Cricket fans love to see big sixes, and the longest sixes hit in international cricket are always memorable. Although technology can be unreliable in measuring exact distances, these massive hits remain hot topics. These sixes are not only entertaining but also show the power and skill of the batsmen. Here’s a list of the top 10 longest sixes in cricket history, ranked by their distance.
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Biggest Sixes In International Cricket: Top 10 Longest Sixes In Cricket History
- Shahid Afridi: 153 meters vs South Africa, 2013
2. Brett Lee: 143 meters vs West Indies, 2005
3. Martin Guptill: 127 meters vs South Africa, 2012
4. Liam Livingstone: 122 meters vs Pakistan, 2021
5. Corey Anderson: 122 meters vs India, 2014
6. Mark Waugh: 120 meters vs New Zealand, 1997
7. Yuvraj Singh: 119 meters vs Australia, 2007
8. MS Dhoni: 118 meters vs New Zealand, 2009
9. Shahid Afridi: 118 meters vs Australia, 2005
10. Chris Gayle: 116 meters vs India, 2010
| Rank | Player Name | Distance (m) | Against | Year |
| 1 | Shahid Afridi | 153 | South Africa | 2013 |
| 2 | Brett Lee | 143 | West Indies | 2005 |
| 3 | Martin Guptill | 127 | South Africa | 2012 |
| 4 | Liam Livingstone | 122 | Pakistan | 2021 |
| 5 | Corey Anderson | 122 | India | 2014 |
| 6 | Mark Waugh | 120 | New Zealand | 1997 |
| 7 | Yuvraj Singh | 119 | Australia | 2007 |
| 8 | MS Dhoni | 118 | New Zealand | 2009 |
| 9 | Shahid Afridi | 118 | Australia | 2005 |
| 10 | Chris Gayle | 116 | India | 2010 |
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1. Shahid Afridi – 153 meters vs South Africa (2013)
Shahid Afridi, often known as “Boom Boom Afridi” for his explosive batting style, holds the record for the longest six in international cricket. He achieved this remarkable feat in 2013 against South Africa, sending the ball a staggering 153 meters.
Afridi was facing Ryan McLaren when he unleashed this monstrous hit. McLaren delivered a length ball during the 35th over of the match, and Afridi’s powerful strike sent the ball out of the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg.
Known for his aggressive approach, Afridi was an all-rounder who also contributed with his leg-spin bowling. He held the record for the fastest century in ODIs for 17 years until Corey Anderson broke it.
2. Brett Lee – 143 meters vs West Indies (2005)
Brett Lee, primarily known for his lightning-fast bowling, showcased his batting prowess with a massive six against the West Indies in 2005. This six travelled 143 meters, making it the second longest in cricket history.
Brett Lee hit this remarkable shot off Darren Powell’s delivery at the Gabba in Brisbane. Despite being a bowler, Lee managed to contribute significantly with the bat during his career, and this particular six remains a highlight.
Lee was a crucial member of the Australian squad that dominated world cricket in the early 2000s, known for his pace and ability to change the game’s course with both ball and bat.
3. Martin Guptill – 127 meters vs South Africa (2012)
New Zealand opener Martin Guptill is famous for his powerful hitting, and he demonstrated this ability with a 127-meter six against South Africa in 2012.
During a T20I match, Guptill launched a delivery from Lonwabo Tsotsobe over the mid-wicket boundary, hitting the roof of the stand before the ball rolled back onto the field.
Guptill is known for his aggressive batting style and holds the record for the highest individual score in World Cup history with an unbeaten 237. His ability to clear boundaries with ease has made him a key player for New Zealand in limited-overs cricket.
4. Liam Livingstone – 122 meters vs Pakistan (2021)
Liam Livingstone, one of England’s most exciting talents in the shorter formats, hit a colossal 122-meter six against Pakistan in 2021. During the 2nd T20I at Headingley, Livingstone faced Haris Rauf in the 16th over and sent the ball way out of the stadium.
Known for his aggressive batting, Livingstone’s ability to hit big sixes has made him a valuable asset in T20 cricket. His powerful stroke play and knack for clearing the ropes with ease have earned him a reputation as one of the most dangerous hitters in the game today.
