From Shoaib to Starc: Fastest Balls in Cricket Ever

Cricket has always been a mix of strategy, skill, and raw pace. While batters often take the spotlight, there’s something thrilling about a ball flying past at over 150 kph. The crowd gasps. The batter ducks or swings. And fans hold their breath as the speed gun flashes on the screen.

In this post, we’ll walk through the fastest balls in cricket history, covering legendary names like Shoaib Akhtar, Brett Lee, Shaun Tait, and Mitchell Starc. You'll get a clear look at who bowled the fastest, how fast it was, and what it meant for the game. If you're a speed lover, this one's for you.

Why Pace Bowling Captures Fans’ Attention

Pace bowling is more than just running in and sending the ball down fast. It’s about rhythm, timing, and using conditions to create movement at terrifying speeds.

When a bowler hits 150 kph or more, everything changes. Batters have less than half a second to react. A slight mistake can cost them their wicket—or worse, a blow to the helmet.

Here’s why fast bowling stands out:

• Speeds over 145 kph are rare and hard to control.

• High-pace deliveries challenge even world-class batters.

• Stadiums erupt when a speed record is broken.

• It brings unpredictability and excitement to the game.

Who Holds the Record for the Fastest Ball in Cricket History?

The record for the fastest ball in cricket history goes to Shoaib Akhtar, also known as the "Rawalpindi Express." He clocked an insane 161.3 kph (100.23 mph) during a 2003 World Cup match against England.

It wasn’t a fluke. Shoaib was consistently bowling over 150 kph, but this ball officially broke the 100 mph barrier. Since then, no one has topped that speed in an international match.

Top 10 Fastest Balls Ever Recorded in Cricket

Here's a breakdown of the fastest deliveries in cricket ever recorded, based on official match data:

These numbers show that fast bowling isn't fading — it's evolving. Younger bowlers like Anrich Nortje and Umran Malik are already climbing into the 150+ club.

Mitchell Starc: The Modern Speed Machine

While Shoaib still holds the record, Mitchell Starc has become the face of fast bowling in the last decade. His left-arm angle, deadly yorkers, and ability to touch 160+ kph have made him a nightmare for batters.

In the 2015 World Cup, Starc clocked 160.4 kph against New Zealand. What made it even more impressive was the accuracy. It wasn’t just fast — it was on target.

Fastest Ball in T20 Cricket

Speed isn't limited to Test or ODI formats. The shortest format of the game has also seen blistering pace.

• Anrich Nortje bowled the fastest ball in IPL history at 156.2 kph during IPL 2020.

• Lockie Ferguson, known for his skiddy pace, often hits 150+ in T20 matches.

This shows that even in high-pressure, fast-paced T20s, bowlers are pushing limits.

What Makes a Ball Fast?

Bowling speed depends on a mix of factors:

• Strong, explosive body movement

• Perfect timing in the delivery stride

• Seam position and release angle

• Pitch conditions and weather

• Fitness and muscle control

Pace isn’t just about strength — it’s a balance of technique and power.

Fastest Bowlers by Country

Let’s look at the fastest bowlers from top cricketing nations:

• Pakistan: Shoaib Akhtar (161.3 kph)

• Australia: Shaun Tait / Brett Lee (161.1 kph)

• India: Umran Malik (157 kph+)

• South Africa: Anrich Nortje (156.2 kph)

• West Indies: Fidel Edwards (157.7 kph)

• England: Mark Wood (155+ kph)

India’s Umran Malik, just in his early 20s, is showing exciting pace potential and could break more records in coming years.

How Do Speed Guns Track Fastest Balls?

Speed guns use Doppler radar technology to calculate how fast the ball travels out of the bowler’s hand.

• The speed is recorded at release, not after bouncing.

• Speeds can vary depending on camera angle and calibration.

• Some older records (like Jeff Thomson's) were estimated, not tracked electronically.

Records Still Unbroken

While batters keep pushing run limits, the fastest ball in cricket history record has stood since 2003. Even with better fitness and technology, few have come close to Shoaib’s 161.3 kph.

This raises the question: Will anyone ever break it?
With bowlers like Nortje, Malik, and Starc pushing hard, the future might surprise us.

Fast Bowling and Injuries

One downside of raw speed is the risk of injury. Many pace bowlers face stress fractures, shoulder strains, and knee issues due to the load on their bodies.

Some facts:

• Shoaib Akhtar had over 15 injuries in his career.

• Brett Lee missed multiple matches due to ankle problems.

• Tait retired early because of shoulder and elbow issues.

Modern players follow strict recovery routines, gym work, and workload management to stay fit and fast.

Trends: Are Bowlers Getting Faster?

Yes — but with smarter training, not just raw aggression.

• Bowlers are combining speed with swing and seam.

• Teams now track ball speed, heart rate, and muscle load.

• Technology helps manage injuries and maintain consistency.

Expect to see more bowlers touching 150+ kph regularly, especially from younger cricketing nations.

Fun Facts About Fast Bowling

• Shoaib Akhtar once said he bowled a 164 kph ball in practice, but it was never recorded.

• Brett Lee’s 100 mph ball came during a packed MCG ODI vs New Zealand.

• In the 1970s, Jeff Thomson’s speed was measured by high-speed film, not radar.

FAQs

Who bowled the fastest ball in cricket history?
Shoaib Akhtar holds the record for the fastest ball ever bowled in cricket — 161.3 kph in 2003 against England.

What is the average speed of a fast bowler?
Most top-level fast bowlers bowl between 140–150 kph. Speeds above 150 kph are considered elite.

Where was the fastest delivery bowled?
Shoaib’s record-breaking ball was bowled at Newlands, Cape Town, during a World Cup match.

Why don’t all bowlers aim for maximum speed?
Raw speed increases injury risk and reduces control. Many bowlers focus on accuracy and movement rather than just pace.

How is bowling speed measured?
Speed guns track the ball as it leaves the bowler’s hand using radar or high-speed cameras.

Will anyone ever break Shoaib Akhtar’s record?
It’s possible, but tough. It would take a mix of strength, rhythm, ideal pitch conditions, and a bit of luck.

Final Thoughts

The fastest balls in cricket history have created unforgettable moments and inspired generations of fans. From Shoaib Akhtar’s record-breaking thunderbolt to Mitchell Starc’s toe-crushing yorkers, pace bowling continues to bring raw energy to the game.

With young speedsters coming up from all over the world, the race to 161.4 kph is still alive. Until then, Shoaib’s 100 mph bullet remains cricket’s greatest burst of speed.