Pace bowling has always been a defining aspect of ODI cricket, with fast bowlers consistently producing moments of brilliance that shift the momentum of a game. The ICC Champions Trophy, often considered the “mini World Cup,” has seen some of the most ferocious spells of fast bowling, with bowlers clocking speeds well over 90 mph to dismiss batters in spectacular fashion. From Brett Lee’s dominance in the 2009 edition to the recent feats of Mark Wood and Kagiso Rabada in 2025, the tournament has been a showcase of sheer pace and precision. Let’s take a detailed look at the top five fastest wicket-taking deliveries in Champions Trophy history and how these speedsters left their mark on the tournament.

Top 5 fastest wicket-taking deliveries in Champions Trophy history

1. Brett Lee – 94.1 mph vs Grant Elliott (2009 Champions Trophy, South Africa)

Lee, one of the greatest speedsters in cricket history, holds the record for the fastest wicket-taking delivery in Champions Trophy history. During the 2009 edition in South Africa, Lee produced an absolute thunderbolt against New Zealand’s Grant Elliott, clocking an astonishing 94.1 mph (151.4 km/h). The sheer pace and perfect execution left Elliott stunned, as the ball rattled his stumps before he could react. This moment not only highlighted Lee’s raw speed but also Australia’s dominance in fast bowling during that era.

Why it was special?

• The fastest wicket-taking ball in Champions Trophy history.
• A near-unplayable delivery that left the batter completely beaten.
• One of Lee’s finest spells in limited-overs cricket.

2. Mark Wood – 93.4 mph vs Steve Smith (2025 Champions Trophy, Lahore)

In the Champions Trophy 2025, England’s Wood became the second-fastest bowler in the tournament’s history with a fiery 93.4 mph (150.3 km/h) delivery that dismantled Steve Smith. The incident took place in Lahore, where Wood produced an absolute scorcher. Smith, known for his brilliant technique and composure, was completely undone by the pace, edging the ball behind to the wicketkeeper. This delivery not only cemented Wood’s place among the fastest bowlers of the modern era but also proved that England had a true pace weapon in their ranks.

Why it was special?

• Fastest delivery by an English bowler in Champions Trophy history.
• Dismissed one of the most accomplished batters, Steve Smith.
• A defining moment in England’s bowling resurgence in 2025.

3. Kagiso Rabada – 92.5 mph vs Ibrahim Zadran (2025 Champions Trophy, Karachi)

South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada continued to dominate the pace bowling charts in 2025, delivering a 92.5 mph (148.9 km/h) rocket to dismiss Afghanistan’s Ibrahim Zadran. Rabada’s delivery was full, straight, and quick, leaving Zadran no chance as it crashed into the stumps. This wicket came at a crucial juncture, tilting the match in South Africa’s favour. Rabada has long been regarded as one of the most fearsome fast bowlers in world cricket, and this delivery only reinforced his reputation as one of the finest modern-day pacers.

Why it was special?

• The fastest wicket-taking delivery by a South African bowler in Champions Trophy history.
• Showcased Rabada’s unmatched ability to generate raw pace and trouble top-order batters.
• Marked Afghanistan’s collapse in a crucial encounter against South Africa.

Also READ: Top 5 players to hit most sixes in Champions Trophy 2025 ft. Rohit Sharma

4. Brett Lee – 92.3 mph vs Owais Shah (2009 Champions Trophy, South Africa)

Lee makes his second entry on this list, with another lethal delivery from the Champions Trophy 2009. This time, he sent England’s Owais Shah back to the pavilion with a 92.3 mph (148.5 km/h) rocket. The delivery was a perfect combination of speed and late swing, completely deceiving Shah, who played down the wrong line as the ball crashed into the stumps. Lee’s raw pace was unplayable on that day, and this delivery remains one of the fastest and most iconic moments in Champions Trophy history.

Why it was special?

• Second-fastest wicket-taking delivery in Lee’s Champions Trophy career.
• A textbook example of how sheer pace can dismantle even technically sound batters.
• Played a key role in Australia’s march towards another ICC title.

5. Brett Lee – 91.8 mph vs Travis Dowlin (2009 Champions Trophy, South Africa)

Lee’s third entry on this list came against West Indies’ Travis Dowlin in 2009. At 91.8 mph (147.7 km/h), this delivery was another demonstration of his sheer ability to intimidate batters with speed. Dowlin had no time to react, as the ball skidded off the surface and crashed into the stumps, leaving the batter stunned. Lee’s ability to maintain consistent speeds above 90 mph made him a nightmare for opposition teams throughout the tournament.

Why it was special?

• Third entry for Brett Lee, showcasing his absolute dominance in the 2009 edition.
• A wicket that summed up Australia’s fast-bowling supremacy in limited-overs cricket.
• One of the most aesthetically pleasing fast-bowling dismissals in Champions Trophy history.

Also READ: Top 5 best bowling figures in the history of Champions Trophy finals

For latest cricket news & updates, visit CricketTimes.com.