The debate over the fastest delivery is one of the most thrilling ones for cricket fans across the world. The legendary Shoaib Akhtar set a mark by bowling the fastest in cricket history at 161.3 km/h on the 2003 World Cup. So far, no confirmed breakthroughs had been made despite rumors and controversies surrounding new challengers.
Recently, the discussion sparked during a Test match when Mohammed Siraj’s delivery was wrongly clocked at 181.6 km/h. Though it created quite a buzz on social media, the broadcasters cleared that it was a technical error, and Siraj did not break Akhtar’s record. Such incidents highlight the excitement surrounding pace bowling and the impact speed has on the game.
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In the 2024 IPL season, speedster Mayank Yadav drew attention by bowling the fastest ball of the tournament at 156.7 km/h. The young bowler representing Lucknow Super Giants was consistent in bowling at a speed of more than 150 km/h, and this further goes to prove the increasing relevance of Indian pacers. Though Yadav’s delivery was marvelous, it was still below the league’s all-time record of 157.7 km/h bowled by Shaun Tait in 2011.
As cricket evolves, new training techniques and fitness regimes continue to push pacers to higher speeds. Names like Mitchell Starc, Anrich Nortje, and Umran Malik regularly flirt with the 150+ km/h threshold, thrilling fans and challenging batsmen worldwide. This blend of speed, skill, and strategy ensures that pace bowling remains an integral and captivating part of cricket’s legacy.
Fastest Balls in Cricket History
- Shoaib Akhtar (161.3 km/h)
- Shaun Tait (157.7 km/h)
- Lockie Ferguson (157.3 km/h)
- Umran Malik (157 km/h)
- Mayank Yadav (156.7 km/h)
- Anrich Nortje (156.2 km/h)
- Mitchell Starc (154.8 km/h)
- Jasprit Bumrah (153.2 km/h)
- Gerald Coetzee (152.3 km/h)
- Pat Cummins (151.4 km/h)