Top 10 Fastest Stumping in Cricket History

Cricket is full of exciting moments, but nothing beats the thrill of watching a lightning-fast stumping.

It’s one of those magical moments that can change the entire game in just a fraction of a second.

When a wicketkeeper removes the bails faster than you can blink, it leaves everyone amazed – from the crowd to the batsman himself.

The fastest stumping in cricket is all about perfect timing, quick reflexes, and incredible skill. It’s like watching a superhero in action.

The wicketkeeper stands behind the stumps, waits for the perfect moment, and then strikes with lightning speed. These moments become legendary and are talked about for years.

Throughout cricket history, we’ve seen some incredible wicketkeepers who have mastered this art.

From MS Dhoni’s magical hands to Kumar Sangakkara’s brilliant reflexes, these players have given us memories that will last forever.

The fastest stumping record belongs to India’s former captain MS Dhoni, who stumped Keemo Paul in just 0.08 seconds – that’s faster than a heartbeat!

Fastest Stumping in Cricket History

In this detailed guide, we’ll explore the top 10 fastest stumpings ever recorded in cricket history.

We’ll break down each dismissal, explain what happened, and help you understand why these moments are so special.

Whether you’re new to cricket or a longtime fan, this article will give you everything you need to know about these incredible feats.

Top 10 Fastest Stumping Records in Cricket History – Complete Stats

Here’s the complete list of the fastest stumpings ever recorded in cricket, with all the important details you need to know:

Rank	Wicketkeeper	Team	Batsman Dismissed	Opposition Team	Time (Seconds)	Tournament	Year
1	MS Dhoni	India	Keemo Paul	West Indies	0.08	Bilateral Series	2018
2	MS Dhoni	India	Mitchell Marsh	Australia	0.09	Bilateral Series	2012
3	Ben Cox	Worcestershire	Callum MacLeod	Derbyshire	0.10	T20 Blast	2018
4	MS Dhoni	Chennai Super Kings	Shubman Gill	Gujarat Titans	0.11	Indian Premier League	2023
5	Brendon McCullum	New Zealand	Ricky Ponting	Australia	0.12	ICC World Cup	2011
6	Kumar Sangakkara	Sri Lanka	Jimmy Maher	Australia	0.13	VB Series	2003
7	Kumar Sangakkara	Sri Lanka	Brian Lara	West Indies	0.14	Bilateral Series	2007
8	Mark Boucher	South Africa	Marvan Atapattu	Sri Lanka	0.15	Bilateral Series	2006
9	Adam Gilchrist	Australia	Craig McMillan	New Zealand	0.16	Bilateral Series	2005
10	Bradley Barnes	South Africa	Saurabh Tiwary	India	0.17	U-19 World Cup	2008

Who Owns the Fastest Stumping Record in Cricket History?

MS Dhoni holds fastest stumping record at incredible 0.08 seconds.

MS Dhoni vs. Keemo Paul – The Record Holder

This is the fastest stumping ever recorded in cricket history, and it belongs to India’s legendary wicketkeeper MS Dhoni. The incident happened during a bilateral series against the West Indies in 2018, and it left everyone completely speechless.

What Happened:

• The match was the fourth ODI of the series
• West Indies were chasing a huge target of 377 runs
• Ravindra Jadeja was bowling spin
• Keemo Paul stepped out to hit a big shot
• He completely missed the ball
• MS Dhoni removed the bails in just 0.08 seconds

Why It’s Special:

• The speed was incredible – faster than blinking
• It showed Dhoni’s amazing anticipation skills
• The dismissal was clean and perfect
• It proved why Dhoni is called “Captain Cool”

This stumping is often called the greatest wicketkeeping moment in cricket history. Dhoni’s hands moved so fast that even the slow-motion replay looked quick. The way he anticipated the batsman’s movement and positioned himself perfectly shows why he’s considered one of the best wicketkeepers ever.

