Speed Gun: Top 10 Women Fast Bowlers in Cricket History

In a sport long dominated by spin and subtlety on the women’s side, a new breed of cricketers changed the game forever — the female fast bowlers. Armed with raw pace, pinpoint accuracy, and fierce intent, these women tore through batting lineups and turned the gentle rhythm of women’s cricket into a battlefield of speed and aggression.

This article dives deep into the Top 10 Fastest Women Bowlers in Cricket History — ranked not only by speed but also by impact, consistency, and legacy.

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1. Shabnim Ismail (South Africa) – 128 kph

The most lethal speedster women's cricket has ever seen. Shabnim Ismail regularly clocked speeds between 125–128 kph, with her fastest recorded delivery at a staggering 128 kph. Her intimidating run-up and fiery attitude made her the heartbeat of South Africa’s pace attack for over a decade.

• Fastest Delivery: 128 kph
• Matches: 241
• Wickets: 317
• Career Span: 2007–2023

2. Cathryn Fitzpatrick (Australia) – 125 kph

One of the original torchbearers of express pace in women's cricket. Fitzpatrick was a terror with the new ball in the late 90s and early 2000s. She held the unofficial title of the fastest female bowler before Ismail burst onto the scene.

• Fastest Delivery: 125 kph
• Matches: 109
• Wickets: 180
• Career Span: 1991–2007

3. Lea Tahuhu (New Zealand) – 126 kph

Tahuhu has consistently been New Zealand’s fastest weapon. Her 126 kph delivery remains one of the quickest ever recorded in women’s cricket. Her athletic build, power-packed action, and control over line and length make her a modern-day menace.

• Fastest Delivery: 126 kph
• Matches: 154+
• Wickets: 180+
• Career Span: 2011–Present

4. Ellyse Perry (Australia) – 123 kph

Known more for her all-round brilliance, Perry was once Australia’s fastest bowler. Her elegant run-up belied the power she generated. Her peak speed reached 123 kph, especially during the 2013 Ashes series where she bowled with relentless discipline.

• Fastest Delivery: 123 kph
• Matches: 300+
• Wickets: 310+
• Career Span: 2007–Present

5. Jhulan Goswami (India) – 120 kph

The tallest woman to play international cricket, Goswami was India’s pace spearhead for nearly two decades. Her bounce, seam movement, and top speed of 120 kph made her a deadly force — particularly with the new ball.

• Fastest Delivery: 120 kph
• Matches: 284
• Wickets: 355
• Career Span: 2002–2022

6. Tayla Vlaeminck (Australia) – 125 kph

Despite a career riddled with injuries, Vlaeminck’s raw pace has turned heads. She's one of the fastest current bowlers when fully fit, consistently hitting 124–125 kph in domestic and international cricket.

• Fastest Delivery: 125 kph
• Matches: Limited due to injury
• Wickets: 30+
• Career Span: 2018–Present

7. Diana Baig (Pakistan) – 120 kph

Pakistan’s pace gem, Diana Baig combines pace with control. Her 120 kph deliveries have troubled even the best batters. With a natural inswing and skiddy action, she’s one of Pakistan’s most effective bowlers.

• Fastest Delivery: 120 kph
• Matches: 90+
• Wickets: 100+
• Career Span: 2015–Present

8. Megan Schutt (Australia) – 118 kph

Though not in the absolute top tier for pace, Schutt is Australia’s most reliable swing bowler. Her ability to deliver 118 kph outswingers in the powerplay makes her invaluable in white-ball formats.

• Fastest Delivery: 118 kph
• Matches: 190+
• Wickets: 250+
• Career Span: 2012–Present

9. Marizanne Kapp (South Africa) – 119 kph

Kapp isn’t just quick — she’s smart. A bowling tactician, she hits speeds up to 119 kph but relies equally on movement, angles, and fitness. One of the best all-rounders in the world today.

• Fastest Delivery: 119 kph
• Matches: 250+
• Wickets: 200+
• Career Span: 2009–Present

10. Rumeli Dhar (India) – 117 kph

A pioneer in the early 2000s, Rumeli brought aggression and speed to India’s fast-bowling setup. Her 117 kph deliveries often surprised teams used to medium pace.

• Fastest Delivery: 117 kph
• Matches: 100+
• Wickets: 84
• Career Span: 2003–2018

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The Pace Revolution is Just Beginning

Fitness, biomechanics, and advanced coaching are now empowering young women to bowl faster than ever before. Bowlers like Darcie Brown (Australia), Renuka Singh (India), and Issy Wong (England) are already touching 120+ kph, and the day a woman bowls at 130+ kph is near.

What was once a rarity is now becoming a norm — and the speed gun is lighting up more often in women’s cricket.

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FAQs – Fastest Women Bowlers in Cricket

Q1. Who is the fastest woman bowler in cricket history?

Shabnim Ismail holds the record for the fastest recorded delivery at 128 kph.

Q2. Has any woman ever bowled over 130 kph?

No official record yet, but with growing pace in current players like Darcie Brown, it's expected soon.

Q3. Who was India’s fastest woman bowler?

Jhulan Goswami was India’s fastest bowler, consistently bowling above 118–120 kph.

Q4. Why aren’t speeds higher in women’s cricket?

Due to physiological differences, women typically have less upper body strength, but with better training, speeds are rising quickly.

Q5. Which current female bowlers are fastest?

Lea Tahuhu, Tayla Vlaeminck, and Darcie Brown are among the fastest active players today.