Top 10 Fastest Bowlers of the World Cricket
The world has seen some great fast bowlers who have been phenomenal with the cricket ball in their hands. Some of them have foxed the batters with variety whereas others have dominated because of sheer speed.
Becoming a fast bowler is not an easy job at all, and requires a lot of hard work and mental strength. Numerous bowlers have tried to make a mark at the international level, but they simply failed to cope with the pressure. On the other hand, some were simply not fit enough to continue playing for a long time.
However, the ones who were fully committed to their job became the fastest and deadliest of all time and their names will be remembered for long.
Instructions
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1
Imran Khan
Although Imran Khan’s action was not considered to be ideal for a fast bowler, yet he became one of the quickest of his time and was highly effective. He served Pakistan in quite a few games and performed against the best sides of the world.
Fastest delivery: 93 mph
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2
Allan Donald
South Africa have been known to produce some exceptional fast bowlers and Allan Donald was one of them. At his prime, he was extremely quick and claimed more than 500 international wickets.
Fastest delivery: 94 mph
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3
Dale Steyn
The best bowler of the modern era, Dale Steyn from South Africa easily earns a place amongst the best fast bowlers of all time. He has a phenomenal record and becomes simply unplayable at times in his home conditions.
Fastest delivery: 95 mph
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4
Michael Holding
Although he appears to be quite gentle in the commentary box, Michael Holding was brutal with the ball in his hand. Due to his rhythmic action and speed, he was also known as the ‘Whispering Death.’
Fastest delivery: 95.2 mph
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5
Waqar Younis
The fastest bowler of his time, Waqar Younis was bad news for his opponents. Apart from having deadly speed, he used to reverse swing the ball viciously and won numerous matches for Pakistan. He is the quickest to reach 400 One Day International wickets and has the best strike rate for a fast bowler with more than 350 Test scalps.
Fastest delivery: 95.9 mph
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6
Shane Bond
Fearsome but fragile, New Zealand’s Shane Bond could have achieved a lot more than what he did at the highest level. However, injuries prevented him from doing so.
Fastest delivery: 97 mph
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7
Andy Roberts
The tall West Indian fast bowler, Andy Roberts, was one of the deadliest of all time. He possessed sheer speed and had an unplayable bouncer, which would trouble even the best batsmen of his time.
Fastest delivery: 99 mph
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8
Brett Lee
Another extremely quick and effective fast bowler from Australia, Brett Lee could be lethal on his day. He had a terrific strike rate in all forms of the game and took over 700 international wickets in his career.
Fastest delivery: 99.8 mph
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9
Jeff Thomson
The former Australian quickie with an unusual action, Jeff Thomson was one of the fastest of all time and proved to be highly effective. He represented his team in 51 Tests matches and claimed 200 wickets.
Fastest delivery: 99.9 mph
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10
Shoaib Akhtar
Pakistan is a country blessed with fast bowlers and when it comes to pace, there is no match for Shoaib Akhtar. He was lethal and ended careers for some great batsmen by striking fear in their hearts.
Fastest delivery: 100.2 mph
