Women’s cricket has greatly improved over the years, with players showing amazing talent and skill. One exciting aspect is the speed at which the ball is bowled.
This article highlights some of the fastest and most precise deliveries in women’s cricket. These moments not only show the brilliance of individual players but also the growth and increasing competitiveness of women’s cricket worldwide.
Here are the top 5 fastest recorded deliveries in women’s cricket:
5. Shabnim Ismail – 128 kph
In her second-last career match for South Africa, Ismail showcased her speed again during the 2023 T20 World Cup semi-final against England. Her match-winning spell included three crucial wickets, helping South Africa to victory. Despite losing the final to Australia, Ismail ended her career as South Africa’s all-time leading wicket-taker in both T20Is and ODIs.
4. Shabnim Ismail – 128 kph
In 2016, Shabnim Ismail established herself as the fastest bowler of her generation with a 128 kph delivery during a series against the West Indies. Her impressive performance, including seven wickets at an average under 9, was crucial, featuring back-to-back three-wicket hauls in the first two T20Is, leading South Africa to a 2-1 series win.
3. Shabnim Ismail – 128.3 kph
Ismail showed her speed in the first match of WPL 2024, recording a 128.3 kph delivery against the Delhi Capitals at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Despite missing later games due to injury, Ismail has been effective this season, taking five wickets in three innings with an excellent average of 17.60 and an economy rate of 7.33.
2. Ellyse Perry – 130.5 kph
Australian all-rounder Ellyse Perry became the first woman to break the 130-kph mark during the 2023 WPL. Playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore, Perry’s record-setting delivery led to their first win of the season after five straight losses. Perry’s impressive spell saw her take 3 wickets for 16 runs in four overs, helping to restrict UP to 135, which Bangalore chased down in 18 overs with five wickets remaining. Despite Bangalore’s overall struggles that season, Perry’s outstanding performance cemented her status as one of the greatest in the sport.
1. Shabnim Ismail – 132.1 kph
South African fast bowler Shabnim Ismail set a record for the fastest ball in women’s cricket during the 2024 Women’s Premier League. In a match between Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals, Ismail, aged 35, bowled a 132.1 kph delivery to Delhi’s Meg Lanning. However, it didn’t change the result as Mumbai’s LBW appeal was turned down, and the Capitals won the game by 29 runs.
