Image Source: Twitter/Jofra Archer
Similar to baseball, watching a genuine fast bowler unleash their full pace and intimidate batsmen is a breathtaking spectacle in cricket. The fastest bowlers in the world can consistently bowl at speeds of 145 kph or more, and their extraordinary talent has always been a tremendous asset to cricket, whether they were part of the Windies' pace quartet that dominated in the 1970s and 1980s or hailed from other countries.
Bowling fast is considered a challenging task in cricket, as it requires lengthy runs and repeated attempts to achieve success. With the introduction of new playing rules, the job of a fast bowler has become even more difficult. However, there have been few players who have managed to overcome these challenges and truly captivate cricket fans. A top-quality fast bowler can often single-handedly lead their team to victory.
| Rank | Player | Country of Origin | Speed (Km/hr) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | Jasprit Bumrah | India | 153.26 |
| 9 | Adam Milne | New Zealand | 153.28 |
| 8 | Kagiso Rabada | South Africa | 154.23 |
| 7 | Wahab Riaz | Pakistan | 154.5 |
| 6 | Jofra Archer | England | 154.65 |
| 5 | Lockie Ferguson | New Zealand | 154.9 |
| 4 | Mohammad Hasnain | Pakistan | 155.1 |
| 3 | Mark Wood | England | 156.1 |
| 2 | Anrich Nortje | South Africa | 156.22 |
| 1 | Mitchell Starc | Australia | 160.4 |
Jasprit Bumrah is a highly skilled fast bowler who is ranked among the top 10 fastest bowlers in the world. He is renowned for his ability to bowl yorkers at will, which has made him a force to be reckoned with in white-ball cricket. Despite being a standout performer in limited-overs cricket, Bumrah has also proven himself to be a world-class bowler in the test format.
During India's tour of Australia in 2018, Bumrah clocked his fastest delivery to date at a lightning-fast speed of 153.26 km/hr in the Adelaide Test. With an average speed of 145 mph, he consistently bowls with excellent line, length, and variations, which makes him an intimidating opponent for any batsman. His impressive speed and accuracy have earned him a spot among the top 20 fastest bowlers in the world, and his performances have undoubtedly established him as one of the best fast bowlers in modern cricket.
Adam Milne, a New Zealand fast bowler, possesses a smooth and effortless bowling action that allows him to generate incredible pace. During a Twenty20 match against the West Indies, he bowled his fastest delivery ever at 153.28 kph. Typically, Milne bowls in the range of 145 to 150 kilometers per hour.
Milne's career started promisingly, but a series of injuries hampered his progress. However, he has recently made a comeback to the national team, and if he can stay injury-free, he could be a valuable asset to the team.
Kagiso Rabada is considered one of the top fast bowlers in the world, and he has been an essential part of South Africa's fast-bowling unit for a long time. His exceptional speed and precision have made him an intimidating force for batsmen. In the 2019 IPL season, he clocked his fastest delivery at 154.23 kph, while his average speed remains around 145 kph. He is currently one of the most formidable and daunting opponents in cricket. With his youth and talent, Rabada has the potential to achieve legendary status in the sport.
Wahab Riaz has the potential to be a fearsome bowler, capable of delivering some of the fastest balls in cricket. One of his most memorable performances was during the 2015 World Cup match against Australia, where he produced an impressive display of fast bowling. Although he recorded his fastest delivery at 154.5 km/hr in the same World Cup game against India.
On average, he bowls at around 145 kph, but he can increase his speed significantly if needed. In recent years, Riaz has focused more on playing in Twenty20 competitions worldwide, where his skill set is highly valued.
Jofra Archer, an English cricketer born in Barbados, has emerged as one of the finest players in the world, thanks to his performances in international and Twenty20 competitions. In 2020, he was regarded as one of the quickest bowlers globally. He was included in the squad just ahead of the 2019 World Cup and had a brilliant Ashes debut, bowling his fastest ball at 154.65 and causing an injury to Smith with his ferocious pace. He has a promising future ahead of him and is one of the swiftest bowlers to have played for England.
Ferguson is a New Zealand fast bowler who has emerged as a promising player after Milne's injury. He has demonstrated the ability to bowl at genuine fast speeds of up to 150 kph. As a result, he has become a key player for New Zealand, particularly in white-ball cricket.
In a match against Bangladesh in Napier in 2019, he bowled a ball at 154.9 kph, and his average speed is around 150 kph. However, his injuries have been a concern, and if they can be managed, Ferguson has the potential to be a valuable asset to the Kiwi cricket team in the long run.
It may surprise some to see Hasnain's name on this list, but he is a talented young cricketer from Pakistan who has shown great potential. He recorded his fastest ball in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), and his average speed is in the high 140s kph. As a promising young player from Pakistan, he has a bright future ahead of him, provided that he receives proper guidance and support from the team's leadership.
Mark Wood, an English cricketer, has made a name for himself as one of the fastest bowlers in the world. His height allows him to generate excellent bounce and bowl at a high speed. He has consistently been one of the top 10 fastest bowlers in the world in 2021.
In a Test match against New Zealand, Wood set a new record by bowling a ball at a remarkable 156.1 kph. His average speed is around 150 kph, which makes him a standout talent in the world of cricket.
Nortje is recognized as one of the fastest bowlers globally, and his lightning-quick deliveries can strike fear into batsmen. He clocked his fastest ball at an IPL match for Delhi Capitals against Rajasthan Royals, and his average speed remains over 150 kph.
Nortje has developed a reputation as a fierce competitor in international cricket, and his supporters anticipate numerous more match-winning performances from him. Alongside Rabada, he constitutes one of cricket's most hazardous bowling pairs.
Starc is undoubtedly one of the best fast bowlers in the world and is recognized as the fastest in the game. His ferocious ability to deliver toe-crushing yorkers at lightning-fast speed has made him a force to be reckoned with in international cricket. He made history in 2015 by bowling the fastest delivery ever recorded against Ross Taylor at WACA in Perth.
Starc's average pace ranges from 145 to 152 km/h, making him one of the most lethal bowlers on the pitch. His exceptional skills have led Australia to many victories, and he is expected to continue to be a game-changer in the future. As of 2022, Starc holds the title of the fastest bowler in the world.
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