The global frenzy surrounding T20 cricket is unprecedented. Since its inception in this millennium, the shortest format has surged in popularity. The introduction of the IPL in 2008 revolutionized T20 cricket worldwide. Over the years, the tournament has evolved into a glamorous platform for talent scouting. Numerous grassroots cricketers from various nations have risen to prominence, thanks to the IPL’s spotlight.
In cricket, T20 cricket is often labeled as a batsman’s game, but the Indian Premier League has showcased exceptional bowling feats over the years. Shaun Tait, the ex-Australian speedster, holds the record for the fastest delivery in IPL history, clocking 157.71 kmph for Rajasthan Royals in 2011. Notably, the top 10 fastest IPL deliveries are largely dominated by foreign bowlers, with Umran Malik as the lone Indian entry.
Top 10 Most Fastest Balls in IPL History:
| Player’s Name | Speed (kmph) | Team | IPL Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shaun Tait | 157.71 | Rajasthan Royals | 2011 |
| Lockie Ferguson | 157.3 | Gujarat Titans | 2022 |
| Umran Malik | 157 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 2022 |
| Anrich Nortje | 156.22 | Delhi Capitals | 2020 |
| Umran Malik | 156 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 2022 |
| Anrich Nortje | 155.1 | Delhi Capitals | 2020 |
| Umran Malik | 154.8 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 2022 |
| Anrich Nortje | 154.7 | Delhi Capitals | 2020 |
| Dale Steyn | 154.4 | Deccan Chargers | 2012 |
| Kagiso Rabada | 154.23 | Delhi Capitals | 2020 |
1. Shaun Tait (157.71 kmph)
Shaun Tait holds the IPL record for the fastest delivery, hurling a blistering 157.71 kmph ball at Aaron Finch of Delhi Daredevils during the 2011 season. Hindered by injuries, Tait’s career potential remained untapped, depriving cricket of a potentially lethal bowler. Representing Rajasthan Royals, he appeared in merely 21 IPL matches, managing to secure 23 wickets during his tenure.
2. Lockie Ferguson (157.3 kmph)
Lockie Ferguson, the Kiwi pacer, claimed the title for the fastest delivery in IPL 2022, hurling a rapid 157.3 kmph ball during the final against Rajasthan Royals. The high-pressure moment against Jos Buttler showcased Ferguson’s skill. Since his IPL debut in 2017, Ferguson has represented various franchises, accumulating 37 wickets in 38 matches, marking him as a valuable asset in the tournament.
3. Umran Malik (157 kmph)
Umran Malik of Sunrisers Hyderabad set the Indian record for the fastest delivery in IPL history, unleashing a fiery 157 kmph delivery against Delhi Capitals’ Rovman Powell during IPL 2022. This remarkable feat still stands as a testament to his pace prowess. With 28 wickets in 25 IPL matches spanning three seasons, Malik’s impressive performance earned him a national team call-up, reflecting his rising prominence in Indian cricket.
4. Anrich Nortje (156.22 kmph)
Anrich Nortje left a lasting impact during IPL 2020 with his unstoppable pace. Representing Delhi Capitals, Nortje hurled a blistering 156.22 kmph delivery at Rajasthan Royals’ Jos Buttler, marking the fourth-fastest ball in IPL history. His combination of speed and precision led to 22 wickets in 16 matches, contributing significantly to Delhi Capitals’ campaign in the tournament.
5. Umran Malik (156 kmph)
During the IPL 2022 match against Delhi Capitals, Umran Malik displayed his searing pace once again. Surpassing his previous speed, Malik unleashed a rapid 156 km/h delivery, marking it as the fifth-fastest in IPL history. This remarkable feat further solidified Malik’s reputation as a speedster to be reckoned with, adding to the excitement and intensity of the match against Delhi Capitals.
6. Anrich Nortje (155.1 kmph)
Anrich Nortje showcased his formidable pace during IPL 2020, delivering another scorching ball against the same opponent, marking his second-fastest delivery in the tournament at 155.1 kmph. His relentless speed and accuracy made him a force to be reckoned with, solidifying his reputation as one of the most formidable bowlers in the league, and adding further excitement to the IPL 2020 season. This delivery ranks sixth among the fastest in IPL history.
7. Umran Malik (154.8 kmph)
Umran Malik heralded as the fastest Indian pacer in IPL history, garnered global attention with his blistering pace and precision. IPL 2022 marked a significant turning point in his career, where he consistently delivered speeds of 154.8 kmph across four overs against the Delhi Capitals. This particular delivery holds the sixth position among the fastest in the history of the IPL.
8. Anrich Nortje (154.7 kmph)
Anrich Nortje stands out as one of the swiftest South African pacers in contemporary cricket. During a match against Rajasthan Royals, he unleashed a menacing 154.7 kmph delivery, ranking among his top three fastest. With 40 IPL appearances across four seasons, Nortje has amassed an impressive tally of 53 wickets, showcasing his prowess as a consistent wicket-taker in the tournament.
9. Dale Steyn (154.4 kmph)
Dale Steyn, the former South African speedster, was renowned for his sheer pace at the international level. In IPL 2012, representing the now-defunct Deccan Chargers, Steyn showcased his bowling brilliance. His standout performance that season saw him claim 18 wickets in 12 matches, including a lightning-fast delivery clocked at 154.4 kmph. Throughout his IPL career spanning 95 games, Steyn amassed a total of 97 wickets.
10. Kagiso Rabada (154.23 kmph)
Kagiso Rabada, a top-tier modern-day pacer, holds the distinction of delivering the 10th fastest ball in IPL history. His fastest IPL delivery of 154.23 kmph occurred during the 2020 season for Delhi Capitals. Rabada’s standout performance in IPL 2020 included an impressive haul of 30 wickets in 17 matches, propelling Delhi Capitals to the final. With 106 wickets in 69 IPL matches, Rabada remains a key asset for his team.
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