Who hits the longest six? Well, if you are a cricket lover and regularly follow all the matches, then you should know about the biggest hitter of all time. For many years, we have seen that several players nowadays hitting an astounding six soar over rooftops, out of the stadium, and even into parking lots.
But only one cricketer holds the title of the longest six in cricket history; who is that player? A big question, but don’t worry; we’ll discuss it in this short blog. Was it a power-hitter and opener like Rohit Sharma? Stay tuned with us, let’s take a deep dive:
| Rank | Player | Distance (in meters) | Opponent | Year | Match Type | Notable Fact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shahid Afridi | 158 meters | South Africa | 2013 | ODI | Hit at Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg |
| 2 | Brett Lee | 130 meters | West Indies | 2005 | Test | Clean hit over mid-wicket at Gabba |
| 3 | Martin Guptill | 127 meters | South Africa | 2012 | T20I | Towering six at Wellington |
| 4 | Liam Livingstone | 122 meters | Pakistan | 2021 | T20I | Hit off Haris Rauf |
| 5 | Corey Anderson | 122 meters | India | 2014 | ODI | Hit during fastest ODI hundred |
| 6 | Chris Gayle | 120 meters | India (IPL) | 2013 | T20 (IPL) | One of many monster hits by the “Universe Boss” |
| 7 | Yuvraj Singh | 120 meters | Australia | 2007 | T20I | Part of his iconic 6 sixes in an over game |
| 8 | Mahendra Singh Dhoni | 112 meters | New Zealand | 2009 | ODI | Vintage Dhoni helicopter shot |
| 9 | Ijaz Ahmed | 108 meters | India | 1999 | ODI | Hit during a high-scoring match |
| 10 | Adam Gilchrist | 104 meters | England | 2006 | Test | Trademark Gilchrist uppercut |
What Truly Counts as the Longest Six in Cricket History?
As we all know, before naming the biggest hitter in cricket, it’s pretty necessary to understand what qualifies as the longest six in cricket history. Several cricket experts predict the distance could be tricky to measure in real-time. For many years, some sixes were calculated by estimate, while others were calculated using the latest modern technology.
Let’s have a look at the points below:
- The ball must travel entirely in the air (no bounces).
- The distance of the six measured from the bat to the landing point.
- The measurement should be verified officially with the help of technology.
With those standards in place, it’s time to reveal the name that hit the longest six in cricket history.
The official Record Holder: Shahid Afridi (Pakistan – 153 Meters)
Yes, you read that correctly; the distance he covered was almost 153 meters. And as per cricket experts, this six is one of the longest sixes in the history of cricket.
Talking about Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi, also known as “Boom Boom Afridi,” the title for hitting the longest six in cricket history, and the feat happened in 2013 during a match between Pakistan and South Africa.
While playing at Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, Shahid Afridi launched a monstrous hit off South African pacer Ryan McLaren. The ball flew out of the stadium and landed beyond the stands, and the result is the farthest six ever recorded in cricket history. Also, cricket fans globally agree that Afridi’s six was nothing short of a missile.
Why Are Afridi’s Six So Legendary?
Not one but several factors contributed to Afridi’s mind-boggling hit when he hit the shot with his full strength and perfect timing.
- Pitch & Conditions: Perth’s cricket ground was known for its bounce and pace, which helped Afridi’s timing.
- Speed of Bat & Timing: Afridi was famous for his explosive bat speed and perfect timing to hit the ball outside of the ground.
- Confidence & Strength: Yes, this type of sixes is mainly known for his aggressive style, Afridi never hesitated to hit sixes with complete confidence and powerful wrist strength.
Some other massive sixes in cricket history
Brett Lee – 130 metres long against West Indies, 2005
Brett Lee, who is known for his speed and many bowlers scared of him and he is famous for his bowling abilities, hit a six of 130 metres in 2005 against the West Indies. The six was so long that even Lee couldn’t believe himself by the shot he hit.
Martin Guptill – 127 metres long against South Africa, 2012
The tall and handsome New Zealand cricket player is undoubtedly who hits massive sixes out of the ground in cricket history. Martin Guptill hit a massive six of 127 metres in a T20I vs Lonwabo Tsotsobe of South Africa. He hit the ball with timing and strength, and it hit the roof of the stadium.
Liam Livingstone – 122 meters long against Pakistan, 2021
England’s all-rounder and one of the most potent hitters, known for his massive hitting. He is famous for his biggest six of 122 meters against Pakistan in the 2nd T20I at Headingley 2021.
Corey Anderson – 122 meters long against India, 2014
New Zealand’s Corey Anderson was famous for hitting massive sixes during his tour to India in an international cricket match. He hit a huge six of 122 meters against Mohd. Shami of 122-meter high, and it was counted as one of the biggest sixes in cricket history.
Yuvraj Singh – 119 meters long against Australia, 2007
Yuvraj Singh, known as Yuvi by cricket fans, is well-known for his massive six sixes in a single over against England in the 2007 T20I World Cup. Also, he hit a huge six of 119 meters during India vs. Australia in 2007.
MS Dhoni – 118 meters long against Australia, 2007
Captain Cool is known for his calm mind and a powerful hitter for his massive sixers. During the India vs. New Zealand 3rd ODI in Auckland 2009, MS Dhoni smashed a long 118-meter six that landed into the stands.
How Technology Changed Six Measurements?
The technology plays a significant role in all sports in this tech world; earlier, mostly sixes were estimated. Now technology has entered this world, and with the help of advanced tools like Hawkeye, Ball tracking systems, and high-resolution cameras, distances are calculated easily and more accurately.
For instance, tournaments like the IPL and T20 World Cup use ball trajectory software that efficiently tracks every aspect of the ball’s flight. Also, it is ensured that fans get accurate distance and data of the match, whether a six goes 60 meters or 100 meters.
Cricket is becoming one of the biggest sports in the world, and more than 3 billion people watch cricket matches, especially ICC tournaments. Due to this, ICC has adopted the advanced tools of technology with high-resolution cameras and software to provide ball-by-ball updates to its beloved fans.
What Makes a Six “Long”? It’s Power or Something Else.
Several people assume that it’s all about strength and force, but in reality, that’s an incomplete story. The longest six in cricket history was a combination of the following points:
Perfect Timing: The ball connects at the middle of the bat.
Back lift and follow through: A powerful shot enhances distance.
Wind and Altitude: Yes, the weather conditions can easily add extra meters.
Conclusion
The longest six in cricket history is not just a stat, it’s a symbol of sport’s thrill and passion for the game. Whether Afridi is hitting the sixes out of the ground or Dhoni touches the night sky, these moments are special and never forgotten, and forever live in the hearts of fans. So, next time you see a batter wind up for a massive six. It could be the next record-breaker because in cricket, anything can happen at any moment.