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MS Dhoni vs. Mitchell Marsh – Lightning Fast Reflexes

Six years before his record-breaking stumping, a younger MS Dhoni showed the cricket world what he was capable of. This dismissal of Mitchell Marsh happened during India’s tour of Australia in 2012.

The Incident Breakdown:

• It was the second T20 match of the series
• Mitchell Marsh tried to step out for a big hit
• He completely missed the ball
• Dhoni stumped him in 0.09 seconds
• At that time, it was the fastest stumping in the world

Key Points to Remember:

• This stumping made Dhoni famous as the fastest wicketkeeper
• It showed his incredible hand-eye coordination
• The dismissal was perfectly timed
• It proved that Dhoni was special even early in his career

What makes this stumping special is how Dhoni read the batsman’s intentions. He knew Marsh was going to step out, positioned himself perfectly, and executed the stumping flawlessly. This is what separates great wicketkeepers from good ones.

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Ben Cox vs. Callum MacLeod – The Lucky Stumping

Sometimes in cricket, luck plays a part in creating history. Ben Cox’s stumping of Callum MacLeod is a perfect example of this. It happened during a T20 Blast match in 2018 between Worcestershire and Derbyshire.

How It Happened:

• Ed Barnard bowled a good length delivery
• MacLeod tried to dab the ball towards the third man
• The ball hit Cox’s pad and deflected onto the stumps
• MacLeod was just outside the crease
• The stumping was completed in 0.10 seconds

What Makes It Interesting:

• It was completely unintentional
• The ball deflected off the wicketkeeper’s pad
• MacLeod was barely out of his crease
• It still counts as one of the fastest stumpings ever

This incident shows that sometimes in cricket, being in the right place at the right time is just as important as skill. While Cox didn’t plan this stumping, his positioning and quick reflexes helped complete the dismissal.

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MS Dhoni vs. Shubman Gill – Experience Beats Youth

Even at the age of 41, MS Dhoni proved that experience and skill never fade. His stumping of young Shubman Gill during IPL 2023 was a masterclass in wicketkeeping.

The Match Details:

• Chennai Super Kings vs Gujarat Titans
• Indian Premier League 2023
• Ravindra Jadeja was bowling
• Gill lost his balance while playing the shot
• Dhoni stumped him in 0.11 seconds

Why This Stumping Was Special:

• It showed that age is just a number for Dhoni
• Young Gill couldn’t match Dhoni’s reflexes
• Perfect coordination between the bowler and the keeper
• It reminded everyone why Dhoni is still playing

Lessons from This Dismissal:

• Experience matters in cricket
• Reading the batsman’s movement is crucial
• Quick reflexes can be maintained with practice
• Teamwork between the bowler and the keeper is important

This stumping proved that MS Dhoni is truly the master of his craft. Even against younger, faster batsmen, his experience and skill make him unbeatable.

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Brendon McCullum vs. Ricky Ponting – World Cup Magic

The 2011 ICC World Cup gave us one of the most memorable stumpings when Brendon McCullum dismissed the legendary Ricky Ponting. This moment showed how a wicketkeeper can change the game’s momentum.

The Setup:

• New Zealand vs Australia in the World Cup 2011
• Tim Southee was bowling
• McCullum positioned himself closer to the stumps
• Ponting was struggling against Southee’s bowling
• The strategy worked perfectly

How the Dismissal Unfolded:

• Southee bowled around the wicket to create an angle
• The ball moved away from Ponting
• Ponting couldn’t get his bat on the ball
• McCullum completed the stumping quickly and accurately
• Time taken: 0.12 seconds

Strategic Elements:

• McCullum read Ponting’s batting pattern
• He moved closer to the stumps, anticipating the opportunity
• Perfect communication with the bowler
• Flawless execution under World Cup pressure

This dismissal is remembered not just for its speed but for the tactical brilliance behind it. It shows how modern wicketkeepers think like captains and set traps for batsmen.

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Kumar Sangakkara vs. Jimmy Maher – The Balancing Act

Kumar Sangakkara was one of the most elegant wicketkeepers cricket has ever seen. His stumping of Jimmy Maher at the Gabba showed his incredible balance and reflexes.

