Pakistan Pacer Ahmed Daniyal: Bowling Speed and Career Highlights

The roar of Pakistani cricket fans has found a new focus. In a nation that venerates fast bowling like a religion, 28-year-old Ahmed Daniyal announced his arrival on the international stage with a thunderous 146 kmph delivery during his T20I debut against Bangladesh on July 22, 2025. Replacing leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed for the crucial second match, Daniyal didn’t just fill a spot—he set the Gabba alight with raw pace and match-changing impact, instantly drawing comparisons to legends like Shoaib Akhtar while reigniting hopes for Pakistan’s bowling future.

Ahmed Daniyal’s Dream Debut: Speed, Skill, and Nerve Under Fire

When Daniyal sprinted in for his first international over, few anticipated the immediate fireworks. Clocking 146 kmph (90.7 mph) with just his fifth delivery, he shattered any notion of debutante nerves. Facing a determined Bangladeshi batting lineup, Daniyal’s four-over spell yielded 2 critical wickets for just 23 runs, showcasing control alongside his blistering speed. But his heroics weren’t confined to bowling. With Pakistan needing a daunting 46 runs from 24 balls to chase Bangladesh’s total, Daniyal strode to the crease and smashed 17 runs off just 11 deliveries—a cameo that nearly stole victory from the jaws of defeat. His fearless all-round performance, documented in viral social media moments, signaled Pakistan’s discovery of a genuine pace weapon. Cricket analysts noted his ability to consistently breach the 140+ kmph barrier while maintaining a disciplined line, a rarity for newcomers on the big stage.

From Lahore Streets to International Limelight: The Making of Ahmed Daniyal

Born in Pakistan’s cricketing heartland of Lahore on July 3, 1997, Daniyal’s journey reflects years of grinding domestic resilience. Standing at 5 feet 9 inches, this right-arm speedster honed his craft across Pakistan’s competitive circuit before his breakout moment. His domestic pedigree is impressive:

• Teams Represented: Lahore Qalandars (PSL), Central Punjab, Peshawar Zalmi, Pakistan Shaheens
• T20 Record: 36 wickets in 37 matches at an average of 31.16 before his international call-up
• Specialization: Death-over specialist with a reputation for yorkers and aggressive channel bowling

Daniyal’s Muslim faith remains central to his identity, often acknowledged in interviews where he credits family support and spiritual discipline for his mental toughness. His path wasn’t meteoric—it was built on performances in tournaments like the Pakistan Cup and persistent showings for the Shaheens (Pakistan A). Former coaches describe him as a “thinking fast bowler” who combines natural aggression with tactical awareness, traits evident when he outfoxed Bangladesh’s seasoned batters with clever changes of pace mid-spell.

How Daniyal’s 146 KPH Fits Among Cricket’s Fastest Ever

While Daniyal’s debut speed turned heads, cricket history is filled with legends who pushed the velocity envelope. His 146 kmph delivery places him among elite company, though records like Shoaib Akhtar’s 161.3 kmph (100.23 mph) “Rawalpindi Express” run remain untouched. Below, see how Daniyal’s pace compares to the fastest in recorded cricket history:

Rank	Bowler	Country	Top Speed (KPH)	Speed (MPH)
1	Shoaib Akhtar	Pakistan	161.3	100.23
2	Shaun Tait	Australia	161.1	100.10
3	Brett Lee	Australia	160.8	99.90
4	Jeff Thomson	Australia	160.6	99.80
5	Mitchell Starc	Australia	160.4	99.70
–	Ahmed Daniyal	Pakistan	146.0	90.70

Source: International Cricket Council (ICC) recognized speed records

Modern speed analytics, like those used by the ICC, show that sustained 140+ kmph bowling remains rare. Daniyal’s ability to hit 146 kmph repeatedly—not just once—during his debut underscores his physical conditioning. According to ESPNcricinfo’s ball-tracking data, only 11% of bowlers in the 2024-25 season averaged above 140 kmph across a full spell, making Daniyal’s consistency particularly promising.

The Road Ahead for Pakistan’s Pace Prodigy

With Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi leading Pakistan’s attack, Daniyal offers thrilling depth. His immediate challenge? Translating T20 success to ODIs and Tests, where endurance and swing matter as much as speed. PCB selectors are reportedly fast-tracking him for the upcoming series against South Africa, viewing him as a potential X-factor for the 2026 T20 World Cup. Former Pakistani quick Waqar Younis tweeted: “Raw pace still thrills! Daniyal’s debut had shades of my early days—that hunger to attack stumps is priceless. Needs mentorship but the foundation is explosive.” Fitness remains key; history shows Pakistani fast bowlers face injury hurdles. However, Daniyal’s background as a death-over specialist in leagues suggests he’s built for high-pressure moments.

Pakistan’s search for the next pace king has a fiery new contender in Ahmed Daniyal. With a 146 kph debut that blended raw velocity with match-saving grit, he’s reignited the nation’s love affair with speed bowling. As he refines his craft under PCB’s elite coaching, one truth is undeniable: the world will be watching every thunderbolt. Follow Daniyal’s journey closely—this is just the first over of what promises to be a spellbinding career.

Must Know: Quick Facts on Ahmed Daniyal

Q: What is Ahmed Daniyal’s bowling speed record?
A: Daniyal clocked 146 kmph (90.7 mph) during his T20I debut against Bangladesh on July 22, 2025. He consistently bowls above 140 kmph, making him one of Pakistan’s fastest active bowlers.

Q: Which teams has Ahmed Daniyal played for domestically?
A: Before his international debut, Daniyal featured for Lahore Qalandars (PSL), Central Punjab, Peshawar Zalmi, Pakistan Shaheens, and Lahore Region Whites in domestic tournaments.

Q: How old is Ahmed Daniyal and where is he from?
A: Born on July 3, 1997, in Lahore, Daniyal is currently 28 years old. He stands 5 feet 9 inches tall and identifies as Muslim.

Q: What were Ahmed Daniyal’s debut match statistics?
A: In his first T20I, Daniyal took 2 wickets for 23 runs in 4 overs and scored 17 runs off 11 balls, showcasing all-round ability under pressure.

Q: Is Ahmed Daniyal the fastest Pakistani bowler today?
A: While his 146 kph is impressive, Haris Rauf (154 kph) and Shaheen Afridi (150 kph) have recorded higher speeds. However, Daniyal’s debut consistency places him among Pakistan’s pace elite.

Q: Will Daniyal play in the next PSL season?
A: As a key Lahore Qalandars asset, he’s expected to feature prominently in PSL 2026, offering fans more chances to witness his high-speed deliveries.