How Fast Is Anrich Nortje Bowling These Days?

When pace isn't just speed—it's pure intimidation

If you've ever watched Anrich Nortje steaming in from his run-up, you know it's not just about numbers. It’s about energy. Power. That moment where even the camera struggles to track the ball. I remember watching him in an IPL game with my mate Kunal—he literally screamed, “Did you SEE that?! That’s not human!” And honestly? It kinda isn't.

But let’s get real. You came here for a number. So… how fast is Nortje bowling right now?

Nortje’s top recorded speeds—yes, they’re insane

The fastest delivery: 156.22 km/h (97.1 mph)

Yep, you read that right. 156.22 km/h, clocked during IPL 2020 when he played for Delhi Capitals. That wasn’t just the fastest of that match—it was the fastest delivery ever bowled in IPL history at the time. I had to replay that ball like 5 times just to see the blur.

And he wasn’t just chucking one-off thunderbolts. That match? He bowled four deliveries over 150 km/h in a single over. Like, who does that?

Average speed? Still ridiculously high

Most of Nortje’s deliveries these days hover around 145–150 km/h (90–93 mph). That’s not just quick—it’s up there with the top pacers in the world right now. He doesn’t drop off much during long spells either. That’s the scary part.

How does he compare to other fast bowlers?

Among the fastest in the modern game

Let’s put it into context:

• Mark Wood? Averages around 150 km/h, with peaks at 154+

• Lockie Ferguson? Similar zone, fast and furious

• Mitchell Starc? Capable of 150+, though more swing-focused

• Shaheen Afridi? Quick, but not quite Nortje-level in raw pace

Nortje belongs to that rare club where you genuinely feel sorry for the batter. I mean, seriously—good luck trying to hook that at 153 km/h with the ball skidding and rising like a rocket.

The secret behind Nortje’s speed

It's not just muscle—it’s mechanics

A lot of people assume fast bowlers are just jacked-up machines. But with Nortje, it’s more about fluid, repeatable action and timing. His bowling arm whips through with insane speed, and his follow-through is powerful but balanced.

I read somewhere that he puts serious work into core strength and flexibility, which is wild when you think about how compact his action looks. Even during interviews, he comes across as this super humble guy who just quietly works hard. No fuss.

Injury setbacks? Yeah, they’ve been real

Quick note—Nortje’s had injury troubles. Back issues, hip niggles. Fast bowling isn’t kind on the body. And there was a period where people doubted he’d come back with the same pace. Even I wasn’t sure.

But wow, did he prove us wrong. In his 2023 return series against the West Indies, he was touching 150 again. And it didn’t even look like he was forcing it.

Will he stay this fast?

Age, fitness, and... smart rotation

Nortje’s in his 30s now, so sure—he might eventually drop a notch in speed. But right now? He’s still blistering. And if he’s managed right (which South Africa seems to be doing better these days), he could stay dangerous for years.

I had this debate with my friend Rishabh last week—he swears Nortje’s already past his best. I disagree. Maybe his raw peak is behind him, but his control, accuracy, and mindset have actually improved.

Sometimes pace + brains = even more lethal.

Final verdict: how fast is Anrich Nortje bowling?

• Top speed recorded: 156.22 km/h (97.1 mph)

• Current average: 145–150 km/h (90–93 mph)

• Still one of the fastest bowlers in the world

• Not just speed—also consistency, aggression, and control

So yeah—if you’re a batter, and you see Nortje marking his run-up? Maybe just... double-check your helmet strap. And say a little prayer. Because that ball is coming at you like a missile. And it’s not slowing down anytime soon.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.