The top 5 fastest spin bowlers in cricket history are known for their ability to combine pace and spin, consistently delivering at high speeds. These bowlers made life difficult for batsmen with their quick deliveries, exceptional turn, and bounce, solidifying their place as some of the most formidable spin bowlers ever.
5. Shahid Afridi
Shahid Afridi, known for his explosive all-round performances, surprised many with his medium pace, often surpassing the 130 km/h mark, even touching 134 km/h. His unique blend of fast spin baffled batsmen, and despite his retirement from international cricket, Afridi continued to feature in T20 leagues, including the 2020 Pakistan Super League.
4. Anil Kumble
Anil Kumble, the legendary former Indian Test captain, was a formidable leg-spinner whose fastest delivery reached 118 km/h. He consistently bowled at speeds around 100 km/h, making him a challenging opponent. On a rank turner, batsmen faced their worst nightmare as Kumble generated the perfect combination of pace, bounce, and turn to outfox them.
3. BS Chandrashekhar
BS Chandrashekhar, often hailed as the fastest spinner of his time, earned legendary status with his exceptional skills. He made headlines by dismissing Sir Vivian Richards three times in four matches. In 1971, his remarkable spell of 6/38 against England earned him the Wisden award for ‘Best Bowling Performance of the Century.’ Batsmen struggled to pick his deliveries, cementing his place as one of the most challenging leg-spinners in cricket history.
2. Ajantha Mendis
Sri Lankan leg-spinner Ajantha Mendis is etched in Indian fans’ memories for his unforgettable performances, especially in the 2008 Asia Cup. In the final, he single-handedly turned the game with a match-winning spell. Known for his quick pace and deceptive deliveries, Mendis left little time for batsmen to pick the ball or come down the track to attack. His unique style made him a challenging bowler, especially against India.
1. Marlon Samuels
Marlon Samuels is celebrated for his match-winning performances in T20 World Cup finals, but he also proved to be a complete all-rounder with his impressive bowling skills. As a right-arm off-spinner, Samuels bowled at a pace few spinners could match, particularly excelling with his fiery yorkers in the early 2010s. Unfortunately, his career took a hit when the ICC suspended him for an illegal bowling action in 2013. Despite this setback, his contributions as both a batsman and bowler remain memorable.
