When pace collides with precision, the cricketing world stands still—and in the high-stakes arena of ICC Women’s World Cups, some bowlers have left both batters and spectators in awe. From white-ball thrillers to ODI classics, speedsters have not only turned heads but shattered perceptions. Here’s a countdown of the top 10 fastest deliveries ever recorded in ICC Women’s ODI and T20 World Cups, based solely on maximum match speeds.
1. 127.4 km/h (79.2 mph) – Shabnim Ismail vs England
T20 World Cup | 24 Feb 2023 | Semifinal
South Africa’s pace sensation Shabnim Ismail unleashed a blistering 127.4 km/h thunderbolt on the final ball of the 6th over. It remains the fastest delivery ever recorded in ICC Women’s World Cup history. South Africa clinched a dramatic 6-run win to reach their first-ever final.
2. 126.7 km/h (78.7 mph) – Shabnim Ismail vs Australia
T20 World Cup | 5 Mar 2020 | Semifinal
In yet another semifinal showdown, Ismail lit up the speed gun early in the innings with a 126.7 km/h rocket, the second ball of the third over. Despite her efforts, South Africa narrowly lost by 5 runs.
3. 125.8 km/h (78.2 mph) – Shabnim Ismail vs England
T20 World Cup | 23 Feb 2020
Deep into the innings at 17.1 overs, Ismail fired a 125.8 km/h delivery, catching the batters off guard when fatigue usually sets in. South Africa chased down the total with 6 wickets to spare.
4. 125.6 km/h (78.0 mph) – Lea Tahuhu vs Pakistan
T20 World Cup | 15 Nov 2018
New Zealand’s Lea Tahuhu clocked 125.6 km/h in the 5th over, making her presence felt early. Her intent was clear: to dominate from the get-go. New Zealand won the match convincingly by 54 runs.
5. 125.5 km/h (78.0 mph) – Shabnim Ismail vs Sri Lanka
T20 World Cup | 28 Mar 2016
Even in 2016, Ismail was already tearing through batters. Her 125.5 km/h missile at 5.2 overs was a glimpse of the fiery legacy she would go on to build. Despite her performance, Sri Lanka pulled off a 10-run win.
6. 125.5 km/h (78.0 mph) – Lea Tahuhu vs Ireland
T20 World Cup | 17 Nov 2018
Just two days after her 125.6 km/h thunderbolt, Tahuhu followed it up with another 125.5 km/h delivery at 2.5 overs. Consistent, lethal, and ruthless. New Zealand won by 8 wickets.
7. 125 km/h (78 mph) – Ellyse Perry vs South Africa
ODI World Cup | 22 Mar 2022
The Aussie all-rounder Ellyse Perry joined the elite speedster club with a 125 km/h scorcher during a high-pressure World Cup clash. Australia triumphed by 5 wickets in a battle of nerves and speed.
8. 125 km/h (78 mph) – Shabnim Ismail vs Australia
ODI World Cup | 22 Mar 2022
In the same match, Ismail matched Perry’s pace with a delivery that screamed through at 125 km/h. It was a day when sheer speed took center stage, even though South Africa fell short.
9. 125 km/h (78 mph) – Shabnim Ismail vs India
ODI World Cup | 27 Mar 2022
In another late innings burst, Ismail clocked 125 km/h at ball 48.4. It was a bolt from the blue, late in the innings, as South Africa edged out India by 3 wickets in a tense finish.
10. 124.9 km/h (77.6 mph) – Lea Tahuhu vs India
T20 World Cup | 9 Nov 2018
Rounding off the list, Tahuhu’s delivery at 3.4 overs came in at 124.9 km/h, further cementing her status as one of the most fearsome quicks in the women’s game. Despite her effort, New Zealand lost by 34 runs.
These ten thunderbolts—some early, some late—are more than mere flashes of brilliance. They represent a new era in women’s cricket, where speed is not a rarity, but a weapon.
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