Top 5 fastest deliveries in IPL history

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has completely changed the way we experience cricket. Since it began, T20 cricket has become faster, more exciting, and hugely popular around the world. The IPL is now one of the biggest sporting leagues, bringing together top players from different countries on the same stage.

Fans love the format because it’s all about action—big sixes, crisp boundaries, and high-scoring games. But it’s not just about batting. There’s something equally thrilling about watching a fast bowler charge in and deliver a ball at over 150 km/h. That raw pace, the sound of the ball hitting the gloves, and the sheer intensity—it’s a different kind of excitement altogether.

Over the years, some of the fastest bowlers in the world have played in the IPL. Legends like Shoaib Akhtar, Brett Lee, Shaun Tait, and Mitchell Johnson have all showcased their speed, giving fans moments to remember.

In this article, let’s take a look at the top five fastest deliveries ever bowled in IPL history.

5. Anrich Nortje – 156.2 Kmph

South African fast bowler Anrich Nortje is known as one of the quickest bowlers in international cricket. What really sets him apart is not just his raw pace, but also his accuracy. He grabbed attention during his IPL debut in 2020 with the Delhi Capitals, making an immediate impact. That season turned out to be special, as Delhi reached the finals and Nortje picked up 22 wickets.

He consistently clocked serious speeds, even delivering three balls above 154 km/h. His fastest delivery in the IPL came in that season—a fiery 156.22 km/h ball bowled to Jos Buttler, showcasing just how dangerous he can be with the ball.

4. Mayank Yadav – 156.7 Kmph

The 21-year-old fast bowler Mayank Yadav from West Delhi has quickly become one of the most exciting players of IPL 2024. Representing the Lucknow Super Giants, he made his debut against the Punjab Kings and immediately grabbed attention with his incredible pace.

In just his first two matches, Mayank picked up six wickets, with many of them coming from sharp, fiery bouncers that troubled batters. What really stood out was his raw speed — he clocked three deliveries over 155 kmph in those games.

His fastest ball, a blistering 156.7 kmph against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in match 15, is now recorded as the fourth-fastest delivery in IPL history.

In simple terms, Mayank Yadav isn’t just playing — he’s making a statement, and fans are loving every bit of it.

3. Umran Malik – 157 kmph

Umran Malik made his IPL debut for Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2021, but it was the 2022 season that truly marked his breakthrough. He took 22 wickets in the tournament, consistently troubling opposition batters with his sheer pace. 

That season, he bowled a couple of deliveries exceeding 155 km/h, with his fastest ball—clocking 157 km/h—coming against Delhi Capitals’ Rovman Powell.

2. Lockie Ferguson – 157.3 kmph

Umran Malik had set the record for the fastest delivery in IPL 2022, clocking 157 km/h. However, his record was broken in the final between the Gujarat Titans and the Rajasthan Royals at the Narendra Modi Stadium. 

GT’s pacer Lockie Ferguson bowled a stunning delivery at 157.3 km/h to RR opener Jos Buttler, marking the second-fastest ball in IPL history. Ferguson also earned the award for the fastest delivery of the season.

1. Shaun Tait – 157.71 kmph

The fastest delivery in IPL history was recorded in the 2011 season by former Australian speedster Shaun Tait. Known for his express pace, Tait has also crossed the 100 mph mark at the international level—a rare feat in cricket. 

Representing the Rajasthan Royals, he clocked an incredible 157.71 km/h delivery against the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), which remains the fastest ball in IPL history. That fearsome delivery was faced by Aaron Finch, leaving fans in awe of Tait’s sheer speed.

Cover Credits - ESPN