5. Corey Anderson – 122 meters vs India (2014)
Corey Anderson, a New Zealand all-rounder, briefly held the record for the fastest ODI century and is also known for his massive six-hitting ability.
In 2014, during the 1st ODI against India, Anderson hit a 122-meter six off Mohammed Shami’s delivery. The ball was pitched in the good length area, allowing Anderson to swing it out of the Napier Cricket Ground.
Anderson’s explosive batting has often turned matches in New Zealand’s favour, and his power-hitting skills have been a significant asset in limited-overs cricket.
6. Mark Waugh – 120 meters vs New Zealand (1997)
Mark Waugh, often overshadowed by his twin brother Steve, was a stylish batsman known for his elegance and timing. However, he showed his power-hitting ability with a 120-meter six against New Zealand in 1997.
During a Test match at the WACA, Waugh stepped out to Daniel Vettori and launched the ball down the ground, out of the stadium. Despite being more renowned for his classical batting style, this six highlighted Waugh’s ability to hit the ball a long way when needed.
He was a key player for Australia during their dominant period in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
7. Yuvraj Singh – 119 meters vs Australia (2007)
Yuvraj Singh, one of India’s most gifted batsmen, hit a memorable 119-meter six against Australia during the ICC T20 World Cup in 2007. Facing Brett Lee, Yuvraj effortlessly flicked a delivery over square leg, showcasing his incredible timing and power.
This six was part of a blistering knock that helped India reach the final of the tournament. Yuvraj is also famous for hitting six sixes in an over against England’s Stuart Broad in the same tournament. His ability to score quickly and clear the boundaries with ease made him one of the most feared batsmen in limited-overs cricket.
8. MS Dhoni – 118 meters vs New Zealand (2009)
MS Dhoni, one of the greatest finishers in cricket history, hit a massive 118-meter six against New Zealand in 2009. During the 44th over of the third ODI in the series, Dhoni executed a short-arm jab that sent the ball soaring over the boundary.
MS Dhoni was Known for his calm nature and powerful hitting, Dhoni has led India to numerous victories with his ability to finish matches. He is the second-highest six-hitter among Indian cricketers.
He has a legendary status in world cricket, having captained India to victories in the ICC World Twenty20, the ICC World Cup, and the ICC Champions Trophy.
9. Shahid Afridi – 118 meters vs Australia (2005)
Shahid Afridi made another appearance on this list with a 118-meter six against Australia in 2005. Known for his aggressive batting, Afridi launched a ball from Michael Kasprowicz out of the stadium during an ODI match.
This six is one of the many that Afridi hit during his career, earning him a reputation as one of the most explosive batsmen in the history of the game. Afridi’s ability to change the course of a match with his powerful hitting made him a valuable player for Pakistan in all formats of the game.
10. Chris Gayle – 116 meters vs India (2010)
Chris Gayle, arguably the most powerful hitter in cricket history, hit a 116-meter six against India during the ICC T20 World Cup in 2010. Facing Yusuf Pathan, Gayle sent the ball out of the Kensington Oval, displaying his incredible strength and timing.
Gayle holds the record for the most sixes in international cricket and has consistently been a dominant force in T20 leagues around the world. His ability to hit long sixes has made him a fan favourite and a key player in limited-overs cricket.
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Conclusion
Hitting long sixes is an exciting part of cricket. Players like Shahid Afridi, MS Dhoni, and Chris Gayle have thrilled fans with their big hits. These sixes remain memorable and show the extraordinary power and skill of these cricketers. As new talents emerge, the legacy of these six-hitting legends will continue.
FAQs
Q1. Who has hit the longest six in the history of IPL?
Ans: Albie Morkel hit the longest six in IPL history, a 125-meter six against Pragyan Ojha in 2008.
Q2. Who has the longest six in T20I cricket?
Ans: Liam Livingstone’s 122-meter six against Pakistan is the longest in T20 international cricket.
Q3. Who has hit the longest six in cricket history by an Indian player?
Ans: Yuvraj Singh hit the longest six by an Indian player, a 119-meter six against Brett Lee.
Q4. Who is the Sixer King in cricket history?
Ans: Rohit Sharma holds the record for the most sixes in international cricket, with 597 sixes.
Q5. Who has hit the longest six in cricket history?
Ans: Shahid Afridi hit the longest six in cricket history, a 153-meter six against South Africa in 2013.
