In the world of cricket, the ability to hit big and powerful shots has always managed to grab attention of the audience. We have witnessed some incredible displays of timing and power while the batters launched the ball into the stadium stands. Some of these sixes are so big that they have managed to awe the audience and write their names in the records of cricketing history. Today we explore the top 10 longest sixes ever hit.
1. Shahid Afridi (158m)
Shahid Afridi is one name that every person mentions when asked about the biggest sixes in history of cricket. On March 30, 2013, during an ODI against South Africa at Johannesburg, Shahid Afridi displayed his power after heunleashing a strike that surprised58 meters. This hit stands as the longest six in cricket history.
2. Corey Anderson (136m)
During a match against West Indies on January 1, 2014, Corey Anderson smashed a massive six that travelled 136 meters which is more than enough to tell the amount of strength he holds. He was at his peak in 2014. He also briefly held the record for the fastest ODI hundred.
3. Brett Lee (130m)
Among all the other names that are listed here, this one is the most fondly remembered as it came from the source that is the most unlikely. Brett Lee, while playing against West Indies, hit one of the biggest sixes ever registered in Test cricket at his home ground, the Gabba which belongs to one of the biggest grounds in the world. Darren Powell offered a nice length delivery and Lee made sure it landed miles away.
4. Mark Waugh (120m)
During New Zealand vs Australia in 1997, Mark Waugh while facing a ball from Daniel Vettori stepped down the pitch and hit a mighty blow that sent the ball flying to an incredible distance of 120 meters. Australia went on to win the test match with an innings and a massive 70-run margin.
5. Yuvraj Singh (119m)
Yuvraj Singh is known for his hard-hitting ability and long sixes. In one such instance, during his great innings in which he made 70 runs in just 30 balls against Australia in the ICC T20 World Cup 2007, he hit an iconic flick on a delivery of Brett Lee and effortlessly flicked it over square leg for a 119-meter six. His knock helped India to win the game and reach the final.
6. MS Dhoni (118m)
Known as one of the greatest finishers in the history of ODI cricket, Mahendra Singh Dhoni has left an unremarkable mark on the sport. Among Indian cricket players, he holds the spot of the second-highest six ever hit by a player. During the third ODI of India vs New Zealand in 2009, Dhoni showcased his muscle power and hit a staggering 118 meters which without any issue cleared the boundary ropes.
7. Chris Gayle (116m)
Chris Gayle, also called the Universe Boss, has produced some of the longest sixes the game of cricket has ever witnessed. During the ICC T20 World Cup in a game against India, Chris Gayle hit Yusuf Pathan for a hefty 116m six. He hit the ball towards long-on and it went out of the Kensington Oval.
8. Ijaz Ahmed (115m)
Ijaz Ahmed was not much of a batter so not many would expect one of the longest sixes from his bat, but the Pakistani cricketer produced a gigantic blow at Mohali. He hit one of Virender Sehwag which travelled a distance of 115m and went out of one of the biggest grounds in India.
9. Brendon McCullum (111m)
During a Test match against Pakistan while playing at the Basin Reserve in Wellington on January 15, 2011, McCullum smashed a colossal six that sent the ball sailing into the stands and covered a massive distance of 111 meters. The sheer force behind his stroke boasted of his strength, leaving both his teammates and opponents astounded. These sixes cemented McCullum’s reputation as a superb batsman.
10. Ross Taylor (110m)
On January 28, 2011, in an ODI clash between New Zealand and Pakistan at Seddon Park in Hamilton, Ross Taylor showcased his exceptional power-hitting prowess. He hit a colossal six that left everyone in awe. The ball soared high into the sky. The thud of the ball meeting the bat echoed through the stadium, as all the players and spectators watched awe-struck.
