Top 10 Fastest Stumping in Cricket History

Cricket is a game where every second counts, and nothing shows this better than the art of fastest stumping in cricket.

When a wicketkeeper removes the bails in the blink of an eye, it creates pure magic that leaves everyone amazed.

These lightning-quick dismissals are not just about speed – they show incredible skill, perfect timing, and years of hard practice.

The fastest stumping record belongs to India’s legendary captain MS Dhoni, who completed a stumping in just 0.08 seconds.

This incredible moment happened during a match against the West Indies and still stands as the world record today.

But Dhoni isn’t alone in creating these magical moments – many other brilliant wicketkeepers have shown their lightning-fast skills.

Fast stumping requires perfect coordination between the bowler and wicketkeeper.

The keeper must watch every move of the batsman, predict what will happen next, and strike at exactly the right moment.

It’s a skill that combines quick reflexes, sharp eyes, and amazing hand-eye coordination.

Modern batsmen are incredibly quick, so wicketkeepers need to be even faster and more precise in their movements.

Fastest Stumping in Cricket History

In this complete guide, we’ll explore the most incredible stumping moments in cricket history, learning about each keeper’s technique and discovering what made each dismissal so special.

Top 10 Fastest Stumping Records in Cricket History – A Responsive Table with Stats

Here’s the complete list of the fastest stumpings ever recorded in cricket history:

Position	Wicketkeeper	Country	Batsman Out	Opponent	Speed	Match Type	Year
1st	MS Dhoni	India	Keemo Paul	West Indies	0.08 sec	ODI Series	2018
2nd	MS Dhoni	India	Mitchell Marsh	Australia	0.09 sec	T20 Series	2012
3rd	Ben Cox	England	Callum MacLeod	Scotland	0.10 sec	T20 Blast	2018
4th	MS Dhoni	India	Shubman Gill	India	0.11 sec	IPL	2023
5th	Brendon McCullum	New Zealand	Ricky Ponting	Australia	0.12 sec	World Cup	2011
6th	Kumar Sangakkara	Sri Lanka	Jimmy Maher	Australia	0.13 sec	Tri-Series	2003
7th	Kumar Sangakkara	Sri Lanka	Brian Lara	West Indies	0.14 sec	Test Series	2007
8th	Mark Boucher	South Africa	Marvan Atapattu	Sri Lanka	0.15 sec	ODI Series	2006
9th	Adam Gilchrist	Australia	Craig McMillan	New Zealand	0.16 sec	ODI Series	2005
10th	Bradley Barnes	South Africa	Saurabh Tiwary	India	0.17 sec	U19 World Cup	2008

Who Owns the Fastest Stumping Record in Cricket History?

MS Dhoni’s fastest stumping record stands at remarkable 0.08 seconds.

MS Dhoni vs. Keemo Paul

MS Dhoni holds the ultimate record for the fastest stumping in cricket history. His dismissal of West Indies batsman Keemo Paul in 2018 was so quick that it seemed almost impossible when played in real time.

The Record-Breaking Moment:

This incredible stumping happened during the fourth ODI between India and the West Indies. The match was held in Mumbai, and the West Indies team was struggling to chase down India’s massive total of 377 runs.

What Made This Special:

• Perfect positioning – Dhoni was exactly where he needed to be
• Lightning reflexes – His hands moved faster than the eye could see
• Incredible anticipation – He read Paul’s movement before it happened
• Flawless execution – The bail removal was perfect

Step-by-Step Breakdown:

1. Keemo Paul decided to step out of his crease to attack spinner Ravindra Jadeja
2. The ball spun sharply and completely beat Paul’s bat
3. MS Dhoni was perfectly positioned behind the stumps
4. He collected the ball cleanly and removed the bails in just 0.08 seconds
5. The entire cricket world was stunned by this lightning-fast dismissal

The most amazing thing about this stumping was how effortless Dhoni made it look. Even television cameras struggled to capture the exact moment when the bails came off. Cricket experts called it the perfect example of wicketkeeping excellence.

