by When you think about cricket’s most memorable moments, your mind probably jumps to massive sixes, lightning-fast centuries, or deliveries that crack the 150 kph barrier.
We celebrate power and speed. We love watching bowlers charge in like charging bulls and batsmen smashing balls into the stands.
But here’s something interesting that most casual fans miss.
Some of the most devastating deliveries in cricket history weren’t fast at all. In fact, they were shockingly slow.
These balls didn’t intimidate batsmen with raw pace. Instead, they used something far more dangerous: deception.
The top 10 slowest balls in cricket history include deliveries that have dismissed world-class batsmen, won crucial matches, and even changed the outcome of entire tournaments.
These weren’t accidents or mistakes. They were calculated weapons deployed by smart bowlers who understood one simple truth – your brain can be your biggest enemy when facing a cricket ball.
Think about it from a batsman’s perspective. You’re standing there, watching a fast bowler run toward you. Your body prepares for impact. Your mind calculates the timing. Everything happens in fractions of a second.
Now imagine if that ball suddenly arrives much later than expected. Your shot is already played. Your balance is gone. Your stumps are shattered.
That’s the beauty of what we’re about to explore. We’re going to look at deliveries that proved cricket isn’t always about who’s fastest.
Top 10 Slowest Balls in Cricket History
Sometimes, it’s about who’s smartest. These records will surprise you, educate you, and change how you watch the game forever.
What is a Slower Ball in Cricket?
Let’s start with the basics.
A slower ball is when a fast bowler deliberately reduces their speed to confuse the batsman. It’s like throwing a changeup in baseball.
Here’s why it works:
- Batsmen expect fast bowlers to bowl fast
- When the ball comes slower, their timing gets messed up
- They play their shot too early
- Result? Easy wickets!
Fast bowlers normally bowl between 130-150 kph. When they suddenly drop to 110-120 kph, it catches batsmen completely off guard.
Spinners bowl slow all the time (usually 80-95 kph), so their slower balls aren’t as shocking. But when a genuine quick bowler slows down, magic happens.
How Do Bowlers Bowl Slower Balls?
There are several techniques:
- Back of the hand ball – Released with the back of the hand facing the batsman
- Off-cutter/Leg-cutter – Fingers run down the side of the ball
- Knuckle ball – Ball held with knuckles instead of fingers
- Slower arm action – Simply bowling with less effort
Each method creates different movement and bounce, making it harder for batsmen to adjust.
Top 10 Slowest Ball in Cricket History
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the slowest deliveries ever recorded in international cricket:
| Rank | Bowler | Country | Speed | Year | Opposition | Batsman Dismissed | Match Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leigh Kasperek | New Zealand | 38 kph (23.6 mph) | 2017 | Australia | N/A | Women’s ODI |
| 2 | Majid Haq | Scotland | 41.6 mph (67 kph) | 2015 | Multiple | Regular spinner | Men’s ODI |
| 3 | Naved-ul-Hasan | Pakistan | 72 kph (44.7 mph) | 2004 | India | Virender Sehwag | ODI |
| 4 | Dwayne Bravo | West Indies | 117 kph (72.7 mph) | 2006 | India | Yuvraj Singh | ODI |
| 5 | Jasprit Bumrah | India | 113 kph (70.2 mph) | 2018 | Australia | Shaun Marsh | Test |
| 6 | Brett Lee | Australia | 118 kph (73.3 mph) | 2005 | West Indies | Brian Lara | Test |
| 7 | Steve Harmison | England | 119 kph (73.9 mph) | 2005 | Australia | Michael Clarke | Test (Ashes) |
| 8 | Shoaib Akhtar | Pakistan | 120 kph (74.6 mph) | 2005 | England | Michael Vaughan | ODI |
| 9 | Aaqib Javed | Pakistan | 122 kph (75.8 mph) | 1992 | New Zealand | Mark Greatbatch | World Cup Semi-Final |
| 10 | Chris Cairns | New Zealand | 124 kph (77 mph) | 1999 | England | Chris Read | Test |
Breaking Down the Top 5 Slowest Ball in Cricket History
1. Leigh Kasperek – 38 kph (2017)
This is the slowest ball in cricket history women and overall.
The New Zealand spinner was playing against Australia when she delivered this incredibly slow ball. At just 38 kph, it’s slower than most people jog!
Why it matters:
- Shows that women’s cricket also has record-breaking moments
- Proves extreme spin requires extreme slowness
- Set a benchmark that still stands today
2. Majid Haq – 41.6 mph (2015)
Scotland’s off-spinner holds the record for the slowest ball in cricket history by a male bowler in international cricket.
Unlike most entries on this list, Majid regularly bowled at these speeds. He wasn’t trying a special slower ball—this was just his natural pace.
