Fastest Bowling Speeds in Women's Cricket: What Is Verified?
On this page5
The ICC reported 132.1 km/h as the fastest recorded delivery in women’s cricket when Shabnim Ismail bowled for Mumbai Indians in the 2024 Women’s Premier League. That is a domestic-franchise reading, not a Women’s T20I record, and the distinction matters.
What is the fastest recorded delivery in women’s cricket?
Shabnim Ismail’s 132.1 km/h delivery against Delhi Capitals is the fastest speed in the official reports reviewed for this page.
| Bowler | Speed | Competition | Year | Source status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shabnim Ismail | 132.1 km/h | Women’s Premier League | 2024 | ICC report |
| Shabnim Ismail | 128 km/h | International cricket | 2016 | ICC report |
| Shabnim Ismail | 127 km/h | Women’s World Cup | 2022 | ICC report |
The table is deliberately short. A speed claim should be added only when the match, equipment context and official report are available.
Was the record set in international cricket?
No. The 132.1 km/h delivery was bowled in the Women’s Premier League.
That does not make the performance less significant; it defines the category. International, domestic, franchise and training speed records should not be merged into one unlabelled table.
Why is Shabnim Ismail’s record notable?
Ismail crossed 130 km/h in a women’s match, and the ICC described the delivery as the fastest it had recorded in women’s cricket at the time.
The same ICC report gives earlier international readings of 128 km/h in 2016 and 127 km/h in the 2022 World Cup. Those comparisons show why a record page should include both the number and the competition context.
For bowling technique context, see how to increase bowling speed, types of bowling in cricket and types of spin bowling.
Why can two speed records disagree?
Speed guns differ in calibration, placement, display rounding and how the source selects a delivery.
A social post may show a screen number without the match log or measurement method. SportsMuntra will prefer a governing-body or competition report and will label the source date instead of presenting an unverified number as a universal record.
How often should the speed record be checked?
The page should be reviewed quarterly and after major women’s tournaments, especially when official broadcasts publish new speed readings.
A new verified reading changes the record table and dataVerifiedAt. A routine check without a substantive change should not reset the article’s publication or editorial modification date.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fastest recorded delivery in women's cricket?+
The ICC reported Shabnim Ismail's 132.1 km/h delivery for Mumbai Indians in the 2024 Women's Premier League as the fastest recorded in women's cricket.
Was the 132.1 km/h delivery an international ball?+
No. It was bowled in the Women's Premier League, a major domestic franchise competition, not a Women's T20I.
Who was the fastest women's international bowler before that?+
ICC reports that Ismail had previously been recorded at 128 km/h in a 2016 international and 127 km/h during the 2022 Women's World Cup.
Why do speed records vary?+
Radar placement, calibration, display rounding, pitch conditions and whether a source records a single delivery or a tournament average can all change the number.
Can a speed-gun number prove a world record by itself?+
Not necessarily. A trustworthy record needs the match, measurement context and a reliable official or competition report.
Is women's cricket speed comparable with men's speed?+
The units are comparable, but the record tables should remain separate because the competitions, equipment reporting and player pools differ.
Sources
Related records & stats guides
View all →
Fastest Balls in IPL History: The Record Pace List
Shaun Tait's 157.7 km/h delivery remains the IPL record. See the fastest recorded balls, how speed-gun readings differ and why the list needs verification.
How to Increase Bowling Speed in Cricket Safely
A practical fast-bowling plan: improve run-up rhythm, front-leg bracing, hip-shoulder separation and strength while managing workload and injury risk.
Fastest Fifties in T20I Cricket: Men's and Women's Records
Dipendra Singh Airee owns the men's T20I record at nine balls, while Fatima Sana holds the women's mark at 15. See the record context and method.
Women's Cricket World Cup History: Winners and Records
Trace the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup from 1973 to India's first title in 2025, with winners, format changes and milestone context.
Highest Test Score by a Batsman: Men's and Women's Records
Brian Lara's 400 not out remains the men's Test record. See the highest individual scores in men's and women's Test cricket.
Fastest Centuries in Cricket: Test, ODI and T20I Records
AB de Villiers holds the fastest ODI century at 31 balls, Brendon McCullum the Test mark at 54 and Sahil Chauhan the T20I mark at 27.