Fast bowling has long been one of cricket’s most thrilling aspects. A delivery fired down at extraordinary speed can unsettle even the most experienced batters, leaving them with little time to react. Throughout the history of the game, several pacers have built their reputations around sheer pace, with Shoaib Akhtar, among the most prominent names.

Determining the fastest ball ever bowled, however, is not entirely straightforward. Differences in speed-measuring technology, disputed readings and the lack of reliable records from earlier eras make direct comparisons challenging. Akhtar’s delivery clocked at 161.3 km/h remains the most widely recognised benchmark for the fastest ball officially recorded in international cricket. Let’s have a look at 10 deliveries associated with some of cricket’s quickest bowlers, along with the achievements that made them stand out.

10 fastest deliveries bowled in international cricket

1. Shoaib Akhtar – 161.3 km/h

Pakistan’s Akhtar occupies the top spot on most lists of cricket’s fastest bowlers. He reportedly delivered a ball at 161.3 km/h against England during the 2003 ODI World Cup in Cape Town, South Africa.

Nicknamed the Rawalpindi Express, Akhtar was famous for his explosive approach, powerful run-up and ability to generate exceptional pace. His remarkable speed established a benchmark that has remained a major talking point in discussions about the fastest deliveries in the sport.

2. Brett Lee – 161.1 km/h

Australian speedster Brett Lee was among the most dangerous fast bowlers of his generation. His quickest delivery is widely reported to have reached 161.1 km/h against New Zealand in Napier in 2005. Though available footages show 161 km/h as his quickest ball.

Lee relied on a combination of raw pace, aggression and relentless pressure. His short-pitched deliveries frequently challenged batters, while his consistency made him a valuable member of Australia’s dominant bowling attack. Despite occasional differences in reported speed figures, Lee remains one of international cricket’s most celebrated quicks.

3. Shaun Tait – 161.1 km/h

Shaun Tait was another Australian pacer renowned for his extraordinary speed. His fastest delivery is commonly listed at 161.1 km/h, reportedly achieved against England in an ODI at Lord’s in 2010.

Tait’s distinctive action and ability to unleash rapid deliveries made him particularly threatening in limited-overs cricket. Injuries restricted his opportunities at the international level, but his natural pace ensured that he remained one of the quickest bowlers of his time.

4. Jeff Thomson – Approximately 160 km/h

Jeff Thomson terrorised batters with his express pace during the 1970s. The Australian quick was known for his unconventional action and ability to produce deliveries that were exceptionally difficult to handle.

Historical accounts have often placed Thomson’s speed close to 160 km/h. However, the technology available during his playing career was not as advanced or standardised as modern speed-measuring systems. Consequently, his reported pace cannot be compared directly with contemporary radar readings.

5. Mitchell Starc – 160.4 km/h

Mitchell Starc demonstrated his remarkable pace when he reportedly bowled at 160.4 km/h against New Zealand at the WACA Ground in Perth in November 2015.

The Australian left-arm fast bowler produced a blistering yorker aimed at Ross Taylor during the Test match. Starc’s ability to combine high speed with late movement and accuracy makes him particularly dangerous, especially when attacking the base of the stumps. That delivery remains one of the standout examples of extreme pace in modern Test cricket.

6. Andy Roberts – 159.5 km/h

Andy Roberts was an influential figure in the powerful West Indies pace attacks that dominated international cricket during the 1970s and 1980s.

Unlike bowlers who depended primarily on speed, Roberts combined aggression with tactical awareness, control and clever variations. Some historical lists attribute a top speed of around 159.5 km/h to him, although dependable measurements from his playing era are scarce.

His legacy extends beyond raw pace, as his intelligence and ability to outthink batters helped establish him as one of the leading fast bowlers of his generation.

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7. Fidel Edwards – 157.7 km/h

West Indies pacer Fidel Edwards earned recognition for his unusual sling-arm action and ability to bowl at considerable speed. His fastest delivery is frequently recorded at 157.7 km/h, reportedly achieved against South Africa in 2003.

Edwards used his pace to put batters under pressure and could become especially threatening when the ball offered movement off the surface. His distinctive technique made him a recognisable presence in international cricket during the early 2000s.

8. Mitchell Johnson – 156.8 km/h

Mitchell Johnson was one of Australia’s most intimidating left-arm fast bowlers. His combination of speed, steep bounce and aggressive short-pitched bowling often made life uncomfortable for opposing batters.

His quickest delivery is commonly listed at 156.8 km/h during the 2013–14 Ashes series against England. Johnson produced a series of devastating spells during Australia’s commanding campaign, cementing his reputation as one of the most fearsome pacers of his era. His ability to attack both the body and the stumps made him a formidable opponent.

9. Mohammad Sami – 156.4 km/h

Pakistan’s Mohammad Sami was blessed with exceptional natural pace and regularly featured among the quickest bowlers of his generation.

His top speed is widely reported as 156.4 km/h, achieved against Zimbabwe in 2003. Although Sami experienced fluctuations in form throughout his international career, his ability to generate extraordinary speed made him a dangerous bowler when he found the right rhythm. His reported fastest delivery continues to earn him a place in conversations about international cricket’s quickest pacers.

10. Shane Bond – 156.4 km/h

New Zealand’s Shane Bond completes this list with a reported top speed of 156.4 km/h during the 2003 World Cup. Despite his career being interrupted by recurring injuries, Bond established himself as one of the most respected fast bowlers of his era.

He combined impressive speed with accuracy and the ability to generate movement, making him a significant threat to high-quality batting line-ups. His performances demonstrated that extreme pace could be even more effective when supported by control and tactical discipline. Whenever he was available, Bond provided New Zealand with a genuine match-winning threat.

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