Fast bowling is among the most enthralling things in cricket, surely the very thing of power, accuracy, and above all speed. The sight of a fast bowler roaring in the runup, executing a timed leap with precision, and sending a ball which moves at an impressive speed could be defined as the action of a contest between bat and ball. The batsman only has a fraction of a second to react and protect the stumps, ensuring that his first thought is inevitably about his own personal safety.

Before speed became a part of the game of cricket, such legends among bowlers as Sir Wes Hall, Albert Trott, Wayne Daniel, Fred Trueman, and Fred Spofforth were the fastest. Now, with technology, there exists an accurate speed measurement of balls, and one can find the quickest among the fastest of bowlers that have been credited to cricket history.

Here’s a list of the top 10 fastest deliveries ever bowled in cricket:

1. Shoaib Akhtar – 161.3 km/h (100.2 mph)

Shoaib Akhtar, the legendary pacer from Pakistan, holds the record for the fastest delivery in cricket history. He bowled a 161.3 km/h thunderbolt against England in 2003, cementing his reputation as the “Rawalpindi Express.”

2. Shaun Tait – 161.2 km/h (100.1 mph)

Australian speedster Shaun Tait came close to breaking Akhtar’s record with a 161.2 km/h delivery against England in 2010. Despite his remarkable pace, he could not surpass Akhtar’s benchmark in his career.

3. Brett Lee – 161.1 km/h (100 mph)

Another Australian fast-bowling legend, Brett Lee, also challenged Akhtar’s record. He delivered a 161.1 km/h rocket against New Zealand in 2005, securing his place among the fastest bowlers.

4. Jeff Thomson – 160.6 km/h (99.8 mph)

Jeff Thomson was the first bowler to breach the 160 km/h mark, bowling a 160.6 km/h delivery against the West Indies in 1975. His blistering pace made him a pioneer in the art of fast bowling.

5. Mitchell Starc – 160.4 km/h (99.7 mph)

Left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc is another Australian to join the 160 km/h club. He clocked a 160.4 km/h delivery against New Zealand in 2015, showcasing his lethal combination of pace and swing.

6. Andy Roberts – 159.5 km/h (99.1 mph)

West Indies fast bowler Andy Roberts was a force to be reckoned with during the 1970s and 80s. He delivered a 159.5 km/h ball against Australia in 1975, solidifying his legacy as one of the greats.

7. Fidel Edwards – 157.7 km/h (98 mph)

Fidel Edwards, another West Indies pacer, bowled a 157.7 km/h delivery against South Africa in 2003. Although he couldn’t surpass Roberts’ record, his speed made him a sensation.

8. Umran Malik – 157 km/h (97.5 mph)

India’s young fast bowler Umran Malik impressed everyone with his pace in the IPL. He bowled a 157 km/h delivery, becoming the fastest Indian pacer in the tournament’s history.

9. Mitchell Johnson – 156.8 km/h (97.4 mph)

Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson attempted to reach the 160 km/h milestone. His fastest delivery, clocked at 156.8 km/h, came during the 2013 Ashes series against England.

10. Mayank Yadav – 156.7 km/h (97.3 mph)

Mayank Yadav became the first Indian bowler to cross the 155 km/h mark in cricket. Representing Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2024, he delivered a 156.7 km/h ball against Royal Challengers Bangalore, earning widespread admiration.