1. Record-Breaker: Shoaib Akhtar – 161.3 km/h
The official record for the fastest delivery in international cricket is held by Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, who bowled at 161.3 km/h (100.23 mph) in a match against England on 22 February 2003. Guinness World Records+2sportingbounce.com+2
This milestone set the benchmark for pace bowling and remains the standard for all bowlers chasing express speed. Cricket365+1
2. Brett Lee – 161.1 km/h
Australian great Brett Lee clocked a delivery at 161.1 km/h (100.1 mph), making him one of the few bowlers to approach Akhtar’s mark. sportingbounce.com+1
Although there are earlier unverified claims of even higher speeds, this measurement stands among the most credible in international cricket.
3. Shaun Tait – 161.1 km/h
Another Australian speedster, Shaun Tait, also reached 161.1 km/h, making him part of the elite group of bowlers who touched triple-figure speeds in mph. The Cricket Panda+1
His raw pace and unorthodox action made him a fearsome opponent when fully fit.
4. Jeff Thomson – 160.6 km/h
A legend from the 1970s, Jeff Thomson recorded a delivery at 160.6 km/h, an exceptional feat for his era given the equipment and measurement tools of the time. The Cricket Panda
His slinging action and pace changed how fast bowling was viewed in cricket.
5. Mitchell Starc – 160.4 km/h (approx.)
Australian left‐arm pacer Mitchell Starc has clocked deliveries around 160.4 km/h, making him one of the fastest in the modern era. The Cricket Panda
His combination of speed, swing and accuracy keeps him among the top fast bowlers today.
Why It Matters & How Speeds Are Measured
Bowling at extreme pace adds an element of raw threat: the batsman has mere fractions of a second to react. The modern standard for “express pace” is often cited as above 150 km/h (~93 mph). i.imgci.com+1
Speed guns and radar devices measure velocities right at or shortly after release. Accuracy depends on calibration, measurement location and conditions. sportingbounce.com
Final Thoughts
While the top five deliveries listed above showcase sheer speed, they also reflect evolving training, biomechanics, and measurement tech in cricket. From Thomson’s 160 km/h+ in the 1970s to modern bowlers topping 160 km/h in the 2000s and 2010s, the pursuit of pace remains thrilling.
As spectators, we admire not just the number on the speed gun, but the context: match situation, technique, physical strain and the batsman’s challenge.
