Here’s a list of the Top 10 Fastest Balls in IPL History, ranked from fastest to slowest. While South African bowlers dominate the list, Indian speedster Umran Malik has earned a special place by featuring thrice.
Former Australian pacer Shaun Tait holds the record for delivering the fastest ball in IPL history. Tait, representing Rajasthan Royals in 2011, clocked a blistering 157.71 kmph, a record that stands unmatched.
IPL Fastest Ball: Top 10 List
| Rank | Player Name | Speed (kmph) | Team | IPL Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shaun Tait | 157.71 | Rajasthan Royals | IPL 2011 |
| 2 | Lockie Ferguson | 157.3 | Gujarat Titans | IPL 2022 |
| 3 | Umran Malik | 157 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | IPL 2022 |
| 4 | Anrich Nortje | 156.22 | Delhi Capitals | IPL 2020 |
| 5 | Umran Malik | 156 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | IPL 2022 |
| 6 | Anrich Nortje | 155.1 | Delhi Capitals | IPL 2020 |
| 7 | Umran Malik | 154.8 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | IPL 2022 |
| 8 | Anrich Nortje | 154.7 | Delhi Capitals | IPL 2020 |
| 9 | Dale Steyn | 154.4 | Deccan Chargers | IPL 2012 |
| 10 | Kagiso Rabada | 154.23 | Delhi Capitals | IPL 2020 |
Shaun Tait – 157.71 kmph
Australian speedster Shaun Tait holds the record for bowling the fastest ball in IPL history. Tait’s searing 157.71 kmph delivery, bowled to Aaron Finch of Delhi Daredevils in IPL 2011, remains unsurpassed. Tait, often plagued by injuries, was known for his fiery pace but could only feature in 21 IPL matches, taking 23 wickets for Rajasthan Royals.
Read More:- Double century in T20 cricket: Players who achieved the impossible
Lockie Ferguson – 157.3 kmph
New Zealand’s Lockie Ferguson is known for his sheer pace and menacing bouncers. Playing for Gujarat Titans in IPL 2022, Ferguson delivered a 157.3 kmph thunderbolt to Rajasthan Royals’ Jos Buttler during the knockout stages. Ferguson, who has played for several IPL teams since debuting in 2017, has taken 37 wickets in 38 matches.
Umran Malik – 157 kmph, 156 kmph, 154.8 kmph
Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Umran Malik has earned the title of India’s fastest bowler, recording a 157 kmph delivery in IPL 2022 against Delhi Capitals’ Rovman Powell. Malik, a promising find from SRH, has become a pivotal figure in India’s fast-bowling lineup. His breakout IPL 2022 season saw him deliver three of the fastest balls in the tournament’s history—157 kmph, 156 kmph, and 154.8 kmph—all in a single match against Delhi Capitals.
Anrich Nortje – 156.22 kmph, 155.1 kmph, 154.7 kmph
South Africa’s Anrich Nortje has cemented his place as one of the fastest bowlers in IPL history. Playing for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2020, Nortje unleashed his top speed of 156.22 kmph against Rajasthan Royals’ Jos Buttler. His 155.1 kmph and 154.7 kmph deliveries, also bowled in the same season, further demonstrate his consistent pace. Nortje has taken 53 wickets in 40 IPL matches across four seasons.
Dale Steyn – 154.4 kmph
South African great Dale Steyn, regarded as one of the fiercest bowlers in cricket history, bowled his fastest IPL delivery at 154.4 kmph while playing for Deccan Chargers in IPL 2012. Despite frequent injuries, Steyn was a crucial asset for every team he played for, and his 2012 season saw him take 18 wickets in 12 matches. Steyn finished his IPL career with 97 wickets in 95 games.
Kagiso Rabada – 154.34 kmph
Kagiso Rabada, another South African speedster, delivered a 154.34 kmph ball in IPL 2020 while playing for Delhi Capitals. Rabada, a key player for DC, had an outstanding IPL 2020 season, taking 30 wickets in 17 matches and guiding his team to the final. In his IPL career, Rabada has taken 106 wickets in 69 matches.
FAQs
Who bowled the fastest delivery in IPL history?
South Africa’s Morne Morkel bowled an astonishing 173.9 kmph delivery, but it was not recorded as the Hawk-Eye system was not operational at the time.
What is Jasprit Bumrah’s fastest ball?
India’s star pacer Jasprit Bumrah clocked his fastest ball at 153 kmph during the 2018 series against Australia. His average bowling speed is around 142 kmph.
How fast does Lungi Ngidi bowl?
South African pacer Lungi Ngidi, representing Chennai Super Kings, regularly bowls over 140 kmph, utilizing his height of 1.93 meters to create dangerous seam movement.
What was Lasith Malinga’s top speed?
Sri Lankan legend Lasith Malinga consistently bowled in the range of 140-150 kmph, known for his deadly yorkers and deceptive slower balls.
Read More:- How Many Matches A Team Play In IPL – Revised