For all the craft that spinners bring to the game, there’s nothing like a fast bowling running in and sending down 150 kmph thunderbolts
The IPL is truly a fantastic occasion for young talents to showcase their skills, as we have witnessed since 2008. Over the years, the IPL has seen several bowlers break the 150 kmph mark. Here’s a look at the quickest deliveries between 2008-2023.
Umran Malik in action for SRH
The Kashmir-born pacer is in the 5th position in the quickest delivery list. During IPL 2022, the Sunrisers Hyderabad pacer unleashed a fiery delivery against Delhi Capitals (DC), reaching a remarkable speed of 156 kmph. During the match, Malik proved to be a menace for DC batters with his excellent pace. The rising Indian star bowled consistently at speeds exceeding 150 Kph.
AnrichNortje in action for Delhi Capitals
Delhi Capitals (DC) pacer AnrichNortje set the IPL 2020 on fire with a fine display of seriously quick bowling in a group match against Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Dubai International Stadium. His fastest delivery clocked 156.2 kph, which was the quickest delivery in IPL 2020.
The Protea pacer bowled the third over for DC, his first of the day, and started off with a delivery that was bowled at 148.2 kmph. Interestingly, Jos Buttler hit it for a six off a ramp shot. He then bowled the next two deliveries at 152.3 kmph and 152.1 kmph. This was followed by a 146.4 kph delivery, which was the slowest ball of his over.
Nortje then sent the fifth ball at some serious heat, clocking 156.2 kph. Buttler, however, ramped the delivery to fine leg for four. His next delivery, which was bowled at 155.4 kph, was too good for Buttler as he lost his pegs.
Nortje shattered Dale Steyn’s (154.4 kph) eight-year-old record in IPL but is still behind Shaun Tait’s top effort.
Umran Malik in action for SRH
Welcome again Umran Malik in the quickest delivery list! The year 2022 was the rise of Indian Speedster Umran Malik as he surprised batters with sheer pace. However, he didn't get any wicket in this match. SRH lost the match to Delhi Capitals by 21 runs. It was the fourth delivery of the 20th over of DC’s innings. The length delivery was dispatched by and well-set West Indian power-hitter Rovman Powell for a four. The next delivery, Malik bowled at 155.7 kmph, which also went for four.
Meanwhile, Umran Malik is also the fastest bowler in India by clocking the speed of 157 kmph in ODI against Sri Lanka in 2023. Of course, there was the contribution of SRH bowling mentor Dale Steyn. Under his guidance, Umran Malik proved his worth by unleashing impressive speed.
Lockie Ferguson winning fastest delivery award against RR
During IPL 2022, Gujarat Titan’s (GT) Lockie Ferguson delivered the fastest ball of the season. Ferguson achieved this wonderful feat by bowling at a blistering speed of 157.3 kmph. He bowled this one against Rajasthan Royals in the IPL 2022 final match. This earned him the accolade for the IPL 2022’s fastest delivery.
Shaun Tait in action for Rajasthan Royals
Australian tearaway Shaun Tait bowled the quickest ball in IPL history. Playing for Rajasthan Royals against Delhi Daredevils in 2011, Tait clocked 157.71 kmph in the very first over and played a big role in Royals’ six-wicket victory.