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MS Dhoni vs. Mitchell Marsh

Six years before setting the world record, a younger MS Dhoni showed the cricket world his incredible abilities. His stumping of Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh during India’s tour of Australia in 2012 was equally spectacular.

The Historic Dismissal:

This stumping took place during the second T20 international of the series. At that time, it was considered the fastest stumping ever recorded in international cricket.

How It Happened:

• Mitchell Marsh attempted to charge down the wicket for a big hit
• The Australian batsman completely misjudged the delivery
• He missed the ball entirely, leaving himself stranded outside the crease
• Dhoni’s reflexes kicked in immediately
• The stumping was completed in just 0.09 seconds

Why This Stumping Was Important:

This dismissal made MS Dhoni famous worldwide as the fastest wicketkeeper in cricket. It showed that he possessed something special that other wicketkeepers didn’t have. The way he combined speed with accuracy became his trademark for the rest of his career.

Learning Points for Young Keepers:

• Always watch the batsman’s footwork before the delivery
• Position yourself based on the type of bowling being delivered
• Keep your hands ready to move in any direction
• Practice removing bails quickly without looking at the stumps

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Ben Cox vs. Callum MacLeod

Sometimes in cricket, luck and skill combine to create memorable moments. Ben Cox’s stumping of Callum MacLeod during a T20 Blast match in 2018 is a perfect example of being in the right place at the right time.

The Unusual Circumstances:

This stumping was different from all others on our list because it happened almost by accident. Ed Barnard bowled a good length delivery to MacLeod, who tried to guide the ball toward the third man region.

The Chain of Events:

1. MacLeod attempted to dab the ball behind the wickets
2. The ball hit Cox’s protective pad instead of going where intended
3. It deflected directly onto the stumps from Cox’s pad
4. MacLeod was just outside his crease at that moment
5. The stumping was completed in 0.10 seconds

Why It Still Counts:

Even though this stumping involved luck, it still required quick thinking and good positioning from Ben Cox. He was standing in exactly the right spot, and his reflexes helped complete the dismissal.

Important Lessons:

• Cricket can be very unpredictable
• Being alert and ready helps in unexpected situations
• Wicketkeepers must always stay focused
• Sometimes the best opportunities come by surprise

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MS Dhoni vs. Shubman Gill

Even at 41 years old, MS Dhoni proved that experience and skill never fade away. His stumping of young Shubman Gill during the 2023 Indian Premier League showed that age is just a number when you have the right technique.

The IPL Masterclass:

This dismissal happened during a match between the Chennai Super Kings vs Gujarat Titans. It was particularly special because it showed how an experienced wicketkeeper can outclass even the most talented young batsmen.

The Perfect Setup:

• Ravindra Jadeja was bowling his typical spin deliveries
• Shubman Gill tried to play an aggressive shot down the ground
• He lost his balance while attempting to hit the ball
• The ball spun past his bat, leaving him vulnerable
• Dhoni reacted instantly and completed the stumping in 0.11 seconds

Experience vs Youth:

This dismissal was fascinating because it showed the battle between experience and youth. Gill is known for his quick footwork and excellent batting technique, but Dhoni’s years of experience helped him anticipate exactly what would happen.

Dhoni’s Success Secrets:

• Reading the game better than anyone else
• Positioning himself perfectly before each delivery
• Communicating effectively with his bowlers
• Staying calm in pressure situations
• Practicing consistently, even at an advanced age

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Brendon McCullum vs. Ricky Ponting

The 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup gave us one of the most strategic stumpings in cricket history. Brendon McCullum’s dismissal of legendary Australian captain Ricky Ponting showed how modern wicketkeepers think like chess masters.

The Strategic Masterpiece:

This wasn’t just a fast stumping – it was a perfectly planned dismissal that involved careful strategy and flawless execution. McCullum and bowler Tim Southee worked together to set a trap for one of cricket’s greatest batsmen.

