Mitchell Starc’s “176.5 kmph” Delivery Stuns Fans — But Here’s the Real Story and the Fastest Balls in Cricket History.
Cricket fans around the world were left stunned — and amused — when the speed gun at the first ODI between Australia and India flashed an eye-popping 176.5 kmph for a delivery bowled by Mitchell Starc to Rohit Sharma.
For a brief moment, social media went into meltdown. Had Starc really bowled the fastest ball ever recorded — faster than even Shoaib Akhtar’s legendary 161.3 kmph “Rawalpindi Express”?
Well, not quite.
⚡ The Truth Behind the “176.5 kmph” Delivery
The reading turned out to be a technical glitch. Broadcasters soon corrected it, confirming that the actual speed of the ball was 140.8 kmph — a quick but typical Starc thunderbolt.
Still, the moment reminded everyone of cricket’s long obsession with speed — those electrifying spells where bowlers have pushed human limits to the edge.
So, Here Sportshistori.com let’s relive some of the fastest deliveries ever bowled in international cricket, featuring icons from Pakistan, Australia, West Indies, South Africa, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka.
🌍 The Fastest Deliveries in Cricket History
🥇 1. Shoaib Akhtar (Pakistan) – 161.3 kmph
The “Rawalpindi Express” holds the crown. Akhtar clocked 161.3 kmph against England during the 2003 World Cup at Cape Town — sending Nick Knight back to the pavilion and etching his name in history.
🥈 2. Shaun Tait (Australia) – 161.1 kmph & 160.7 kmph
The tearaway Aussie pacer broke the 100 mph barrier twice — 161.1 kmph against England at Lord’s (2010) and 160.7 kmph against Pakistan at the MCG. His raw pace made him one of the most feared short-format bowlers.
🥉 3. Brett Lee (Australia) – 161.1 kmph
Lee matched Tait’s mark with a 161.1 kmph rocket against New Zealand at Napier in 2005. Known for his smooth action and relentless aggression, Lee’s speed thrilled fans across the globe.
4. Jeff Thomson (Australia) – 160.4 kmph
Back in 1975, long before speed guns became common, “Thommo” terrorized the West Indies with a 160.4 kmph missile at Perth. Many still believe he was even faster in reality!
5. Mitchell Starc (Australia) – 160.4 kmph
Starc’s fastest official ball came during the 2015 Test against New Zealand at the WACA. Left-arm, swinging at 160+ kmph — that’s a nightmare for any batter.
6. Andy Roberts (West Indies) – 159.9 kmph
Part of the fearsome Caribbean pace battery, Roberts reached 159.9 kmph in Australia’s speed trials, proving West Indian quicks were true pace pioneers.
7. Fidel Edwards (West Indies) – 157.7 kmph
Another fiery West Indian, Edwards clocked 157.7 kmph against South Africa in 2003. Short run-up, quick arm, sheer pace.
8. Mitchell Johnson (Australia) – 156.8 kmph
During the 2013 Ashes, Johnson’s 156.8 kmph ball to England struck fear into batters’ hearts. His aggressive spells defined that iconic series.
9. Mohammad Sami (Pakistan) – 156.4 kmph
Often overshadowed by Akhtar, Sami’s 156.4 kmph thunderbolt against Zimbabwe in 2003 showed Pakistan’s remarkable depth in fast bowling talent.
10. Shane Bond (New Zealand) – 156.4 kmph
Bond’s express pace and pinpoint accuracy made him a Kiwi legend. His 156.4 kmph delivery during the 2003 World Cup against Australia remains unforgettable.
11. Dale Steyn (South Africa) – 155.7 kmph
Steyn’s 155.7 kmph strike against New Zealand combined pure pace with deadly swing — the hallmark of one of the greatest fast bowlers of his era.
12. Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka) – 155.7 kmph
The “Slinga” from Sri Lanka delivered a 155.7 kmph scorcher in the 2011 World Cup against New Zealand, with that famous round-arm action mesmerizing fans.
⚙️ Final Word
Mitchell Starc’s “176.5 kmph” reading may have been a glitch, but it reignited cricket fans’ fascination with raw pace — that thrilling moment when the ball leaves the bowler’s hand like a bullet.
From Akhtar’s thunderbolts to Lee’s lightning, Thomson’s terror, and Starc’s left-arm fury, fast bowling remains one of the purest and most exciting spectacles in world cricket.
Because when that speed gun flashes red, every cricket fan — from Karachi to Kolkata, from Melbourne to Kingston — holds their breath. 💨🔥
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