Top 10 Fastest Bowlers in the World: Ranked 2025

Fast bowling has always been a goal for many bowlers, and over time, it has become more intense than ever. Today, several pacers consistently clock speeds above 150 km/h. But who is the fastest bowler in the world right now, and what is the highest bowling speed recorded?

In 2025, a new wave of fast bowlers has captured attention with their scorching pace, while some established names continue to hold legendary speed records. Based on their top bowling speed in international cricket, here are the top 10 fastest bowlers in the world, ranked by raw pace.

Who is the Fastest Bowler in the World of All Time?

Shoaib Akhtar holds the record as the fastest bowler, with a speed of 161.3 km/h (100.23 mph) against England during the 2003 Cricket World Cup. Known as the “Rawalpindi Express,” Akhtar was feared for his incredible pace, making him one of the most dangerous bowlers in cricket history.

List of Top 10 Fastest Bowlers in the World

The list of the top 10 fast bowlers of all time includes Shoaib Akhtar, Wasim Akram, Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee, Dale Steyn, etc. These legendary pacers are known for their speed, accuracy, and ability to dominate the world’s best batters.

Top 10 Fastest Bowlers Ranking:

1. Shoaib Akhtar (Pakistan) – 161.3 km/h vs England, 2003

Shoaib Akhtar, famously known as the “Rawalpindi Express,” holds the record for the fastest delivery in cricket history. He clocked 161.3 km/h (100.23 mph) during a match against England in the 2003 Cricket World Cup. Known for his aggressive run-up and explosive pace, Shoaib terrorized batters throughout his career and remains a legendary figure in fast bowling history.

2. Shaun Tait (Australia) – 161.1 km/h vs England

Australian pacer Shaun Tait came close to breaking Shoaib Akhtar’s record when he bowled a 161.1 km/h speed against England in 2010. Known for his slingy action and raw pace, Tait was difficult to face on his day. Although injuries limited his international career, his speed left a lasting impression on fans and players alike.

3. Brett Lee (Australia) – 161.1 km/h vs New Zealand

Brett Lee was one of the most consistent and the fastest bowler in the world. In a 2005 match against New Zealand, he reached a top speed of 161.1 km/h, equivalent to Shaun Tait. With a smooth action and relentless energy, Lee played a key role in Australia’s dominance in the 2000s, finishing his career with over 700 international wickets.

4. Jeff Thomson (Australia) – 160.6 km/h vs West Indies

Jeff Thomson was the first bowler in recorded history to consistently bowl over 150 km/h. During a Test match in 1975 against the West Indies, he clocked 160.6 km/h. His unique action and fearless attitude made him a nightmare for batters in the 1970s. Thomson formed a legendary duo with Dennis Lillee in Australia’s pace attack.

5. Mitchell Starc (Australia) – 160.4 km/h vs New Zealand

Mitchell Starc delivered one of the fastest balls in modern-day cricket when he hit 160.4 km/h during a thrilling 2015 World Cup match against New Zealand. His ability to swing the ball at high speed makes him one of the deadliest and fastest bowlers in world cricket. He remains a key figure in Australia’s bowling lineup.

Read More: Fastest Century in ODI Cricket

Players with Fastest Centuries in T20 International Cricket

6. Andy Roberts (West Indies) – 159.5 km/h vs Australia

Andy Roberts was one of the pioneers of the West Indies’ feared fast-bowling legacy. He bowled at an astonishing 159.5 km/h against Australia in 1975. Roberts was known for his sharp bouncers and clever changes of pace, and he was instrumental in laying the foundation for the Caribbean fast-bowling dominance that followed in the 1980s.

7. Fidel Edwards (West Indies) – 157.7 km/h vs South Africa

Fidel Edwards bowled a 157.7 km/h delivery against South Africa in 2003, cementing his place among the fastest bowlers of all time. He gained attention for his lightning-fast pace and slingy action that allowed him to bowl at remarkable speeds. Though his career was hampered by injuries, Edwards was a genuine strike bowler on his day.

8. Mitchell Johnson (Australia) – 156.8 km/h vs England

Mitchell Johnson delivered some of the most fearsome spells in modern cricket, especially during the 2013–14 Ashes series. He clocked 156.8 km/h against England, combining pace with aggression and hostility. Johnson’s intimidating presence and wicket-taking ability made him one of the most dangerous bowlers of his generation, especially in Test cricket.

9. Mohammad Sami (Pakistan) – 156.4 km/h vs Zimbabwe

Often referred to as one of the most underrated fast bowlers, Mohammad Sami recorded a delivery at 156.4 km/h against Zimbabwe in 2003. He had the pace and talent to trouble any batter, but inconsistency kept him from reaching his full potential. Despite that, Sami’s raw speed remains one of the highlights of his career.

10. Shane Bond (New Zealand) – 156.4 km/h vs India

Shane Bond was New Zealand’s fastest and most feared bowler in the early 2000s. He hit 156.4 km/h during a match against India in 2003. Known for his smooth action and ability to generate speed effortlessly, Bond was lethal with both the new and old ball. Injuries cut his career short, but his impact was immense.

Who is the Fastest Bowler in India

Umran Malik is currently the fastest bowler in India, having bowled at 157 km/h during IPL 2022. Earlier, Javagal Srinath, Irfan Pathan, and Zaheer Khan were known for their pace and swing, who consistently bowled over 140 km/h. As of 2025, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Navdeep Saini continue to impress with their pace and are key figures in India’s fast-bowling attack.