Fastest Bowler: In the cricketing world, Bangladesh has steadily risen from being underdogs to becoming a respected force in all formats of the game. Known more traditionally for their spinners and crafty batsmen, Bangladesh’s pace bowling department has undergone a quiet revolution over the past two decades. Among those changes, one question continues to spark debate and curiosity: who is the fastest bowler in Bangladesh’s cricket history?
Fastest Bowler: While the country hasn’t been renowned for producing tearaway quicks like Australia or Pakistan, Bangladesh has produced some genuinely fast bowlers who have cranked up serious pace on the speed gun, especially in recent years.
Fastest Bowler: This article dives deep into the evolution of fast bowling in Bangladesh, highlighting the bowlers who have made their mark, and finally answering: who holds the official speed record for the fastest delivery by a Bangladeshi bowler?
The Evolution of Pace Bowling in Bangladesh
Fastest Bowler: Historically, Bangladesh’s pitches have been spin-friendly. With slow turners and low bounce, most domestic bowlers developed their craft through guile and accuracy rather than sheer pace. However, with the rise of modern fitness standards, better training infrastructure, and international exposure, the country began nurturing pacers who could consistently bowl above 140 km/h.
Fastest Bowler: From the days of Hasibul Hossain and Talha Jubair, to the modern speedsters like Taskin Ahmed, Rubel Hossain, and Ebadot Hossain, Bangladesh’s pace attack has become more dynamic.
Top Bangladeshi Fast Bowlers by Speed
Fastest Bowler: Let’s take a look at some of the fastest bowlers Bangladesh has produced and their recorded top speeds.
Fastest Recorded Speeds by Bangladeshi Bowlers
| Bowler Name | Top Speed (km/h) | Year Achieved | Against | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taskin Ahmed | 151.0 | 2023 | India | ODI |
| Rubel Hossain | 149.5 | 2015 | New Zealand | World Cup |
| Ebadot Hossain | 148.0 | 2022 | South Africa | Test |
| Shahadat Hossain | 144.8 | 2010 | England | Test |
| Mustafizur Rahman | 141.0 | 2016 | India | ODI |
| Mashrafe Mortaza | 140.5 | 2006 | Zimbabwe | ODI |
1. Taskin Ahmed – Bangladesh’s Fastest Ever
Fastest Bowler: Taskin Ahmed officially holds the record for the fastest delivery ever bowled by a Bangladeshi cricketer. In 2023, during an ODI match against India, Taskin clocked 151.0 km/h—a significant milestone for Bangladesh’s pace legacy.
🔹 Key Highlights:
- Maintains speeds between 140–145 km/h regularly.
- Known for his aggression and bounce on even flat tracks.
- Key contributor in Bangladesh’s 2021 T20 series win vs Australia.
🔹 Why He’s Special:
Taskin combines pace with fitness and a strong work ethic. His recent transformation into a complete fast bowler has earned him leadership of Bangladesh’s pace attack.
2. Rubel Hossain – The Speed Pioneer
Before Taskin, Rubel Hossain was long considered the fastest bowler from Bangladesh. In the 2015 ICC World Cup, he touched 149.5 km/h against New Zealand, raising eyebrows across the cricketing world.
🔹 Memorable Moment:
- His match-winning 4/53 against England in the 2015 World Cup knocked them out and earned Bangladesh a historic quarterfinal spot.
Rubel’s slinging action and ability to reverse the ball at pace made him lethal in the death overs.
3. Ebadot Hossain – From Volleyball to Fast Bowling
A former national volleyball player, Ebadot Hossain’s rise to cricketing fame is a fascinating one. His top speed of 148 km/h came during Bangladesh’s historic Test win in South Africa in 2022.
🔹 Notable Achievement:
- Instrumental in Bangladesh’s first-ever Test win over New Zealand in Mount Maunganui (2022), where he took 6 wickets in the second innings.
Ebadot brings raw pace and athleticism, which are crucial traits for Bangladesh’s bowling future.
4. Shahadat Hossain – Early Fast Bowling Hope
Though not as fast as today’s pacers, Shahadat Hossain was once considered Bangladesh’s pace spearhead. He clocked around 144.8 km/h at his peak.
His aggression and tall frame helped extract bounce even on docile subcontinent pitches. Unfortunately, injuries and inconsistency cut short his career at the international level.
5. Mustafizur Rahman – The Cutter King
🔹 Top Speed:
- Around 141.0 km/h, but rarely bowls that fast.
- Focuses more on off-cutters and slower balls.
🔹 Signature Weapon:
- The “Fizz cutter,” which deceives batsmen in both white and red ball formats.
6. Mashrafe Mortaza – The Inspirational Leader
While not among the quickest, Mashrafe Mortaza deserves mention as he paved the way for many modern Bangladeshi fast bowlers. At his peak, he touched 140.5 km/h and was a consistent wicket-taker in the early 2000s.
Despite multiple knee injuries, he led Bangladesh with passion and brought stability to the bowling attack.
How Does Taskin Compare Internationally?
Taskin’s 151 km/h, while fast by Bangladeshi standards, is still below some of the world’s quickest. Let’s see how he compares to international stars:
Taskin vs World Fastest Bowlers (Top Speeds)
| Bowler | Country | Top Speed (km/h) |
|---|---|---|
| Shoaib Akhtar | Pakistan | 161.3 |
| Brett Lee | Australia | 161.1 |
| Shaun Tait | Australia | 161.1 |
| Anrich Nortje | South Africa | 156.2 |
| Taskin Ahmed | Bangladesh | 151.0 |
Fast Bowling Infrastructure in Bangladesh
A key reason behind the rise in pace is Bangladesh’s investment in bowling academies and pace-friendly pitches at the domestic level. The High-Performance Unit (HPU) of the BCB now tracks and develops raw fast bowlers with potential.
Moreover, the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) has allowed young bowlers to rub shoulders with international stars and learn new skills.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Pace in Bangladesh
As of 2025, the trend in Bangladeshi cricket clearly shows a growing emphasis on pace and fitness. Bowlers like Shoriful Islam, Rejaur Rahman Raja, and Tanzim Hasan Sakib are already clocking speeds above 140 km/h regularly.
If properly nurtured, Bangladesh could soon have a pace attack that rivals other top-tier cricketing nations in both speed and depth.
Taskin Ahmed – The Torchbearer of Pace
To summarize, Taskin Ahmed holds the record for the fastest delivery ever bowled by a Bangladeshi cricketer, clocking 151.0 km/h. His rise symbolizes the shift in Bangladesh’s cricketing identity—from a team reliant on spin to one embracing genuine pace.
As Bangladesh continues to evolve, one thing is certain: the era of Bangladeshi fast bowlers has only just begun.