The Fastest Deliveries in Cricket History: From Shoaib Akhtar to Mitchell Starc
Islamabad:Fast bowling is undoubtedly one of the most thrilling aspects of cricket, captivating fans with its speed and intensity. Throughout cricket’s history, several fast bowlers have made their mark by bowling the fastest deliveries, not only unsettling great batsmen but also breaking numerous records. Here’s a look at the top 5 fastest deliveries ever bowled in international cricket and the bowlers behind them.
1. **Shoaib Akhtar (Pakistan)**
The fastest delivery in cricket history still belongs to the legendary Pakistani fast bowler, **Shoaib Akhtar**, also known as the “Rawalpindi Express.” In the 2003 ICC World Cup, during a match against England in Cape Town, Shoaib bowled a delivery clocking **161.3 km/h (100.23 mph)**, a record that remains unbroken to this day. His sheer pace would often leave even the most accomplished batsmen in awe.
2. **Shane Tait (Australia)**
Australian speedster **Shane Tait** was known for his aggressive bowling and ability to bowl extremely fast. In 2010, during a match against England, he bowled a delivery at **161.1 km/h (100 mph)**, which remains the second fastest delivery in cricket history.
3. **Brett Lee (Australia)**
Another Australian pace legend, **Brett Lee**, was known for his thunderous pace and aggressive approach. In 2005, during a match against New Zealand, Lee bowled a delivery at **161.1 km/h (100 mph)**, matching Tait’s record for the third fastest delivery in history.
4. **Geoff Thomson (Australia)**
Former Australian pacer **Geoff Thomson** was renowned for his blistering pace. In 1975, he bowled a delivery against the West Indies that reached **160.6 km/h (99.76 mph)**, making it the fourth fastest delivery in cricket history.
5. **Mitchell Starc (Australia)**
In modern-day cricket, **Mitchell Starc** has carved a name for himself as one of the fastest bowlers in the world. In a 2015 match against New Zealand, Starc bowled a delivery clocking **160.4 km/h (99.57 mph)**, making it the fifth fastest delivery in cricket history.
These bowlers are remembered not only for their blistering pace but also for the way they dominated batsmen with their sheer speed. As the fastest bowlers in the history of cricket, their records continue to inspire future generations of pacers.
