Cricket is not only about the elegant swings of the bat and impressive boundaries; bowling is equally essential. Among the various bowling styles, fast bowling stands out for its ability to take quick wickets and intimidate batsmen. In the annals of cricket history, some fast bowlers have delivered balls at lightning speeds, making them legends of the game. This article highlights the top 10 fastest bowlers in the world and their quickest deliveries.

1. Shoaib Akhtar (Pakistan) - 161.3 km/h

Shoaib Akhtar, also known as the "Rawalpindi Express," holds the record for the fastest delivery in cricket history. His fastest ball, clocked at 161.3 km/h, was bowled against England during the 2003 Cricket World Cup. Akhtar's career includes 178 Test wickets and 247 ODI wickets, cementing his status as a cricket legend.

2. Shaun Tait (Australia) - 161.1 km/h

Australian fast bowler Shaun Tait ranks second with his fastest delivery recorded at 161.1 km/h against England in 2010 at Lord's. Tait took 62 wickets in 35 ODIs and 23 wickets in 21 IPL matches, making a significant mark with his speed.

3. Brett Lee (Australia) - 160.8 km/h

Brett Lee, another Australian cricket legend, is known for his speed and accuracy. He delivered his fastest ball at 160.8 km/h against New Zealand in 2005. Lee's career boasts 310 Test wickets and 380 ODI wickets, and he played crucial roles in Australia’s 2003 and 2007 World Cup victories.

4. Jeff Thomson (Australia) - 160.6 km/h

Jeff Thomson, a fearsome fast bowler from Australia, bowled his fastest delivery at 160.6 km/h against the West Indies in 1975. Thomson took 200 wickets in 51 Test matches and 55 wickets in 50 ODIs, known for his consistent speed and precision.

5. Mitchell Starc (Australia) - 160.4 km/h

Mitchell Starc, a left-arm fast bowler from Australia, delivered his fastest ball at 160.4 km/h during a Test match against New Zealand in 2015. Starc has taken 282 Test wickets and 195 ODI wickets, earning his place among the fastest bowlers in cricket.

6. Andy Roberts (West Indies) - 159.5 km/h

Sir Andy Roberts, a legendary West Indian fast bowler, delivered his fastest ball at 159.5 km/h against Australia in 1975. Roberts’ career includes 202 Test wickets and 87 ODI wickets, and he was a key player in the West Indies' 1975 and 1979 World Cup victories.

7. Fidel Edwards (West Indies) - 157.7 km/h

Fidel Edwards, another West Indian fast bowler, delivered one of the fastest balls in cricket at 157.7 km/h against South Africa in 2003. Edwards has taken 165 Test wickets and 60 ODI wickets, establishing himself as a prominent fast bowler.

8. Mitchell Johnson (Australia) - 156.8 km/h

Mitchell Johnson, known for his aggressive fast bowling, delivered his fastest ball at 156.8 km/h against England during the 2013 Ashes series. Johnson took 313 Test wickets and 239 ODI wickets and played a crucial role in Australia’s 2015 World Cup win.

9. Mohammad Sami (Pakistan) - 156.4 km/h

Mohammad Sami, a Pakistani fast bowler, bowled his fastest delivery at 156.4 km/h against Zimbabwe in 2003. Sami’s career includes 85 Test wickets and 121 ODI wickets, placing him among the fastest bowlers in the world.

10. Shane Bond (New Zealand) - 156.4 km/h

Shane Bond, a New Zealand fast bowler, delivered his fastest ball at 156.4 km/h during the 2003 ICC World Cup against India. Bond’s career stats include 87 Test wickets and 147 ODI wickets, making him one of the best bowlers from New Zealand.