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Speed, Skill, And Sheer Brilliance: 4 Fastest Deliveries In Women’s Cricket

Akshita Patel

Top 4 Fastest Deliveries In Women’s Cricket [Source: @aftabsays_/X.com]Top 4 Fastest Deliveries In Women’s Cricket [Source: @aftabsays_/X.com]

Over the past decade, women’s cricket has undergone a phenomenal transformation. Among the most exciting developments in this change has been the increase in pace bowling, where female pacers now bowl at rates previously unheard of in the women's game.

England's Lauren Filer recently made history after bowling the quickest recorded over in women's cricket. During a T20I against India, she recorded 5 out of 6 balls at speeds of more than 75 mph with a top speed of 79 mph (127.1 kph).

On that note, let’s revisit the top 4 fastest deliveries ever recorded in women’s cricket history.

4. Shabnim Ismail – 128 kph

4. Shabnim Ismail – 128 kph [Source: @ICC/X.com]4. Shabnim Ismail – 128 kph [Source: @ICC/X.com]

In her second-last international appearance, South Africa fast bowler Shabnim Ismail delivered at 128 kph, this time on the grand stage of the 2023 T20 World Cup semi-final against England. Her three-wicket haul helped South Africa reach the final. Though they fell short against Australia, Ismail exited the stage as the country’s all-time leading wicket-taker in both ODIs and T20Is.

Even in 2016, during a T20I series against the West Indies, she bowled at 128 kph, a record at the time. Her spell, including back-to-back three-wicket hauls, assisted South Africa in taking the series 2-1.

3. Shabnim Ismail – 128.3 kph

3. Shabnim Ismail – 128.3 kph [Source: @mipaltan/X.com]3. Shabnim Ismail – 128.3 kph [Source: @mipaltan/X.com]

Ismail's speed was on full display once again in the opening game of WPL 2024. Representing Mumbai Indians, she bowled a fiery delivery at 128.3 kph against Delhi Capitals. Although her season was cut short due to injury, Ismail left a mark with five wickets in three matches, an average of 17.60, and an economy of 7.33. Her capacity to maintain a high pace consistently has raised a new bar for future pacers.

2. Ellyse Perry – 130.5 kph

2. Ellyse Perry – 130.5 kph [Source: PTI]2. Ellyse Perry – 130.5 kph [Source: PTI]

Australia’s Ellyse Perry became the first female cricketer to break the 130 kph barrier in 2023 during a WPL match for Royal Challengers Bangalore. In a must-win game against UP Warriorz, Perry delivered a fiery spell, returning with figures of 3/16. Her 130.5 kph delivery was pivotal in breaking UP’s batting rhythm, helping RCB chase 135 in just 18 overs. Despite the team’s overall struggles in the tournament, Perry’s pace was a standout moment of brilliance.

1. Shabnim Ismail – 132.1 kph

In March 2024, Shabnim Ismail shattered all previous records during a Women’s Premier League (WPL) match between Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals. Bowling to Meg Lanning, Ismail unleashed a thunderbolt delivery clocked at 132.1 kph, the fastest ever recorded in women’s cricket. Although the delivery resulted in an unsuccessful LBW appeal, it made history nonetheless. At 35, Ismail showcased that age is no barrier when it comes to pace and precision.