The Three Fastest Bowling Ball Speeds Ever Recorded: From 34 MPH To A Shocking 161 MPH

As of December 2025, the title of "fastest bowling ball speed" is highly ambiguous, leading to one of the most fascinating debates in sports. The answer depends entirely on which sport you are talking about: the high-speed, 10-pin precision of the bowling alley or the raw, electrifying pace of the cricket pitch. This deep dive uncovers the three definitive world records for bowling speed, revealing a massive gap between the fastest human-thrown ball in a standard lane and the absolute maximum speed ever recorded for a ball called a "delivery."

The speeds vary drastically, ranging from a blistering 34 MPH in a professional ten-pin bowling tournament to an almost unbelievable 161.3 km/h (100.23 mph) in international cricket. Understanding these records requires a look at the physics, the athletes, and the specific rules of each sport, which dictate the maximum possible velocity.

The Definitive Speed Records: A Tale of Three Balls

The term "bowling" is not universal, which is why the speed records are so disparate. The three most significant records for the fastest bowling ball speed belong to three entirely different contexts: the fastest human-thrown ball in ten-pin bowling, the fastest ball in a modified stunt, and the fastest ball in the sport of cricket.

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1. The Absolute World Record: Fastest Cricket Ball Delivery (100.23 MPH / 161.3 km/h)

For the sheer velocity of a ball delivered by a human hand, the record belongs to the sport of cricket. The speed is almost double that of any standard ten-pin bowling throw, thanks to the different mechanics, ball weight, and distance involved.

Biography of the Speed King: Shoaib Akhtar

• Full Name: Shoaib Akhtar
• Nickname: The Rawalpindi Express
• Nationality: Pakistani
• Born: August 13, 1975, in Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan
• Career Span: 1997–2011
• Role: Fast Bowler (Right-arm)
• Key Achievement: First bowler in history to officially break the 100 mph barrier.

The Record-Breaking Delivery

The official Guinness World Record for the fastest delivery of a cricket ball is held by Pakistani legend Shoaib Akhtar.

• Record Speed: 161.3 km/h (100.23 mph)
• Date Set: February 22, 2003
• Event: ICC World Cup match against England
• Location: Cape Town, South Africa

Akhtar, famously nicknamed "The Rawalpindi Express," achieved this monumental feat with a delivery that remains unchallenged as the fastest electronically measured ball bowled by any bowler. While other world-class fast bowlers like Australia's Mitchell Starc (160.4 km/h) and Brett Lee have come close, Akhtar’s record stands firm. This high velocity is possible because cricket bowlers use a long run-up to generate maximum momentum, and the ball is lighter than a standard ten-pin bowling ball.

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2. The Ten-Pin Bowling Record: Fastest Human-Thrown Ball (Approx. 34 MPH / 54.7 km/h)

In the world of ten-pin bowling, where the ball must be delivered down a 60-foot lane, the physics of a successful strike demand a balance between speed and *rev rate* (the amount of spin). Too much speed without enough spin, and the ball won't hook properly into the pocket. However, a few legendary bowlers prioritized raw velocity.

The Velocity King of the PBA: Robert "Maximum Bob" Smith

While official, continuously updated records for the fastest ten-pin bowling ball speed are not as rigorously maintained as in cricket, the consensus among professional bowlers and the PBA (Professional Bowlers Association) community points to Robert Smith, known as "Maximum Bob."

• Estimated Record Speed: Approximately 34 MPH (54.7 km/h) at release
• The Bowler: Robert Smith (PBA Star)
• Context: His strike ball was known for its immense power and velocity, earning him his famous nickname.

The average professional bowler typically delivers the ball at speeds ranging from 20 to 22 mph at the point of release. The ball then slows down significantly, hitting the pins at around 17 to 18 mph. Robert Smith's ability to consistently throw a ball in the low-to-mid 30s was an anomaly, a testament to his sheer physical strength. This extreme speed, however, is often cited as a contributing factor to the back problems that eventually led to his retirement, illustrating the physical toll of maximizing ball velocity. The Finnish powerhouse Osku Palermaa is also consistently mentioned in discussions about the quickest deliveries in the world, known for his high speed and powerful pin action.

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3. The Extreme Stunt Record: Fastest Bowling Strike (140 MPH / 225.3 km/h)

To truly push the limits of bowling ball speed, a modified, non-standard approach was required. This record is less about human athleticism and more about engineering and spectacle, answering the ultimate "what if" question about maximum velocity.

The Unofficial, Unbelievable Speed

In September 2019, a collaboration between the world of motorsports and professional bowling created the "World's Fastest Bowling Strike," a record that is technically correct but completely outside the realm of traditional play.

• Record Speed: 140 MPH (225.3 km/h)
• The Athletes: PBA World #1 Bowler Jason Belmonte and NASCAR driver Aric Almirola
• Method: A special rubberized bowling ball was launched from the window of Aric Almirola's No. 10 Smithfield/Go Bowling Ford Mustang while driving around the Charlotte Motor Speedway.

The ball was released onto a specially constructed bowling lane on the track, resulting in a strike at an explosive speed of 140 MPH. While not a human-thrown record, this stunt holds the title for the fastest *strike* ever recorded, causing the pins to explode upon impact due to the extreme kinetic energy.

The Physics of Speed: Why Ten-Pin Bowling is Slower

The fundamental difference in speed between ten-pin bowling (max 34 MPH) and cricket (max 100+ MPH) comes down to the core objective and the physics of the game. This explains why the ten-pin speed seems so low in comparison.

The Role of Friction and Rev Rate

In ten-pin bowling, the goal is not just speed, but *pin action*—the ability to make the pins scatter effectively. This requires the ball to hook into the "pocket" (the space between the 1 and 3 pins for a right-hander). The hook is created by the ball’s *rev rate* (revolutions per minute) interacting with the oil pattern on the lane. A ball that is thrown too fast will skid too far down the lane before it can grip the dry backend and start hooking. It will hit the pins straight-on, often resulting in a disastrous split or a weak hit.

Aerodynamics and Ball Weight

A cricket ball is a small, light object (5.5 to 5.75 ounces) thrown through the air over a 22-yard pitch, allowing the bowler to use the full force of their body, a long run-up, and the physics of the arm rotation to maximize velocity. The ten-pin bowling ball, by contrast, is a heavy, dense object (up to 16 pounds) delivered by hand onto a lubricated wooden surface. The weight and the constant friction with the lane surface act as powerful decelerators, making speeds above 30-35 MPH incredibly difficult to sustain.

The Future of Bowling Ball Speed

The record for the fastest cricket delivery (161.3 km/h) is a towering benchmark that has stood for over two decades, suggesting that human physical limits are being reached. However, in ten-pin bowling, the discussion is shifting. While raw speed is limited by the need for a proper hook, innovations in ball technology—specifically in *core design* and *coverstock materials*—could allow future bowlers to generate higher speeds while maintaining a crucial *angle of entry* into the pocket. The focus remains on the blend of *speed, rotation,* and *accuracy*, a complex formula that makes the sport a true test of skill and physics.