Key facts:
- Represents traditional spin bowling
- Shows cricket isn’t all about speed
- Played during the 2015 World Cup era
3. Naved-ul-Hasan vs Virender Sehwag (2004)
Now we’re getting into the exciting stuff!
This is one of the best examples of a slowest ball in cricket history in India (a match played in India).
The story: Sehwag was destroying Pakistan’s bowling attack. He’d smashed 82 runs from just 56 balls. Naved was getting hammered—he’d conceded 38 runs in just 2.1 overs.
Something had to change.
Naved bowled a brilliant slow yorker that completely fooled Sehwag. The ball drifted into leg stump, and one of cricket’s most dangerous batsmen was gone.
Speed: 72 kph (nearly half his normal pace!)
Even though Naved got the wicket, Sehwag clearly won that battle. But this delivery proved that one smart ball can change everything.
4. Dwayne Bravo vs Yuvraj Singh (2006)
Talk about pressure situations!
India needed just 2 runs to win from 3 balls with 1 wicket remaining. Yuvraj Singh was on strike, one of India’s most powerful hitters.
What happened: Bravo dropped his pace dramatically to 117 kph. The slow yorker drifted perfectly into leg stump. Yuvraj misjudged it completely and was bowled.
West Indies won the match!
This shows why slower balls aren’t just about taking wickets—they win games.
5. Jasprit Bumrah vs Shaun Marsh (2018)
Bumrah is one of India’s fastest bowlers, regularly hitting 140+ kph.
So when he suddenly bowled at 113 kph, Shaun Marsh had no chance.
The breakdown:
- Normal Bumrah speed: 140 kph
- This delivery: 113 kph
- Difference: 27 kph drop!
Marsh was trapped plumb LBW, completely beaten by the change of pace.
This is a perfect example of the slowest ball in cricket history by a fast bowler—the bigger the drop, the more effective it is.
Famous Slower Balls from Cricket Legends
Brett Lee – The Express Train Slows Down
Brett Lee could bowl at 160 kph on his day. When he dropped to 118 kph against Brian Lara in 2005, even the great man was fooled.
Lara was batting comfortably in the 30s when Lee tried this slower ball. It hit the pads, and Lara was given out LBW.
Why it worked:
- Lee’s normal pace was 155+ kph
- The 37 kph drop was massive
- Lara’s brain expected speed, got slowness
Steve Harmison – The Ashes Magic
The 2005 Ashes series is legendary. This slower ball moment is unforgettable.
Late on a Saturday evening at Edgbaston, Harmison bowled a perfect slow off-cutter to Michael Clarke. The ball crashed into off stump.
The scene:
- Match situation: Tense
- Batsman: Michael Clarke (young talent)
- Result: Completely deceived
England fans still watch this clip on repeat. It’s that good.
Shoaib Akhtar – The Fastest Man’s Slower Ball
Shoaib holds the record for the fastest ball in cricket history (161.3 kph). So his slower balls were particularly nasty.
Against England in 2005, he bowled a slow yorker to captain Michael Vaughan. Vaughan jabbed at it and gave an easy catch back to Shoaib.
The contrast:
- Fastest recorded ball: 161.3 kph
- This slower ball: 120 kph
- Difference: 41.3 kph!
No wonder batsmen struggled.
Slowest vs Fastest: The Ultimate Comparison
Let’s put things in perspective with a comparison table:
| Category | Slowest Ball | Fastest Ball | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall record | 38 kph (Kasperek) | 161.3 kph (Shoaib) | 123.3 kph |
| Men’s cricket | 41.6 mph (Majid Haq) | 161.3 kph (Shoaib) | ~94 kph |
| By fast bowler | 113 kph (Bumrah) | 161.3 kph (Shoaib) | 48.3 kph |
| Average spinner | 80-90 kph | N/A | N/A |
| Average fast bowler | 135-145 kph | N/A | N/A |
Fun fact: The difference between the slowest and fastest balls ever is bigger than most spinners’ regular speed!
Slowest Ball in IPL History
While we don’t have exact IPL records for the absolute slowest delivery, several bowlers have used devastating slower balls:
IPL slower ball specialists:
- Dwayne Bravo – Master of variations, multiple IPL titles
- Jasprit Bumrah – Death overs specialist
- Rashid Khan – Spin variations
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar – Swing and slow cutters
The slowest ball in IPL history with speed would likely be from a spinner like Rashid Khan or a medium pacer using extreme variations.
Why slower balls work in IPL:
- T20 format means batsmen take risks
- Flat pitches make change of pace crucial
- Death overs require smart bowling
- Big boundaries reward deception over speed
Why Do Slower Balls Work So Well?
Let’s break down the science and psychology:
Timing Disruption
When a batsman sees a fast bowler running in, their brain calculates timing based on expected speed. A slower ball breaks that calculation.
