Cricket, known as the gentleman’s game, has often witnessed thunderous moments, especially when fast bowlers charge in with fire in their eyes and deliver lightning-quick deliveries. These bowlers possess the skill to make the cricket ball talk, leaving batters trembling at the crease. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 most lethal & dangerous fast bowlers in the world of all time, highlighting their incredible speeds and remarkable records.
Shoaib Akhtar (Pakistan)
Shoaib Akhtar, famously known as the “Rawalpindi Express,” stands as the fastest bowler in cricket history. His blistering pace terrified batsmen worldwide. Shoaib set a record for the fastest delivery in cricket history, clocking a mind-boggling 161.3 km/h (100.23 mph) against England in the 2003 Cricket World Cup. This record-breaking delivery established Shoaib as a true speedster and a terror for batsmen worldwide.
Brett Lee (Australia)
Brett Lee also known as “Binga,” was an unstoppable force in the Australian pace battery. In 2005, during a clash with New Zealand, Lee bowled a scorching delivery at 160.8 km/h (99.9 mph), showcasing his consistency in reaching express speeds. Lee’s aggressive approach and speed made him a star presence in the cricketing arena.
Mitchell Starc (Australia)
Modern cricket’s left-arm pace sensation, Mitchell Starc, has a habit of picking wickets with sheer speed and swing. Mitchell Starc has the rare ability to swing the ball at high speeds. In 2015, during a clash with New Zealand, Starc’s delivery touched 160.4 km/h (99.7 mph), showing his reputation as a potent force in the fast-bowling world.
Jeff Thomson (Australia)
In the 1970s, Jeff Thomson terrorized batsmen with his raw pace. Thomson’s recorded speed of 160.6 km/h (99.8 mph) during a 1975 match against West Indies signifies his place among the fastest bowlers in cricketing history. Thomson was considered one of the fastest bowlers in history, often delivering thunderbolts that left batsmen struggling to react.
Mohammad Sami (Pakistan)
Mohammad Sami, a Pakistani speedster, consistently troubled batsmen with his bounce and express pace. In 2003, during a match against Zimbabwe, Sami bowled at a lightning-fast speed of 156.4 km/h (97.1 mph), showcasing his ability to generate serious pace.
Dale Steyn (South Africa)
Dale Steyn, often regarded as one of the greatest fast bowlers, combined speed with lethal accuracy. His fastest delivery reached 155.7 km/h (96.77 mph), and Steyn’s ability to swing the ball at high speeds made him a nightmare for batsmen worldwide.
Shaun Tait (Australia)
Another Australian speedster Shaun Tait was a genuine firebrand on the field. In 2010, Tait bowled a thunderous delivery at 161.1 km/h (100.1 mph) against England. His raw pace and aggressive style made him a nightmare for batsmen.
Waqar Younis (Pakistan)
Waqar Younis, the Sultan of Swing, was a pioneer in reverse swing and a genuine fast bowler. While precise speed data is not available, Waqar consistently troubled batsmen with his late-swinging deliveries, earning him a place among the greats.
Fidel Edwards (West Indies)
Fidel Edwards, the Caribbean speedster, consistently bowled above 150 km/h (93 mph). West Indian speedster, Fidel Edwards, showcased his express pace during a match against South Africa in 2003. His fastest recorded delivery reached 157.7 km/h (97.9 mph).
Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka)
Although Lasith Malinga is renowned for his lethal yorkers in limited-overs cricket, his express pace during his prime was equally intimidating. Malinga consistently bowled above 140 km/h (87 mph), making him one of the fastest bowlers in Sri Lankan cricket history.
List of Top 10 Fastest Deliveries Bowled by These Fast Bowlers
| Bowler | Country | Fastest Delivery | Year and Opposition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shoaib Akhtar | Pakistan | 161.3 km/hr (100.2 mph) | 2003 vs England |
| Shaun Tait | Australia | 161.1 km/hr (100.1 mph) | 2010 vs England |
| Brett Lee | Australia | 160.8 km/hr (99.9 mph) | 2005 vs New Zealand |
| Jeffrey Thomson | Australia | 160.6 km/hr (99.8 mph) | 1975 vs West Indies |
| Mitchell Starc | Australia | 160.4 km/hr (99.7 mph) | 2015 vs New Zealand |
| Andy Roberts | West Indies | 159.5 km/hr (99.1 mph) | 1975 vs Australia |
| Fidel Edwards | West Indies | 157.7 km/hr (97.9 mph) | 2003 vs South Africa |
| Mitchell Johnson | Australia | 156.8 km/hr (97.4 mph) | 2013 vs England |
| Mohammad Sami | Pakistan | 156.4 km/hr (97.1 mph) | 2003 vs Zimbabwe |
| Shane Bond | New Zealand | 156.4 km/hr (97.1 mph) | 2003 vs India |
These cricketers left an indelible mark with their incredible speed, making them some of the fastest bowlers in the history of the sport.
Conclusion
In the world of cricket, fast bowlers are game-changers, capable of turning the tide with their raw pace and skill. The top 10 lethal fast bowlers mentioned above have left an incredible mark on the cricketing world, with their thunderous deliveries and remarkable records. As the cricketing landscape evolves, these bowlers continue to inspire fans worldwide, showcasing the legacy of fast bowling in the gentleman’s game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
1. Who is the most dangerous bowler in world history?
- Determining the most dangerous bowler in world history is subjective, as it depends on various factors. However, some of the names like Shoaib Akhtar, Brett Lee, and Dale Steyn, are known for their sheer pace and ability to trouble batsmen consistently.
2. What is the speed of Shoaib Akhtar?
- Shoaib Akhtar, also known as the “Rawalpindi Express,” holds the record for the fastest delivery in cricket history, clocking an astonishing speed of 161.3 km/h (100.2 mph) in 2003 during a match against England.
3. What is the speed of Brett Lee?
- Brett Lee, the Australian speedster known as “Binga,” consistently bowled at high speeds throughout his career. His fastest recorded delivery reached 161.1 km/h (100.23 mph), showcasing his exceptional pace during a match against New Zealand in 2005.
4. What is the speed of the fastest delivery bowled by Shaun Tait?
- Shaun Tait, another Australian fast bowler, reached a peak speed of 161.1 km/h (100.1 mph) during a match against England in 2010. His express pace and aggressive style made him a formidable force in the world of fast bowling.
5. Which cricketer bowled the fastest delivery in cricket history?
- Shoaib Akhtar, from Pakistan, holds the record for bowling the fastest delivery in cricket history. He achieved a speed of 161.3 km/h (100.2 mph) during a match against England in 2003, securing his place as the fastest bowler in recorded cricketing history.