Cricket has evolved immensely over the decades, with explosive batting becoming a defining feature of the modern game. Among the most thrilling sights in cricket is watching a batsman smash the ball high and far into the stands—or sometimes even out of the stadium. While power hitting is common today, some sixes have stood the test of time for their sheer distance and audacity. In this article, we look at the Top 10 Longest Sixes in Cricket History, analysing not only their distance but the men behind these monstrous hits.
10. Adam Gilchrist – 104 meters vs England (2006)
Australian wicket-keeper batsman Adam Gilchrist revolutionised the role of a keeper in Test and ODI cricket with his aggressive opening style. In 2006, during an Ashes Test in Perth, Gilchrist struck a memorable 104-meter six that epitomised his fearless approach. It wasn’t just about distance—it was about dominance, as England’s bowlers were left clueless. Gilchrist’s ability to change the course of a match in a few overs made him one of the most valuable players of his time.
9. Ijaz Ahmed – 110 meters vs India (1999)
Pakistani batsman Ijaz Ahmed may not be as well-known to newer fans, but his six against India in 1999 at Mohali is the stuff of legend. A flat, rocket-like strike that travelled 110 meters, this hit demonstrated the raw flair and aggressive mindset of Pakistan’s middle order during that era. It came during a high-pressure match, making it even more significant.
8. MS Dhoni – 112 meters vs New Zealand (2009)
MS Dhoni has played countless match-winning innings and is widely recognised for his helicopter shot. One of his longest sixes, however, was a traditional straight hit against New Zealand in 2009 at Wankhede Stadium, measuring 112 meters. The crowd erupted as the ball sailed out of the ground. Dhoni’s calmness under pressure and brute finishing skills made him one of the most dependable batsmen in crunch moments.
7. Yuvraj Singh – 120 meters vs Australia (2007)
Yuvraj Singh is remembered for hitting six sixes in an over during the 2007 T20 World Cup, but one of his most powerful sixes came in the same tournament against Australia. A 120-meter bomb at Durban was Yuvraj at his flamboyant best. Known for his elegant yet powerful strokeplay, this six was a blend of perfect timing and immense wrist power.
6. Chris Gayle – 120 meters vs India (2010)
The self-proclaimed “Universe Boss”, Chris Gayle, has hit more sixes in professional cricket than any other player, but one of his longest came against India in 2010 at Kensington Oval. Measuring 120 meters, this six reflected the raw, muscle-driven power Gayle is known for. With a calm demeanour and towering presence, Gayle has dominated bowlers around the globe and made six-hitting an art form.
5. Corey Anderson – 122 meters vs India (2014)
Corey Anderson of New Zealand was once considered among the most powerful hitters in world cricket. In 2014, during a match against India at Queenstown, he hit a 122-meter six that left the crowd in awe. Known for his record-breaking 36-ball century (then the fastest ODI hundred), Anderson showcased his immense strength and ability to clear any boundary with ease.
4. Liam Livingstone – 122 meters vs Pakistan (2021)
Englishman Liam Livingstone is a modern-day six-hitting machine. In 2021, during a T20I against Pakistan at Headingley, he smoked a delivery from Haris Rauf a staggering 122 meters into the upper tier. The ball was so brutally struck that it bounced off the roof. Livingstone’s fearless intent and raw power have made him a fan favourite in T20 leagues worldwide, and this six was a testament to his destructive hitting capabilities.
3. Martin Guptill – 127 meters vs South Africa (2012)
New Zealand’s Martin Guptill is a clean striker of the ball, and in 2012, he hammered a six that reportedly travelled 127 meters at Eden Park, Auckland. Guptill launched the ball out of the ground with impeccable timing and brute strength. Known for his prolific white-ball performances, Guptill’s ability to hit long sixes with ease has made him a consistent threat at the top of the order.
2. Brett Lee – 130 meters vs West Indies (2005)
Australian fast bowler Brett Lee wasn’t known for his batting, but in 2005, he stunned everyone with a 130-meter six at the Gabba in Brisbane. Facing Darren Powell, Lee connected with a full toss and sent it soaring into the stands. Known for his raw pace with the ball, Lee demonstrated that he could hit big, too. His six remains one of the longest ever hit by a tail-ender and showcased the ferocity with which he approached the game, even with the bat.
1. Shahid Afridi – 158 meters vs South Africa (2013)
Topping the list is Pakistan’s enigmatic all-rounder Shahid Afridi, also known as “Boom Boom”. In 2013, Afridi unleashed a monster hit at Johannesburg’s Wanderers Stadium that reportedly travelled 158 meters, sending the ball over the roof and out of the ground. This six remains the longest recorded in cricket history. Afridi, known for his fearless batting style, often entertained fans with such powerful strikes, but this particular one was truly extraordinary.
Stats Table
| Rank | Player | Distance (in meters) | Opponent | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shahid Afridi | 158 | South Africa | Johannesburg | 2013 |
| 2 | Brett Lee | 130 | West Indies | Gabba, Brisbane | 2005 |
| 3 | Martin Guptill | 127 | South Africa | Eden Park, Auckland | 2012 |
| 4 | Liam Livingstone | 122 | Pakistan | Headingley, Leeds | 2021 |
| 5 | Corey Anderson | 122 | India | Queenstown, New Zealand | 2014 |
| 6 | Chris Gayle | 120 | India | Kensington Oval, Barbados | 2010 |
| 7 | Yuvraj Singh | 120 | Australia | Durban | 2007 |
| 8 | Mahendra Singh Dhoni | 112 | New Zealand | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai | 2009 |
| 9 | Ijaz Ahmed | 110 | India | Mohali | 1999 |
| 10 | Adam Gilchrist | 104 | England | Perth, Australia | 2006 |
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