Huge sixes in cricket have always thrilled fans and remained a topic of conversation for years to come. While some former cricketers and pundits argue that these colossal hits should receive extra recognition, the precision and reliability of technology, which is regularly scrutinized when measuring such distances, have not supported these claims. Nevertheless, it's always a delight to recall some of the most unforgettable moments in the game. So, let's revisit the longest sixes ever hit in the history of international cricket.
1. Shahid Afridi || 153 meters vs. South Africa
Most people consider Afridi to be one of the most dangerous players in cricket. Afridi was an all-round player with a reputation for hard hitting and leg-spin bowling. With 37 deliveries, Afridi also held the world record for the fastest ODI century. The record, held for 17 years, was broken by Corey Anderson. It should come as no surprise that Shahid Afridi is the owner of the record for the longest six hits in international cricket as his name is frequently at the top of lists such to this one. This six that he hammered off Ryan McLaren is one of the most talked-about sixes in cricket history, given the distance it covered.
2. Brett Lee || 130 meters vs. England
Brett Lee was a key member of the Australian squad that clinched the 2003 World Cup. His Test debut took place in 1999, and he bid farewell to international cricket on July 12, 2012. Lee's Test career came to a close with an impressive tally of 310 wickets, and he secured 380 wickets in One Day Internationals. From 2000 to 2009, only Muttiah Muralitharan outshone Lee in terms of ODI wickets, establishing him as one of the premier bowlers of his era. Among the numerous entries in the list of longest sixes, one that stands out is Brett Lee's monumental hit against West Indies, a shot that originated from an improbable source. In that particular game at the Gabba, Brett Lee contributed 47 runs for the home team, but it's his single six in that innings that remains etched in memory.One remarkable instance was the 2005 Ashes Test at Edgbaston, where Lee nearly steered Australia to a remarkable comeback in a gripping and thrilling match. Despite his aggressive demeanor on the field, Lee rarely allowed his emotions to overcome him. He relished competing against opponents and displayed sportsmanship, even in defeat, often sporting his signature smile. Lee was not only a formidable opponent but also a gentleman off the field, fostering good relationships with players from rival teams. He was one of the few Australian cricketers who was widely admired in India.
3. Martin Guptill || 127 meters vs South Africa
Guptill is the first New Zealand cricketer and the sixth overall to make a double century in a One Day International match. His 237 not-out holds the highest individual score in Cricket World Cup matches and the second-best score in One Day Internationals. Guptill's left foot has only two toes. He lost three toes in a forklift accident when 13 years old. He is known as "Two Toes" within the New Zealand cricket team. Martin Guptill of New Zealand is an unsurprising name on this list, having dazzled cricket fans with his incredible power-hitting on numerous occasions. In a T20I match against South Africa in 2012, he smashed possibly the greatest six of his career against Lonwabo Tsotsobe.
Martin Guptill's ODI average is 43.51, while his World Cup average is 57. The main disadvantage is that the opener has scored these runs against teams with a weak bowling attack. He's had to contend with teams like Australia, South Africa, and England. Guptill will face all of the teams in the World Cup at least once, so he must ensure that he gets runs against the weaker opponents and the heavyweights.
4. Liam Livingstone || 122 meters vs. Pakistan
On April 19, 2015, Livingstone grabbed the spotlight with an extraordinary cricket feat. He notched up a stunning 350 runs from just 138 balls while playing for his club team, Nantwich. This incredible performance was hailed as one of the highest individual scores in the history of one-day cricket.
In the 2016 season, Livingstone marked his debut in first-class cricket while representing Lancashire. He further solidified his cricketing journey when he was awarded his county cap on April 24, 2017. This honor came after he led Lancashire to their first victory of the 2017 season, while serving as a stand-in captain.
Liam Livingstone has established himself as one of England's most esteemed cricketers in shorter-format matches. He is known for his exceptional skills and performances. Notably, in a T20I game against Pakistan at Headingley last year, Livingstone smashed a colossal six that soared to an astounding distance of 122 meters, even leaving the stadium boundaries.
5. Corey Anderson || 122 meters vs. India
Guptill is the first New Zealand cricketer and the sixth overall to make a double century in a One Day International match. His 237 not-out holds the highest individual score in Cricket World Cup matches and the second-best score in One Day Internationals. Guptill's left foot has only two toes. He lost three toes in a forklift accident when 13 years old. He is known as "Two Toes" within the New Zealand cricket team. Martin Guptill of New Zealand is an unsurprising name on this list, having dazzled cricket fans with his incredible power-hitting on numerous occasions. In a T20I match against South Africa in 2012, he smashed possibly the greatest six of his career against Lonwabo Tsotsobe.
Martin Guptill's ODI average is 43.51, while his World Cup average is 57. The main disadvantage is that the opener has scored these runs against teams with a weak bowling attack. He's had to contend with teams like Australia, South Africa, and England. Guptill will face all of the teams in the World Cup at least once, so he must ensure that he gets runs against the weaker opponents and the heavyweights.
