Most Sixes: Cricket, one of the oldest and most popular sports in the world, has evolved over the years, with the advent of new formats like Twenty20 (T20) and changes in batting techniques, making the game even more thrilling. Among the many facets of the game that capture the imagination of fans, the ability to hit sixes stands out. A six, in which the batsman strikes the ball over the boundary without it touching the ground, is an electrifying moment in cricket. This article delves into the record for the most sixes in cricket, a testament to the explosive power and technique required to clear the ropes.
The Record Holder: Shahid Afridi
Most Sixes: As of February 2025, the record for the most sixes in international cricket is held by Shahid Afridi of Pakistan. Afridi, known for his aggressive batting style, earned the nickname “Boom Boom” due to his explosive power and penchant for hitting sixes. His career in international cricket spanned over two decades, during which he played numerous memorable innings, often changing the course of games with his ability to hit big sixes. His dominance with the bat, along with his useful bowling, made him one of the most prominent all-rounders in the history of the game.
Shahid Afridi’s Sixes Record
Most Sixes: Shahid Afridi holds the record for the most sixes in international cricket, with an astonishing 480 sixes across all formats. His record-breaking feat includes his performances in One Day Internationals (ODIs), T20 Internationals (T20Is), and Test cricket.
Breakdown of Shahid Afridi’s Sixes in International Cricket:
| Format | Matches Played | Total Sixes Hit |
|---|---|---|
| ODI | 398 | 351 |
| T20I | 99 | 73 |
| Test | 27 | 56 |
| Total | 524 | 480 |
- ODI Career: Afridi’s ODI career spanned 398 matches, in which he hit 351 sixes, making him the leading six-hitter in this format. His aggressive batting during the middle and death overs made him a game-changer for Pakistan.
- T20I Career: In T20 Internationals, Afridi hit 73 sixes in 99 matches, which is a remarkable statistic given the shorter nature of the format. His power-hitting in T20s was a key asset to his team’s success.
- Test Career: Although Afridi’s Test career was shorter in comparison, he still managed to hit 56 sixes in 27 Test matches, proving that his ability to clear the boundary was effective even in the longer format.
Afridi’s record of 480 sixes across formats is a milestone that remains unmatched, setting a benchmark for aggressive all-rounders in modern cricket.
Other Top Six-Hitters In International Cricket
Most Sixes: While Shahid Afridi dominates the record for the most sixes, there are several other players who have made a significant impact on the game with their power-hitting. These cricketers have contributed to their teams with their ability to clear the boundary ropes, and their names are etched in the history books for their six-hitting prowess.
1. Chris Gayle (West Indies)
Most Sixes: Chris Gayle, often referred to as the “Universe Boss,” is widely considered one of the most destructive batsmen in the history of cricket. Known for his sheer power, Gayle has hit some of the longest sixes in cricket. His aggressive batting style has made him a force to be reckoned with in all formats of the game.
| Format | Matches Played | Total Sixes Hit |
|---|---|---|
| ODI | 301 | 331 |
| T20I | 67 | 105 |
| Test | 103 | 43 |
| Total | 471 | 479 |
- ODI Career: Gayle hit 331 sixes in 301 ODIs, becoming one of the most dangerous batsmen in this format.
- T20I Career: In T20Is, Gayle has struck 105 sixes in 67 matches, making him a huge threat in the shortest format.
- Test Career: Gayle’s Test career saw him hitting 43 sixes in 103 matches. Though his six-hitting in Tests wasn’t as frequent, his ability to hit long sixes in all formats is undeniable.
Gayle’s total of 479 sixes places him second on the list, just one six behind Afridi.
2. Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka)
Most Sixes: Sanath Jayasuriya was one of the most destructive opening batsmen in the history of cricket. His aggressive style of play was instrumental in changing the approach to batting in One Day Internationals. Jayasuriya was not just an opening batsman but also a potent all-rounder, with his six-hitting ability being a key part of his game.
| Format | Matches Played | Total Sixes Hit |
|---|---|---|
| ODI | 445 | 270 |
| T20I | 31 | 19 |
| Test | 110 | 51 |
| Total | 586 | 340 |
- ODI Career: Jayasuriya hit 270 sixes in 445 ODIs, a record that made him one of the premier power-hitters in One-Day cricket.
- T20I Career: His T20I career was relatively short, but he still managed to hit 19 sixes in 31 matches.
- Test Career: Jayasuriya was not far behind in Test cricket, hitting 51 sixes in 110 Test matches.
Jayasuriya’s total of 340 sixes places him firmly among the top six-hitters in international cricket.
3. MS Dhoni (India)
Most Sixes: MS Dhoni, one of India’s most successful captains, is known for his calm demeanor and ability to finish matches in tense situations. What makes Dhoni unique is his ability to hit sixes in the most crucial moments, especially during the final overs of limited-overs matches. He has been India’s go-to man for finishing games with powerful sixes.
| Format | Matches Played | Total Sixes Hit |
|---|---|---|
| ODI | 350 | 229 |
| T20I | 98 | 52 |
| Test | 90 | 23 |
| Total | 538 | 304 |
- ODI Career: Dhoni has hit 229 sixes in 350 ODIs, making him one of the most successful finishers in the format.
- T20I Career: In T20Is, Dhoni has struck 52 sixes in 98 matches, demonstrating his ability to clear the ropes in the shortest format.
- Test Career: Dhoni hit 23 sixes in 90 Test matches, making his mark as a batsman who could hit big even in the longest format.
With 304 sixes across all formats, Dhoni continues to be one of the top power hitters in cricket history.
4. Ricky Ponting (Australia)
Most Sixes: Ricky Ponting, one of the most accomplished captains in cricket history, was known for his consistency and aggressive stroke play. While not as frequently associated with six-hitting as others, Ponting was certainly capable of hitting big sixes when required.
| Format | Matches Played | Total Sixes Hit |
|---|---|---|
| ODI | 375 | 162 |
| T20I | 17 | 14 |
| Test | 168 | 27 |
| Total | 560 | 203 |
- ODI Career: Ponting struck 162 sixes in 375 ODIs, contributing significantly to Australia’s dominance in this format.
- T20I Career: In T20Is, Ponting’s six-hitting ability was less frequent, with just 14 sixes in 17 matches.
- Test Career: Ponting hit 27 sixes in 168 Tests, showing that his aggressive batting was not limited to limited-overs cricket.
The Significance Of Six-Hitting In Modern Cricket
Most Sixes: The ability to hit sixes is a vital aspect of modern cricket. With the introduction of T20 leagues like the Indian Premier League (IPL), the game has evolved to be more focused on aggressive batting. Players who can clear the boundary with ease are invaluable assets to their teams. In limited-overs formats, the ability to hit sixes at crucial moments can change the tide of a game, and cricketers who excel in this area are often regarded as match-winners.
As of 2025, Shahid Afridi holds the record for the most sixes in international cricket, with a total of 480 sixes across all formats. His fearless batting and ability to dominate the opposition make him one of the most iconic cricketers of all time. Other players like Chris Gayle, Sanath Jayasuriya, and MS Dhoni have also left their mark on the game, contributing significantly to their teams with their six-hitting ability. As cricket continues to evolve, it will be exciting to see if anyone can challenge Afridi’s record, but for now, his name remains synonymous with power-hitting in international cricket.