The Scenario:

• Test series between Australia and Sri Lanka
• Muttiah Muralitharan was bowling his magic
• Jimmy Maher tried to step down and hit a big shot
• The ball turned sharply and beat the bat
• Sangakkara was moving to his left but still managed the stumping

Technical Brilliance:

• Sangakkara was off-balance but still collected the ball
• He had to stretch far to his left
• Quick hands to flick the bails off
• Perfect timing despite a difficult position
• Completed in 0.13 seconds

What We Can Learn:

• Great wicketkeepers adapt to any situation
• Balance and flexibility are crucial skills
• Practice makes perfect in difficult conditions
• Mental strength helps in pressure moments

This stump is often used in coaching videos to show young wicketkeepers how to handle difficult situations with grace and skill.

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Kumar Sangakkara vs. Brian Lara – Classic Stumping

Another gem from Kumar Sangakkara came against the legendary Brian Lara in 2007. This stumping showed the perfect coordination between the wicketkeeper and the bowler.

The Dismissal:

• Sri Lanka vs West Indies bilateral series
• Chaminda Vaas was bowling
• Brian Lara attempted an off-drive
• He completely missed the ball
• Sangakkara stumped him in 0.14 seconds

Why It’s Considered Classic:

• Clean bowling that beat the bat completely
• Perfect wicketkeeping technique
• Dismissed one of cricket’s greatest batsmen
• Textbook example of how stumping should be done

Technical Aspects:

• Sangakkara’s positioning was perfect
• His glove work was flawless
• No unnecessary movements
• Quick and efficient bail removal

This stumping is often compared to MS Dhoni’s dismissal of Mitchell Marsh because of the similar way both batsmen were completely beaten by the delivery.

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Mark Boucher vs. Marvan Atapattu – The Smart Wicketkeeper

Mark Boucher showed incredible cricket intelligence in his stumping of Marvan Atapattu. This dismissal combined catching and stumping in one smooth action.

The Unique Situation:

• South Africa vs Sri Lanka bilateral series in 2006
• Atapattu went for a shot and got an edge
• Boucher caught the ball cleanly
• He noticed Atapattu was out of his crease
• Quickly removed the bales for a stumping

What Made It Special:

• Boucher appealed for both catch and stumping
• Showed great awareness and presence of mind
• Multi-skilled dismissal in one action
• Perfect example of smart wicketkeeping
• Completed in 0.15 seconds

Skills Demonstrated:

• Quick thinking under pressure
• Multi-tasking ability
• Sharp reflexes for both catching and stumping
• Understanding of game situations

This dismissal is taught in wicketkeeping academies as an example of how to be alert to all possibilities during a game.

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Adam Gilchrist vs. Craig McMillan – Fast Bowler’s Stumping

Adam Gilchrist created history by effecting a stumping off a fast bowler, which is extremely rare in cricket. This happened against Craig McMillan with Glenn McGrath bowling.

The Rare Occurrence:

• Australia vs New Zealand bilateral series 2005
• Glenn McGrath was bowling fast
• Gilchrist stood right up to the stumps
• McMillan charged down the wicket
• He missed the ball completely
• Gilchrist stumped him in 0.16 seconds

Why Fast Bowler Stumpings Are Rare:

• Wicketkeepers usually stand back for fast bowlers
• The ball travels much faster
• Less time to react and collect
• Requires exceptional courage and skill

Gilchrist’s Special Qualities:

• Incredible reflexes for fast bowling
• Brave enough to stand up to fast bowlers
• Perfect hand-eye coordination
• Strategic thinking to intimidate batsmen

This stumping proved that Adam Gilchrist was not just a great batsman but also an exceptional wicketkeeper who could adapt to any situation.

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Bradley Barnes vs. Saurabh Tiwary – The Tricky Dismissal

The final entry in our list comes from the U-19 World Cup 2008, where Bradley Barnes dismissed Saurabh Tiwary in a complex situation involving a runner.

