been a game of skill, strategy, and speed. Among the various aspects that captivate fans, the sheer speed of fast bowlers often stands out. This article delves into the top 10 fastest deliveries bowled in the history of cricket, highlighting the incredible feats of these speedsters, their career achievements, and their international stats.

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

Known as the “Rawalpindi Express,” Shoaib Akhtar is one of the most feared fast bowlers in cricket history. His blistering pace and aggressive style made him a nightmare for batsmen worldwide.

Shoaib Akhtar holds the record for the fastest delivery in cricket history, clocking in at 161.3 km/h (100.23 mph).

Achievements

• First bowler to break the 100 mph barrier.
• Holds the record for the fastest delivery ever bowled.
• Played a crucial role in Pakistan’s victories in various international tournaments.

International Stats

• Tests: 46 matches, 178 wickets at an average of 25.69.
• ODIs: 163 matches, 247 wickets at an average of 24.97.
• T20Is: 15 matches, 19 wickets at an average of 22.73.

2. Shaun Tait – 161.1 km/h (100.14 mph)

Shaun Tait, an Australian fast bowler, was known for his raw pace and ability to bowl consistently over 150 km/h. His unorthodox action and speed made him a crucial player in limited-overs formats.

Achievements

• Key player in Australia’s 2007 World Cup-winning squad.
• Regularly clocked speeds over 150 km/h.
• Known for his exceptional performances in T20 leagues around the world.

International Stats

• Tests: 3 matches, 5 wickets at an average of 60.40.
• ODIs: 35 matches, 62 wickets at an average of 23.56.
• T20Is: 21 matches, 28 wickets at an average of 19.25.

3. Brett Lee – 161.1 km/h (100.14 mph)

Brett Lee, one of Australia’s finest fast bowlers, combined speed with accuracy. His athleticism and charisma made him a fan favorite and a key player for Australia across all formats.

Achievements

• Part of Australia’s World Cup-winning teams in 2003 and 2007.
• Achieved over 700 international wickets.
• Known for his remarkable speed and consistency.

International Stats

• Tests: 76 matches, 310 wickets at an average of 30.81.
• ODIs: 221 matches, 380 wickets at an average of 23.36.
• T20Is: 25 matches, 28 wickets at an average of 25.50.

4. Jeff Thomson – 160.6 km/h (99.66 mph)

Jeff Thomson, an Australian fast bowler from the 1970s, was known for his fearsome pace and unique sling action. He, along with Dennis Lillee, formed one of the most lethal bowling pairs in cricket history.

Achievements

• Played a pivotal role in Australia’s cricketing dominance in the 1970s.
• Known for his memorable battles with West Indian batsmen.
• Held the record for the fastest delivery for many years.

International Stats

• Tests: 51 matches, 200 wickets at an average of 28.00.
• ODIs: 50 matches, 55 wickets at an average of 35.51.

5. Mitchell Starc – 160.4 km/h (99.57 mph)

Mitchell Starc, an Australian left-arm fast bowler, is renowned for his lethal yorkers and ability to swing the ball at high speeds. He has been a crucial player in Australia’s bowling attack in all formats.

Achievements

• Key player in Australia’s 2015 World Cup-winning team.
• Known for his exceptional performances in both Tests and limited-overs cricket.
• Holds several records for fast bowling in World Cups.

International Stats

• Tests: 82 matches, 325 wickets at an average of 27.69.
• ODIs: 109 matches, 219 wickets at an average of 21.79.
• T20Is: 58 matches, 73 wickets at an average of 19.49.

6. Andy Roberts – 159.5 km/h (99.12 mph)

Andy Roberts, a West Indian fast bowler, was known for his pace and deceptive variations. He was one of the pioneers of the fearsome West Indian pace attack of the 1970s and 1980s.

Achievements

• Played a key role in West Indies’ dominance in the late 20th century.
• First bowler to take seven wickets in a One Day International.
• Inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in 2009.

International Stats

• Tests: 47 matches, 202 wickets at an average of 25.61.
• ODIs: 56 matches, 87 wickets at an average of 20.35.

7. Fidel Edwards – 157.7 km/h (97.94 mph)

Fidel Edwards, a West Indian fast bowler, is known for his explosive pace and sharp bouncers. His speed and aggression have made him a formidable opponent in all formats of the game.

Achievements

• Known for his impactful performances in Test cricket.
• Regularly bowled over 150 km/h, posing a significant challenge to batsmen.
• Played in various T20 leagues around the world, showcasing his fast-bowling skills.

International Stats

• Tests: 55 matches, 165 wickets at an average of 37.87.
• ODIs: 50 matches, 60 wickets at an average of 30.20.
• T20Is: 26 matches, 22 wickets at an average of 27.45.

8. Mitchell Johnson – 156.8 km/h (97.49 mph)

Mitchell Johnson, an Australian left-arm fast bowler, is known for his intimidating pace and ability to generate steep bounce. His fiery spells have dismantled many top batting line-ups.

Achievements

• ICC Cricketer of the Year in 2009 and 2014.
• Played a key role in Australia’s Ashes victories and the 2015 World Cup win.
• Known for his remarkable comeback and match-winning performances.

International Stats

• Tests: 73 matches, 313 wickets at an average of 28.40.
• ODIs: 153 matches, 239 wickets at an average of 25.26.
• T20Is: 30 matches, 38 wickets at an average of 20.97.

9. Mohammad Sami – 156.4 km/h (97.18 mph)

Mohammad Sami, a Pakistani fast bowler, is known for his exceptional speed and ability to swing the ball both ways. Despite an inconsistent career, his raw pace made him a significant threat to batsmen.

Achievements

• Known for his remarkable debut performances.
• Held the record for the fastest delivery by a Pakistani bowler.
• Played key roles in various international tournaments for Pakistan.

International Stats

• Tests: 36 matches, 85 wickets at an average of 52.74.
• ODIs: 87 matches, 121 wickets at an average of 27.80.
• T20Is: 13 matches, 21 wickets at an average of 16.80.

10. Shane Bond – 156.4 km/h (97.18 mph)

Shane Bond, a New Zealand fast bowler, was known for his lightning speed and accuracy. Despite a career plagued by injuries, his impact on the game was profound whenever he took the field.

Achievements

• New Zealand’s most successful fast bowler in terms of strike rate.
• Key player in New Zealand’s bowling attack during his career.
• Notable for his exceptional performances in ICC tournaments.

International Stats

• Tests: 18 matches, 87 wickets at an average of 22.09.
• ODIs: 82 matches, 147 wickets at an average of 20.88.
• T20Is: 20 matches, 25 wickets at an average of 21.72.

Conclusion

The top 10 fastest deliveries in cricket history highlight the incredible talent and sheer pace of these legendary bowlers. Their ability to bowl at such high speeds not only intimidated batsmen but also brought an exhilarating edge to the game. These speedsters have left an indelible mark on cricket, inspiring future generations to push the boundaries of fast bowling.