6. Mark Waugh || 120 meters vs. New Zealand
Mark Waugh, often referred to as Junior due to being slightly younger than his twin brother Steve, comes from a cricketing family. His brother Dean Waugh also has a cricketing background, having represented New South Wales in both first-class and List A cricket. While Mark has often been in the shadow of his more renowned brother Steve, he remains one of the lesser-acknowledged cricketers in the exceptional Australian cricket team.Mark Waugh, however, has had his fair share of memorable moments on the cricket field. One such instance occurred during New Zealand's 1997 tour of Australia when he faced Daniel Vettori. Waugh showcased his remarkable strokeplay by striding down the track and smashing the ball an astonishing 120 meters down the ground at the WACA. His batting style has drawn comparisons to legendary cricketers such as Stan McCabe, Alan Kippax, Victor Trumper, Charlie Macartney, and Greg Chappell. His elegant and stylish approach to the game aligns him with these iconic names in cricket history.
7. Yuvraj Singh || 119 meters vs. Australia
Yuvraj Singh's illustrious cricket career was marked by several accolades, including the prestigious Arjuna Award, India's second-highest sporting honor, which he received from the Indian government in 2012. Yuvraj's exceptional all-round abilities were on full display during the 2011 World Cup, where he etched his name in history by becoming the first player to achieve a remarkable feat - taking a 5-wicket haul and scoring 50 runs in the same World Cup match. His overall performance in the tournament was outstanding, with 15 wickets and 362 runs to his name, earning him the well-deserved title of the "Man of the Tournament." Yuvraj Singh's elegant and masterful strokeplay has earned him a place among cricket's greatest batsmen.Yuvraj's incredible six-hitting prowess was exemplified during the ICC T20 World Cup in 2007. In a match against Australia, he showcased his legendary hitting with an astonishing shot, breaking the official record for the longest six ever struck by an Indian batsman. Facing a delivery from Brett Lee that clocked over 90 mph, the left-handed Yuvraj flicked it effortlessly over square leg, sending the ball soaring a remarkable 119 meters.
In the subsequent years, Yuvraj Singh dedicated himself to improving his fitness and made a successful return to the cricketing arena in early 2017 after missing the 2015 World Cup and 2016 World T20. Recognizing his experience and skills, Virat Kohli, the Indian captain, saw Yuvraj as a valuable addition, particularly with the 2017 Champions Trophy approaching. Following his comeback, Yuvraj delivered several outstanding innings, including a scintillating performance against Pakistan in the Champions Trophy opener. However, after the Champions Trophy, Yuvraj, along with a few other senior players, was dropped from India's squad. His fielding, which had once been exceptional, notably declined during this phase, highlighting the challenges of maintaining top form over an extended career.
8. Mahendra Singh Dhoni || 118 meters vs. New Zealand
Mahendra Singh Dhoni, fondly known as MS Dhoni, bid farewell to international cricket in all formats on August 15, 2020. His illustrious career was marked by remarkable leadership, guiding the Indian cricket team to several significant victories. Dhoni served as captain during India's triumphs in the 2007 ICC World Twenty20, the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy. Under his leadership, India also clinched the Asia Cup in 2010 and 2016.
In the world of One Day International (ODI) cricket, MS Dhoni is renowned for his exceptional finishing abilities. He holds the record for the second-highest number of sixes by an Indian batsman. In a memorable moment during the third ODI of India's 2009 tour of New Zealand, Dhoni, the Indian captain, unleashed a colossal six that traveled an astounding 118 meters.
Dhoni's association with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) is a remarkable tale. When the IPL gained prominence, cricket enthusiasts were eager to see which team would secure the services of the then-Indian skipper. The Chennai Super Kings, backed by an organization well-versed in managing sports, recognized the importance of strong leadership for building a successful franchise. They made a significant statement by signing Dhoni for a whopping 6 crores, making it the highest fee at the time. Dhoni's impact was profound, as he emerged as the third-highest run-scorer in the 2013 season, single-handedly leading CSK to the IPL final. Under his captaincy, CSK secured IPL titles in 2010, 2011, 2018, and 2021, cementing his legacy as one of the most successful and revered leaders in IPL history.
9. Chris Gayle || 116 meters vs. India
Chris Gayle is widely regarded as one of the greatest Twenty20 cricket batsmen in the history of the sport, and many even consider him the best. His contributions have been pivotal to the success of West Indies teams, which secured victories in the ICC Champions Trophy in 2004, the ICC World Twenty20 in 2012, and the ICC World Twenty20 in 2016. Chris Gayle's impact transcends all three formats of the game, and he has set numerous records. His reputation as one of the most formidable and powerful batsmen in cricket history is well-deserved. As a former captain of the West Indies, he holds the world record for the most sixes hit in international cricket and is known for launching some of the longest sixes seen in the game. One such monumental six was his 116-meter strike off Yusuf Pathan during a group stage match in the ICC T20 World Cup against India.His prowess in Twenty20 cricket led to high expectations during the 2008 auction, especially after his remarkable century in the inaugural ICC World T20 in 2007. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) acquired his services with a substantial bid of 800,000 USD. Gayle's next three years were nothing short of spectacular, marked by a century on debut, ending the 2011 season with 608 runs and the Orange Cap, amassing 733 runs and another Orange Cap in 2012, and achieving the record for the highest individual T20 score of 175 not out against the Pune Warriors in 2013, a feat that included a remarkable 31-ball century.
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