The Tactical Approach:

1. McCullum noticed that Ponting was struggling against Southee’s bowling
2. He moved closer to the stumps to put pressure on the batsman
3. Southee bowled around the wicket to create a better angle
4. The ball moved away from Ponting’s bat
5. Ponting couldn’t make contact with the delivery
6. McCullum completed the stumping in 0.12 seconds

Why This Was Genius:

The beauty of this stumping was in the planning and execution. McCullum didn’t just react to what happened – he helped create the situation that led to the dismissal.

World Cup Pressure:

Performing under World Cup pressure makes any dismissal more impressive. With millions of people watching and stakes incredibly high, McCullum showed the mental strength required to execute perfect technique when it matters most.

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Kumar Sangakkara vs. Jimmy Maher

Kumar Sangakkara was known for his elegant style and perfect technique. His stumping of Jimmy Maher at the famous Gabba ground in Brisbane showed why he’s considered one of the most technically gifted wicketkeepers in cricket history.

The Technical Challenge:

This stumping was particularly difficult because Sangakkara had to maintain his balance while moving sideways to collect the ball. The fact that he managed to complete the dismissal while off-balance shows incredible skill and body control.

The Difficult Situation:

• Muttiah Muralitharan was bowling his famous spin
• Jimmy Maher stepped out to attack the bowling
• The ball turned sharply and beat Maher’s bat
• Sangakkara had to stretch far to his left to collect the ball
• He was completely off-balance but still managed to remove the bails
• The stumping took 0.13 seconds to complete

Technical Excellence:

What made this stumping special was Sangakkara’s ability to maintain perfect hand coordination even when his body was in an awkward position. This is extremely difficult to do and requires years of practice.

Key Skills Demonstrated:

• Flexibility and body control
• Hand-eye coordination under pressure
• Mental calmness in difficult situations
• Anticipation skills
• Perfect timing

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Kumar Sangakkara vs. Brian Lara

Kumar Sangakkara’s stumping of Brian Lara in 2007 is often called a textbook example of perfect wicketkeeping technique. This dismissal showed how coordination between the bowler and wicketkeeper can create magic on the cricket field.

The Perfect Coordination:

The beauty of this stumping was in how Chaminda Vaas and Kumar Sangakkara worked together like a perfectly synchronized machine. Both players knew exactly what they needed to do.

The Classic Setup:

1. Brian Lara attempted to play an off-drive shot
2. Chaminda Vaas bowled the perfect line and length
3. The ball completely beat Lara’s bat
4. Sangakkara was in the perfect position to collect the ball
5. He removed the bails cleanly in 0.14 seconds

Why It’s Called Classic:

This stumping had all the elements that coaches teach young wicketkeepers:

• Perfect positioning – Foundation of good wicketkeeping
• Clean collection – More important than pure speed
• Smooth movements – Better than rushed actions
• Team coordination – Bowler and keeper working together

Educational Value:

This dismissal is often shown in coaching videos around the world because it demonstrates fundamental wicketkeeping principles executed to perfection.

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Mark Boucher vs. Marvan Atapattu

Mark Boucher showed incredible cricket intelligence in his dismissal of Marvan Atapattu. This stumping combined catching and stumping skills in one smooth action, showing why Boucher was considered one of the smartest wicketkeepers of his generation.

The Multi-Skilled Dismissal:

What made this dismissal unique was that Boucher had to make a split-second decision about whether to appeal for a catch or go for the stumping. His quick thinking led to success.

How It Happened:

• Marvan Atapattu went for an aggressive shot
• The ball took a slight edge off his bat
• Mark Boucher caught the ball cleanly
• He immediately noticed that Atapattu was outside his crease
• Boucher quickly removed the bails for a stumping
• The entire action took 0.15 seconds

Skills Required:

This dismissal showed that modern wicketkeeping requires much more than just physical skills:

• Mental sharpness – Quick thinking under pressure
• Decision-making – Choosing the right option instantly
• Game awareness – Noticing all opportunities
• Multi-tasking – Handling multiple skills together
• Efficiency – Completing both actions quickly

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Adam Gilchrist vs. Craig McMillan

Adam Gilchrist created cricket history by completing a stumping off a fast bowler, which is extremely rare in cricket. His dismissal of Craig McMillan with Glenn McGrath bowling showed incredible courage and skill.

