Top 15 Fastest Bowlers in The World In 2026
Fri, 23 Jan 2026
Fast bowling has always been one of the most exciting elements of cricket. Bowlers who can consistently deliver the ball at extreme speeds above 150 km/h create fear among batters and can dominate matches. Based on officially recorded delivery speeds in international cricket, the following are the top 15 fastest bowlers in the world as of 2026.
1. Shoaib Akhtar (Pakistan)
Shoaib Akhtar holds the record for bowling the fastest delivery in cricket history. Known as the “Rawalpindi Express,” he clocked an astonishing 161.3 km/h during the 2003 World Cup. His raw pace and aggression made him one of the most feared fast bowlers ever.
2. Brett Lee (Australia)
Brett Lee was one of Australia’s greatest fast bowlers and consistently bowled above 150 km/h. His fastest recorded delivery was 161.1 km/h, making him one of the quickest bowlers the game has ever seen. Lee combined speed with accuracy and longevity.
3. Shaun Tait (Australia)
Shaun Tait was known for short but explosive spells of extreme pace. He also recorded a top speed of 161.1 km/h, matching Brett Lee. His action generated raw speed, making him extremely dangerous, especially in limited-overs cricket.
4. Jeff Thomson (Australia)
Jeff Thomson was one of the fastest bowlers of the 1970s era. With a unique sling-like action, he reached speeds of 160.6 km/h. Even with limited speed-tracking technology at the time, he was widely regarded as one of the quickest bowlers ever.
5. Mitchell Starc (Australia)
Mitchell Starc is one of the fastest left-arm bowlers in modern cricket. He has clocked speeds up to 160.4 km/h and remains active at the highest level. Starc’s ability to swing the ball at high pace makes him lethal across formats.
6. Andy Roberts (West Indies)
Andy Roberts was a key member of the legendary West Indies pace attack. He could bowl close to 159.5 km/h and was known for using different types of bouncers to unsettle batters. His pace and intelligence made him highly effective.
7. Fidel Edwards (West Indies)
Fidel Edwards was known for his aggressive run-up and sharp bounce. He recorded a top speed of 157.7 km/h. His natural pace and awkward angles troubled many top batters during his career.
8. Mitchell Johnson (Australia)
Mitchell Johnson was a fearsome left-arm fast bowler who regularly bowled above 150 km/h. His fastest delivery reached 156.8 km/h. Johnson was especially destructive during the 2013–14 Ashes series.
9. Mohammad Sami (Pakistan)
Mohammad Sami was one of Pakistan’s fastest bowlers, capable of touching 156.4 km/h. Although inconsistent at times, his raw pace made him a genuine threat whenever conditions favored fast bowling.
10. Shane Bond (New Zealand)
Shane Bond was New Zealand’s fastest bowler and reached speeds of 156.4 km/h. Injuries shortened his career, but when fit, he was one of the most dangerous fast bowlers in world cricket.
11. Nantie Hayward (South Africa)
Nantie Hayward was a sharp and aggressive fast bowler from South Africa. He recorded speeds of around 154.4 km/h and was known for his bounce and hostile short-pitched bowling.
12. Jason Gillespie (Australia)
Jason Gillespie combined height, bounce, and pace effectively. His fastest recorded delivery was 153.9 km/h. He played a key role in Australia’s dominant bowling attack in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
13. Waqar Younis (Pakistan)
Waqar Younis was famous for his toe-crushing yorkers and reverse swing. He bowled at speeds of around 153 km/h and remains one of the most lethal fast bowlers in cricket history.
14. Jasprit Bumrah (India)
Jasprit Bumrah is India’s fastest modern-day bowler, with a top speed of 153.26 km/h. Known for his unique action and deadly accuracy, Bumrah is among the best fast bowlers in all formats as of 2026.
15. Allan Donald (South Africa)
Allan Donald, nicknamed “White Lightning,” was one of South Africa’s greatest fast bowlers. He regularly bowled close to 152.9 km/h and was admired for his aggression, pace, and consistency.
Conclusion
Fast bowling continues to be one of cricket’s most thrilling aspects. While legends like Shoaib Akhtar and Brett Lee dominate the all-time speed records, modern bowlers such as Mitchell Starc and Jasprit Bumrah are carrying forward the legacy. Even in 2026, sheer pace remains a powerful weapon that can change the outcome of a match within a few deliveries.