New Delhi: Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar’s legacy has remained intact 13 years after he retired from international cricket. The impact he has had on fast bowling is immeasurable. Even today when someone asks a budding fast bowler about his idol, the first name that comes to his mind is none other than Shoaib Akhtar.
The pace bowling legend, also known as the ‘Rawalpindi Express, celebrates his 49th birthday on August 13, 2024. Widely regarded as the fastest bowler to ever play cricket, Shoaib not only inspired a generation of fast bowlers in Pakistan but also across the globe, including India.
As we celebrate the 49th birthday of the ‘Rawalpindi Express’, here’s a look at the top ten fastest bowlers in cricket history as per a list published in Wisden.
10. Shane Bond (New Zealand)- 156.4 kph (97.1 mph)
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – OCTOBER 03: Shane Bond of New Zealand bowling during the ICC Champions Trophy semi final match between New Zealand and Pakistan from Liberty Life Wanderers on October 03, 2009 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Duif du Toit/Gallo Images/Getty Images)
Bond is the fastest bowler to play for New Zealand. He plied his trade in international cricket from 2002 to 2010. Bowling at his peak, Bond bowled a thunderbolt at 156.4 kph in the ICC 2003 Cricket World Cup. Plagued by injuries, he managed to take only 87 Test wickets, 147 wickets in ODIs and 25 in T20Is.
9. Mohammad Sami (Pakistan) – 156.4 kph (97.1 mph)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 03: Mohammad Sami of Pakistan bowls during day one of the Second Test match between Australia and Pakistan at Sydney Cricket Ground on January 3, 2010 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Another bowler who could have ruled the cricketing world if not for injuries and internal politics in the Pakistan cricket team. Sami possessed both swing and pace, which was demonstrated in his debut match with a five-for against New Zealand. Sami has taken a hat trick in all three international formats and bowled a 156.4 kph thunderbolt against Zimbabwe in a 2003 ODI in Dubai. Pakistan’s second-fastest bowler claimed 85 Test wickets, 121 in ODIs and 21 T20I wickets.
8. Mitchell Johnson (Australia)- 156.8 kmph (97.4 mph)
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – NOVEMBER 06: Mitchell Johnson of Australia bowls during day two of the First Test match between Australia and New Zealand at The Gabba on November 6, 2015 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Matt Roberts – CA/Cricket Australia via Getty Images/Getty Images)
Aussie pace legend Johnson’s fastest ball was against England in the fourth Ashes Test in Australia in December 2013. He finished with 313 Test wickets, 239 in ODIs and 38 T20Is wickets. He was a more than capable batter, scoring a century and 11 fifties.
7. Fidel Edwards (West Indies) – 157.7 kph (97.9 mph)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – APRIL 11: Fidel Edwards of Hampshire in action during the Specsavers County Championship: Division One match between Hampshire and Yorkshire at Ageas Bowl on April 11, 2019 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Edwards, with his slingy action, bowled a 157.7 kph ball in the first year of his international cricket, against South Africa in 2003. He amassed 165 Test wickets and 60 in ODIs. His last international appearance was in 2012.
6. Andy Roberts (West Indies) – 159.5 kph (99.1 mph)
2 Jun 1980: Andy Roberts of the West Indies in action during the second test against England at Lords in London, England. Mandatory Credit: Adrian Murrell /Allsport
Roberts was one of the feared international bowlers in the 70s. His 159.5 kph delivery reportedly came against Australia in 1975. He was a member of the four-pronged pace (fast-bowling) attack including Malcolm Marshall, Michael Holding & Joel Garner.
5. Mitchell Starc (Australia) – 160.4 kph (99.7 mph)
BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS – JUNE 07: Mitchell Starc of Australia pictured during a net session as part of the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup West Indies & USA 2024 at Kensington Oval on June 07, 2024 in Bridgetown, Barbados. (Photo by Matthew Lewis-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)
Starc, currently the fastest bowler in world cricket, is also one of the fastest bowlers in the history of the game. Famous for his inswinging yorkers, Starc bowled his fastest delivery against New Zealand on the third day of the second Test in 2015.
4. Jeff Thomson (Australia) – 160.6 kph (99.8 mph)
Dec 1982: Jeff Thompson of Australia in action during the Second Test against England played at the Gabba in Brisbane, Australia. Mandatory Credit: Adrian Murrell /Allsport
Thomson was one of the most fearsome bowlers in cricket during the 70s and 80s. He bowled his fastest delivery reportedly against West Indies in Perth, in 1975. The Aussie pace great finished with 200 Test wickets and 55 ODI wickets.
3. Brett Lee (Australia)- 160.8 kph (99.9 mph)
CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 10: Brett Lee of the PM’s XI bowls during the tour match between the Australian PM’s XI and England at Manuka Oval on January 10, 2011 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)
Lee is one of the fastest and most consistent bowlers in the game’s history. He bagged 310 Test wickets, 280 ODI wickets and 487 first-class wickets in his illustrious career and played a crucial role in Australia’s World Cup wins in 2003 and 2007. Lee’s fastest delivery was against New Zealand at Napier in 2005.
2. Shaun Tait (Australia)- 161.1 kph (100.1 mph)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 03: Australia bowler Shaun Tait in action during the 5th Natwest One Day International between England and Australia at Lords on July 3, 2010 in London, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Despite an injury-laden career, Tait left a lasting impact on world cricket. Also known as the ‘Wild Thing’, Tait grew a fearsome reputation among his rivals. His fastest delivery was against England at Lords in 2010.
1. Shoaib Akhtar (Pakistan)- 161.3 kph (100.2 mph)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 22: Shoaib Akhtar of Pakistan bowls during the 5th NatWest One Day International between England and Pakistan at The Rose Bowl on September 22, 2010 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Pakistan’s Shoaib Akhtar is the fastest bowler in the history of cricket. He was the first bowler to break the 100 mph mark. Akhtar bowled his fastest delivery against England in the 2003 ICC World Cup. ‘The Rawalpindi Express finished with 178 Test wickets and 247 ODI wickets in his glittering yet controversial career.
Celebrate 49th birthday of Shoaib Akhtar by looking at the top ten fastest bowlers in cricket history. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
