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World Fastest Bowler in Cricket | Top-10 Fastest Bowler in Cricket

January 13, 2026 - By Jack Walker

In addition to scoring runs, cricket is defined by fast bowlers who have the ability to intimidate batsmen with extreme speed and to influence the outcome of games. The ability to bowl at high speeds is probably one of the most entertaining aspects of a bowler’s skill. Cricket fans all over the globe keep asking questions about who the fastest cricketer is at any given moment and how they fit into the current fastest bowlers ranking. This article takes a look back through history and shows you some of the greatest fast bowlers to have played cricket.

Who is the Fastest Bowler in the World?

As the fastest bowler on Earth, Shoaib Akhtar from Pakistan – often called the Rawalpindi Express – achieved the official world record for his fastest ball of 161.3 km/h (100.23 mph) in international cricket history during the 2003 Cricket World Cup match against England. Shoaib Akhtar’s relentless speed and hostility on the field intimidated batsman worldwide, establishing a standard that remains unbroken to this day.

World Fastest Bowler Ranking — Top 10 All-Time

Here’s the world fastest bowler ranking based on fastest recorded deliveries in international cricket — featuring pace legends from different eras:

Rank	Bowler	Country	Top Speed (km/h)
1	Shoaib Akhtar	Pakistan	161.3
2	Brett Lee	Australia	161.1
3	Shaun Tait	Australia	161.1
4	Jeff Thomson	Australia	160.6
5	Mitchell Starc	Australia	160.4
6	Andy Roberts	West Indies	159.5
7	Fidel Edwards	West Indies	157.7
8	Mitchell Johnson	Australia	156.8
9	Mohammad Sami	Pakistan	156.4
10	Shane Bond	New Zealand	156.4

1. Shoaib Akhtar (Pakistan) – 161.3 km/hr vs England, 2003

When people ask who is the fastest bowler in the world, the answer almost always points to Shoaib Akhtar. Popularly known as the Rawalpindi Express, Akhtar bowled the fastest delivery ever recorded in international cricket at 161.3 km/hr during the 2003 World Cup against England. His explosive run-up, powerful action, and fearless attitude made him a nightmare for batters. Shoaib didn’t rely only on speed; his sharp line and aggressive length regularly forced mistakes from even the best players in the world.

2. Shaun Tait (Australia) – 161.1 km/hr vs England, 2010

Australian speedster Shaun Tait touched a massive 161.1 km/hr against England in 2010, placing him just behind Shoaib Akhtar in the fastest bowler in the world race. Tait was known for raw pace and steep bounce, making it difficult for batters to settle at the crease. He consistently crossed the 150 km/hr mark, which shows how naturally fast his bowling action was.

3. Brett Lee (Australia) – 161.1 km/hr vs New Zealand, 2005

Brett Lee remains one of the most loved fast bowlers in cricket history. In 2005, he clocked 161.1 km/hr against New Zealand, matching Shaun Tait’s speed. Lee combined extreme pace with swing and accuracy, which made him deadly in both Tests and limited-overs cricket. His aggressive mindset and athleticism made him a regular feature in any discussion about the fastest bowler in the world.

4. Jeffrey Thomson (Australia) – 160.6 km/hr vs West Indies, 1975

Jeff Thomson was one of the earliest true speed monsters of world cricket. During a match against the West Indies in 1975, he bowled at an astonishing 160.6 km/hr. At a time when technology and fitness training were limited, Thomson’s pace shocked batters and fans alike. His sharp bouncers and fiery temperament made him a feared name in the world fastest bowler ranking history.

5. Mitchell Starc (Australia) – 160.4 km/hr vs New Zealand, 2015

Left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc brings both speed and swing into modern cricket. In 2015, Starc recorded a delivery of 160.4 km/hr against New Zealand. What makes Starc special is his ability to maintain high pace while still swinging the ball accurately. His yorkers and late movement have helped Australia win many crucial matches across formats.

6. Andy Roberts (West Indies) – 159.5 km/hr vs Australia, 1975

Andy Roberts was one of the pioneers of fast bowling for the West Indies. In 1975, he reached 159.5 km/hr against Australia. Roberts used pace, bounce, and smart variations to dominate batters during the 1970s and 80s. He laid the foundation for the famous West Indies pace attack that ruled world cricket for years.

7. Fidel Edwards (West Indies) – 157.7 km/hr vs South Africa, 2003

Fidel Edwards was known for his slingy action and sharp pace. He touched 157.7 km/hr against South Africa in 2003. Edwards consistently troubled batters with bounce and late movement, making him a dependable fast bowler for the West Indies in international cricket.

8. Mitchell Johnson (Australia) – 156.8 km/hr vs England, 2013

Mitchell Johnson’s devastating Ashes performance in 2013 is still remembered by cricket fans. During that series, he clocked 156.8 km/hr, using aggressive short balls and swing to dominate England’s batting lineup. Johnson’s pace and hostility made him one of the most dangerous bowlers of his era.

9. Mohammad Sami (Pakistan) – 156.4 km/hr vs Zimbabwe, 2003

Pakistani pacer Mohammad Sami recorded a top speed of 156.4 km/hr against Zimbabwe in 2003. He was known for generating sharp pace and bounce, often delivering match-winning spells for Pakistan. His ability to bowl fast consistently earned him recognition among the quickest bowlers in international cricket.

10. Shane Bond (New Zealand) – 156.4 km/hr vs India, 2003

New Zealand’s Shane Bond was a genuine fast bowler who relied on pace and swing. He matched Mohammad Sami with a speed of 156.4 km/hr against India in 2003. Bond’s sharp movement and attacking mindset made him one of the most effective strike bowlers New Zealand has ever produced.

Final Words

Shoaib Akhtar’s record-setting 161.3 km/h has generated excitement within the sport of cricket and represents one of many milestones in the evolution of fast bowling. Cricket fans around the world are holding their breath as they see how each speedster will continue to challenge for the title of worlds fastest bowler!