Learn about the bowlers who have delivered the top 10 fastest balls in IPL history. While South African bowlers dominate the list, there is one Indian bowler who makes multiple appearances.
Former Australian fast bowler Shaun Tait tops the list of the fastest balls in IPL history. Playing for Rajasthan Royals in 2011, Tait bowled a 157.71 kmph delivery, which remains the fastest ball in the league.
Below is a list of the top 10 fastest deliveries in IPL, arranged in descending order. Although overseas players dominate, Umran Malik is the only Indian bowler featured multiple times.
Top 10 Fastest Balls in IPL History
| 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 Daredevils | IPL 2020 |
Shaun Tait – 157.71 kmph
Shaun Tait holds the record for the fastest ball in IPL history, clocking in at 157.71 kmph against Aaron Finch of the Delhi Daredevils in IPL 2011. Tait’s career, unfortunately, was hampered by injuries, which prevented him from showcasing his skills further. He played just 21 IPL matches, taking 23 wickets while representing Rajasthan Royals.
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Lockie Ferguson – 157.3 kmph
New Zealand pacer Lockie Ferguson is known for his incredible speed and sharp bouncers. He bowled the second-fastest ball in IPL history for Gujarat Titans, reaching 157.3 kmph against Jos Buttler of Rajasthan Royals during the knockout stage of IPL 2022. Since his debut in 2017, Ferguson has played for multiple IPL teams, securing 37 wickets in 38 matches.
Umran Malik – 157 kmph, 156 kmph, 154.8 kmph
Umran Malik, playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad, delivered the fastest ball by an Indian in IPL, reaching 157 kmph against Rovman Powell of Delhi Capitals in IPL 2022. Malik, a recent find for Sunrisers Hyderabad from the domestic circuit, is considered a promising prospect for Indian fast bowling. He has taken 28 wickets in 25 IPL matches across three seasons, which earned him a spot in the national team.
In IPL 2022, Malik bowled three of the fastest deliveries of his career, all against Delhi Capitals, reaching 157 kmph, 156 kmph, and 154.8 kmph.
Anrich Nortje – 156.22 kmph, 155.1 kmph, 154.7 kmph
Like Umran Malik, Anrich Nortje from South Africa appears three times on this list. All his high-speed deliveries came while playing for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2020. The fastest of these was 156.22 kmph, bowled against Rajasthan Royals’ Jos Buttler. He also bowled deliveries at 155.1 kmph and 154.7 kmph in the same season. Nortje has taken 53 wickets in 40 IPL matches across four seasons.
Dale Steyn – 154.4 kmph
Dale Steyn, one of the most feared bowlers in world cricket, showcased his skills in IPL 2012 while playing for Deccan Chargers. Despite an injury-marred career, Steyn bowled a 154.4 kmph delivery and took 18 wickets in 12 matches that season. In his IPL career, he played 95 matches and secured 97 wickets.
Kagiso Rabada – 154.34 kmph
Kagiso Rabada, another South African, bowled the tenth-fastest ball in IPL history, clocking in at 154.34 kmph for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2020. He had an impressive season, taking 30 wickets in 17 games and helping Delhi Capitals reach the final. Rabada has played 69 IPL matches so far, taking a total of 106 wickets.
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