Fastest Balls in IPL History: Speed Unleashed

T20 cricket is evolving at a faster pace, and every day we see some of records being broken. It is the fastest and least time consuming format with the greatest fan base, so a majority of both, the spectators and the broadcasters prefer T20 over other formats of the game. And what makes this cricket format so exciting is the incredible battle between the bat and the ball. Batters trying to hit every ball out of the park while bowlers trying to outsmart them with their pace, swing or spin. In this battle, we’ve seen batters dominate more, but now with the new crop of bowlers, especially the extreme fast bowlers, and the inclusion of the two bouncers in an over rule in the IPL, bowlers can have the upper hand against the batters. And this rule especially helps the faster bowlers in the IPL. They can pelt the batsmen with their deliveries. 

Last updated: October 5, 2026

But there have been some bowlers already who have made even the best of batsmen feel uncomfortable with their fastest balls in the IPL. In this article by ZAP, let’s look at the bowlers with the fastest deliveries in IPL history. 

Fastest recorded balls in IPL history:

Speed-gun readings can vary by broadcast and measurement system. We have excluded the widely circulated 157.4 kmph Gerald Coetzee reading from 2024 because it was later reported as a speed-gun error. Mayank Yadav’s 156.7 kmph delivery is the official IPL benchmark from that season. Sources: IPL and ESPNcricinfo.

Shaun Tait 157.71 kmph - fastest ball in IPL history

The record of fastest ball in IPL is held by Shaun Tait, who bowled a delivery of 157.7 kmph in 2011 in a match against Delhi Daredevils. He was playing for Rajasthan Royals then. More than a decade later, he still holds the record for the fastest recorded delivery in IPL history. 

Tait played his international cricket representing Australia and hence all his aggression flew in his blood. He was fierce and mighty and always created fear in the minds of batter.

Lockie Ferguson 157.3 kmph: fastest ball in IPL 2022

Credit: The National

During the IPL 2022 season, Lockie Ferguson showcased his fast bowling ability by delivering the fastest ball of the IPL 2022. Playing for the Gujarat Titans IPL Team against the Rajstan Royals in the 2022 IPL final, he clocked in at 157.3 kmph earning him the title of the fastest bowler in IPL that season.

Though Ferguson isn’t very tall, his main strength is his muscular build, smooth run up and his sling arm bowling action which helps him touch extreme speeds. He has also been a premier bowler for New Zealand side and plays a key role in dominating the game in crucial matches. 

Umran Malik 156.9 kmph: One of the Fastest Balls in IPL by an Indian

Credit: Scroll.in

Later in 2022, Umran Malik became the first Indian to register his name in the list of fastest delivery in IPL. He was playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad when he clocked 156.9 kmph, often rounded to 157.0 kmph. He holds the record of bowling one of the fastest deliveries recorded in IPL 2022. Malik’s secret to bowling fast deliveries is his muscle explosiveness. He is not very tall, but the power with which he explodes is his primary strength.

Mayank Yadav 156.7 kmph: 5th Fastest Delivery in IPL history

In 2024, Mayank Yadav took the baton from Umran Malik and Became second Indian to register his name in the fastest delivery in IPL in a particular season. Yadav’s plus point is that he can generate swing along with pace and bounce.

Anrich Nortje 156.22 kmph: 

It shall be noted that though not in the top 5, Anrich Nortje has always consistently bowled at a lethal pace. His quickest delivery in the IPL was 156.22 kmph which he bowled in 2020 against Jos Buttler from Rajasthan Royals.

Anrich’s specialty is that he is tall and flexible. His height gives him the ability to generate extra bounce since the release point is much higher than that of any other bowler.

Want to increase your bowling speed?

This article is focused on IPL pace records. If you want to work on your run-up, release, action and pace, read our dedicated Fast Bowling Tips and Techniques guide.

FAQ:

Now that you have read about the fastest balls in IPL history, you should read about some other IPL Records:

IPL Orange Cap Winners List | IPL Purple Cap Winners List | Most Runs in IPL History | Most Wickets in IPL History