The Complex Scenario:

• India vs South Africa U-19 World Cup match
• Saurabh Tiwary was using a runner due to injury
• Yaseen Vallie bowled a low full toss outside off stump
• Tiwary misread the ball completely
• Barnes quickly removed the bails

The Twist:

• Tiwary himself was inside the crease
• But his runner was well outside the popping crease
• The rules state that if the runner is out, the batsman is out
• Barnes completed the stumping in 0.17 seconds
• It was ruled out due to the runner’s position

Learning Points:

• Understanding cricket rules is important
• Wicketkeepers must be aware of all game situations
• Quick reflexes help in any scenario
• Even young players can create history

This dismissal teaches us that cricket has many complex rules, and smart players always find ways to use them to their advantage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fastest Stumpings

• What is the fastest stumping ever recorded in cricket?

The fastest stumping ever recorded belongs to MS Dhoni, who stumped Keemo Paul in just 0.08 seconds during a bilateral series against West Indies in 2018.

• How is stumping time measured in cricket?

Stumping time is measured from the moment the wicketkeeper catches the ball to when the bails are completely removed from the stumps. Modern technology and slow-motion cameras help measure these times accurately.

• Who holds the most records for fastest stumpings?

MS Dhoni appears three times in the top 10 fastest stumpings list, making him the wicketkeeper with the most records in this category.

• Can stumpings happen off fast bowlers?

Yes, but it’s very rare. Adam Gilchrist’s stumping of Craig McMillan off Glenn McGrath’s bowling is a famous example of stumping off a fast bowler.

• What skills are needed for fast stumping?

Key skills include:

• Quick reflexes and hand-eye coordination
• Good anticipation of the batsman’s movements
• Perfect positioning behind the stumps
• Strong communication with bowlers
• Mental alertness throughout the game

• Are stumping records officially maintained?

While cricket boards keep records of dismissals, the exact timing of stumpings is often recorded by broadcasters and sports analysts rather than official cricket bodies.

• What’s the difference between stumping and running out?

Stumping happens when the wicketkeeper removes the bails while the batsman is out of his crease attempting to play a shot. Run out occurs during an attempted run between the wickets.

Concluding Remarks:

The art of fast stumping represents one of cricket’s most exciting and skillful aspects. These lightning-fast dismissals show us why wicketkeeping is such a specialized and important role in cricket.

From MS Dhoni’s record-breaking 0.08-second stumping to the strategic brilliance of Brendon McCullum and the elegant skills of Kumar Sangakkara, each of these moments tells a unique story.

Key Takeaways from Our Journey:

• MS Dhoni dominates this list with three appearances, proving his status as the greatest wicketkeeper of modern cricket
• Fast stumpings require a perfect combination of physical skill, mental alertness, and strategic thinking
• These dismissals often happen in crucial moments and can change the entire course of a match
• Modern technology helps us appreciate the incredible speed and precision of these dismissals
• Great wicketkeepers like Sangakkara, Gilchrist, and McCullum have contributed to cricket’s rich history

What Makes These Moments Special:

The beauty of fast stumping lies not just in the speed but in the perfect coordination between multiple elements – the bowler’s delivery, the batsman’s movement, and the wicketkeeper’s reflexes.

These moments remind us why cricket is called a gentleman’s game that rewards skill, intelligence, and quick thinking.

For young cricket fans and aspiring wicketkeepers, these examples show that with dedication, practice, and smart game awareness, it’s possible to create moments that will be remembered forever.

Whether you’re playing in your backyard or dreaming of representing your country, remember that every great wicketkeeper started with basic skills and worked their way up.

The fastest stumping records we’ve explored today are more than just statistics – they’re inspiring stories of human skill and determination.

They prove that in cricket, as in life, being prepared for the right moment and executing perfectly when it arrives can create magic that lasts forever.

Cricket will continue to evolve, and we may see even faster stumpings in the future.

But these ten dismissals will always be remembered as the moments when wicketkeeping reached its absolute peak, creating memories that cricket fans will treasure for generations to come.