The process:
- Bowler runs in fast
- Batsman expects 140+ kph
- Ball comes at 115 kph
- Batsman plays shot too early
- Wicket falls or dot ball
Visual Deception
Everything looks the same until the last moment:
- Same run-up
- Same action
- Same arm speed (sometimes)
Only the wrist/finger position changes. Batsmen can’t pick it until it’s too late.
Pitch Behavior
Slower balls often:
- Grip the surface more
- Swing or cut more
- Bounce differently
- Hold up in the pitch
All these factors make them harder to hit cleanly.
Top 10 Slowest Balls in IPL History (Estimated)
While exact data is limited, here’s what we know about slower balls in the IPL:
| Bowler | Team(s) | Specialty | Estimated Speed | Success Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dwayne Bravo | CSK/MI | Slow yorkers | 110-120 kph | Very High |
| Bhuvneshwar Kumar | SRH | Slow cutters | 115-122 kph | High |
| Jasprit Bumrah | MI | Variations | 112-120 kph | Very High |
| Rashid Khan | SRH/GT | Spin variations | 85-95 kph | Extremely High |
| Sunil Narine | KKR | Mystery spin | 90-100 kph | High |
Summary: Slowest Ball in Cricket by Fast Bowler
Here’s a quick reference table for genuine pace bowlers who’ve used slower balls effectively:
| Bowler | Normal Speed | Slower Ball Speed | Speed Drop | Most Famous Wicket |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shoaib Akhtar | 155-161 kph | 120 kph | ~40 kph | Michael Vaughan |
| Brett Lee | 150-160 kph | 118 kph | ~40 kph | Brian Lara |
| Jasprit Bumrah | 140-145 kph | 113 kph | ~30 kph | Shaun Marsh |
| Steve Harmison | 140-150 kph | 119 kph | ~30 kph | Michael Clarke |
| Naved-ul-Hasan | 130-140 kph | 72 kph | ~65 kph | Virender Sehwag |
Key observation: The bigger the difference between normal and slower ball speed, the more effective it becomes.
Modern Cricket and Slower Balls
Today’s cricket has made slower balls essential:
In T20 cricket:
- Batsmen expect boundaries every over
- Slower balls prevent clean hitting
- Death overs require variations
- Pitches are often flat and batting-friendly
In ODI cricket:
- Middle overs need control
- Batsmen look to accelerate
- Change of pace breaks partnerships
In Test cricket:
- Reverse swing complements slower balls
- Breaking partnerships on flat pitches
- Creating doubt in batsmen’s minds
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What is the slowest ball ever bowled in cricket?
The slowest ball in cricket history was bowled by New Zealand’s Leigh Kasperek at 38 kph (23.6 mph) in 2017 against Australia in a women’s ODI match.
- Q: Who bowled the slowest ball as a fast bowler?
Naved-ul-Hasan of Pakistan bowled one of the slowest balls by a fast bowler at 72 kph when he dismissed Virender Sehwag in 2004. Among modern fast bowlers, Jasprit Bumrah’s 113 kph slower ball is notable.
- Q: What’s the difference between the fastest and slowest balls in cricket?
The fastest ball ever was 161.3 kph by Shoaib Akhtar, while the slowest was 38 kph by Leigh Kasperek—a difference of 123.3 kph, which is massive!
- Q: Do slower balls work in modern cricket?
Yes, absolutely! With T20 cricket and aggressive batting, slower balls have become more important than ever. Bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Dwayne Bravo, and Rashid Khan have mastered this art.
- Q: Can spinners bowl slower balls too?
Spinners already bowl slow (80-95 kph normally), but they can vary their pace too. Some spinners slow down even more for extra turn, while others like Rashid Khan occasionally bowl faster “quicker balls” to surprise batsmen.
Final Thoughts
Cricket is beautiful because it’s not just about power—it’s about brain too.
The slowest ball in cricket history teaches us that slowing down can be just as effective as speeding up. Whether it’s Leigh Kasperek’s record-breaking 38 kph delivery or Jasprit Bumrah’s match-winning slower ball, these moments prove that variation beats monotony.
The greatest fast bowlers in history—Shoaib Akhtar, Brett Lee, Steve Harmison—weren’t just fast. They were smart. They knew when to slow things down.
Next time you watch cricket, pay attention to those slower balls. Watch the batsman’s footwork, see how they play too early, notice how the ball grips and dips.
That’s the art of bowling.
Speed gets headlines. Slower balls win matches.
Remember: In cricket, sometimes the cleverest delivery isn’t the fastest one—it’s the one nobody expects.
Want to improve your cricket knowledge? Understanding slower balls is just the beginning. Watch how modern bowlers like Bumrah, Starc, and Rashid Khan use variations to dominate world cricket. The game keeps evolving, but the principle remains the same: outsmart the batsman, and you’ll take wickets.
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