Why Fast Bowler Stumpings Are Rare:

Normally, wicketkeepers stand several meters behind the stumps when fast bowlers are bowling because:

• The ball travels at a very high speed
• It can bounce unpredictably
• Standing close requires exceptional courage
• The risk of injury is much higher

The Historic Moment:

1. Glenn McGrath was bowling at his usual fast pace
2. Adam Gilchrist bravely stood right behind the stumps
3. Craig McMillan charged down the wicket for a big hit
4. He completely missed the ball
5. Gilchrist collected perfectly and completed the stumping in 0.16 seconds

The Courage Factor:

Standing close to fast bowling requires incredible bravery. The ball can hit the wicketkeeper’s body, gloves, or face if not collected properly. Gilchrist’s willingness to take this risk showed his commitment to helping his team win.

Special Qualities Required:

• Exceptional reflexes for fast bowling
• Physical courage to stand close to the stumps
• Perfect timing to collect cleanly
• Strategic thinking to intimidate batsmen
• Complete trust in abilities

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Bradley Barnes vs. Saurabh Tiwary

The final entry in our countdown comes from the Under-19 World Cup, where Bradley Barnes completed a complex stumping involving a runner. This dismissal showed that even young wicketkeepers can handle complicated match situations.

The Unique Situation:

This stumping was complicated because Saurabh Tiwary was using a runner due to an injury. In cricket, when a batsman has a runner, both the batsman and runner must be in safe positions to avoid being dismissed.

The Complex Breakdown:

• Yaseen Vallie bowled a low full toss outside the off stump
• Saurabh Tiwary completely misread the delivery
• The ball went past his bat without any contact
• Bradley Barnes quickly removed the bails
• Tiwary himself was safely inside his crease
• However, his runner was outside the popping crease
• The dismissal was completed in 0.17 seconds

Understanding Cricket Rules:

This dismissal teaches us about the complex rules of cricket. Even though Tiwary was safe, his runner’s position made him vulnerable to being stumped. Barnes showed excellent awareness of cricket rules.

Young Talent Recognition:

The fact that an Under-19 player appears in this elite list shows that age doesn’t limit talent. Barnes demonstrated that with proper training, dedication, and natural ability, young cricketers can achieve remarkable feats.

Concluding Remarks

The fastest stumpings in cricket history represent the absolute peak of wicketkeeping excellence. These ten dismissals show us what’s possible when natural talent, dedicated practice, and perfect timing come together in magical moments on the cricket field.

What We’ve Learned:

• MS Dhoni truly deserves his reputation as the fastest wicketkeeper in cricket history, appearing three times in our top 10 list
• Speed alone isn’t enough – these dismissals require intelligence, anticipation, and perfect technique
• Great wicketkeepers like Sangakkara, Gilchrist, and McCullum each brought unique skills to create memorable moments
• Teamwork between bowlers and wicketkeepers is essential for creating stumping opportunities
• Young players like Bradley Barnes prove that age doesn’t limit the ability to achieve greatness

The Evolution of Wicketkeeping:

These dismissals show how wicketkeeping has evolved from a basic defensive role to a specialized skill that can change matches. Modern wicketkeepers are athletes, strategists, and artists all combined into one position.

Key Elements of Fast Stumping:

• Perfect positioning – Being in exactly the right spot
• Quick reflexes – Lightning-fast hand movements
• Sharp observation – Reading the batsman’s intentions
• Strong communication – Working well with bowlers
• Mental alertness – Being ready for opportunities

Inspiration for Future Generations:

For young cricket enthusiasts and aspiring wicketkeepers, these examples prove that with enough dedication, practice, and passion, it’s possible to achieve incredible feats. Every great wicketkeeper started with basic skills and worked their way up through consistent effort.

The art of fast stumping represents everything beautiful about cricket – the combination of individual brilliance and team coordination, the reward for years of practice, and the ability to create unforgettable moments that transcend the sport itself. As cricket continues to evolve, these records stand as testimony to human skill and dedication at its absolute finest.