Most Sixes: Cricket, as a sport, has seen numerous all-rounders grace the field. These players, capable of contributing both with the bat and ball, bring a unique dimension to the game. While all-rounders are known for their versatility, one aspect of their game that has become increasingly important in modern cricket is the ability to hit sixes. With the rise of T20 cricket, the value of an all-rounder who can hit big sixes and change the course of the game has increased manifold.
Most Sixes: When it comes to hitting the most sixes in international cricket, the title for the most sixes by an all-rounder across all formats is claimed by Shahid Afridi, the former Pakistan cricketer. Afridi, often regarded as one of the most explosive cricketers in the history of the game, has not only dominated with his bowling but has left an indelible mark with his batting, especially his ability to clear the boundary.
Who Is Shahid Afridi?
Most Sixes: Shahid Afridi, also known as “Boom Boom” due to his aggressive batting, had a career spanning over two decades. His explosive batting style was a game-changer for Pakistan in both One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). Afridi was one of the first players to make six-hitting a regular feature of his batting, and his fearless approach made him a crowd favorite. Although his bowling career was equally notable, his ability to clear the ropes was his defining trait.
Most Sixes: Afridi made his debut for Pakistan in 1996 and retired in 2015. Over the years, he became one of the most destructive all-rounders the game has ever seen. His powerful batting and ability to change a match with a few big shots made him an asset for Pakistan, and his career is often looked upon as a testament to the impact an all-rounder can have in modern cricket.
Afridi’s Record Of Most Sixes By An All-Rounder
Most Sixes: Shahid Afridi holds the record for the most sixes hit by an all-rounder in international cricket. His statistics across all formats, including ODIs, T20Is, and Tests, speak volumes about his remarkable ability to clear the boundary ropes. Below is a breakdown of his six-hitting prowess:
| Format | Matches Played | Total Sixes Hit |
|---|---|---|
| ODI | 398 | 351 |
| T20I | 99 | 73 |
| Test | 27 | 56 |
| Total | 524 | 480 |
Key Achievements:
ODIs: Afridi hit a staggering 351 sixes in 398 matches, showcasing his consistent power-hitting in one-day internationals. His ODI career spanned over 18 years, and his sixes became a hallmark of his game, especially during the latter years of his career.
T20Is: In the shortest format of the game, Afridi hit 73 sixes in 99 matches. T20I cricket, with its emphasis on big hitting, saw Afridi’s batting style flourish, and he often played match-winning innings that changed the outcome of games.
Tests: While Afridi’s Test career wasn’t as prolific as his limited-overs career, he still managed to hit 56 sixes in 27 Test matches. This further reinforces his reputation as an all-rounder capable of taking on the best bowlers across formats.
Why Afridi?
Most Sixes: The sheer number of sixes Shahid Afridi has hit in international cricket is a testament to his aggressive approach to batting. He was known for his fearless attitude, often attacking bowlers from the very first ball he faced. His batting was not based on accumulating runs with placement and timing; instead, it was built around power and sheer brute force. Afridi’s ability to clear the ropes was one of his most valuable assets.
In an era when the game was slowly shifting towards more aggressive batting, Afridi was ahead of his time. His six-hitting ability made him one of the most dangerous players to face in limited-overs cricket, and he was known for turning the tide of matches with his quick-fire innings. His fearless approach was a key reason why he was such an asset to Pakistan, and his record of most sixes by an all-rounder stands as a testament to his dominance in this area.
Other All-Rounders With Notable Six-Hitting Records
While Afridi leads the list of all-rounders with the most sixes in international cricket, there are several other all-rounders who have made significant contributions with their bat and ball. These players have also left a mark in the six-hitting domain, and their records in this area are notable.
1. Jacques Kallis (South Africa)
Jacques Kallis, widely regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders in cricket history, was a key player for South Africa in all formats of the game. Known for his solid technique and ability to bat long, Kallis also possessed the ability to clear the boundary when needed.
| Format | Matches Played | Total Sixes Hit |
|---|---|---|
| ODI | 328 | 273 |
| T20I | 25 | 18 |
| Test | 166 | 97 |
| Total | 519 | 388 |
Kallis hit 388 sixes across formats in his career. Though more known for his consistency and control, his ability to hit big sixes made him a valuable asset at the death overs, especially in ODIs.
2. Sir Ian Botham (England)
One of England’s most iconic all-rounders, Sir Ian Botham’s career spanned over 15 years, during which he played numerous match-winning innings. Botham was capable of hitting big sixes, especially in ODIs and Tests.
| Format | Matches Played | Total Sixes Hit |
|---|---|---|
| ODI | 116 | 78 |
| T20I | 1 | 1 |
| Test | 102 | 58 |
| Total | 219 | 137 |
Botham’s six-hitting numbers may not be as impressive as Afridi’s, but his ability to turn a game around with his bat made him one of the most dangerous all-rounders during his time.
3. Ben Stokes (England)
Ben Stokes, one of the modern-day all-rounders, has gained fame for his match-winning performances in crucial moments. Known for his explosive batting, especially in the shorter formats, Stokes has also contributed significantly to England’s success with his big hitting.
| Format | Matches Played | Total Sixes Hit |
|---|---|---|
| ODI | 105 | 61 |
| T20I | 47 | 34 |
| Test | 83 | 44 |
| Total | 235 | 139 |
Ben Stokes is still in the prime of his career, and as his numbers grow, he will likely continue to challenge records in the six-hitting department.
Impact Of Six-Hitting All-Rounders In Modern Cricket
The role of an all-rounder in modern cricket has become increasingly important, especially as the game has evolved into a faster-paced, more aggressive style of play. All-rounders who can hit sixes have become key assets in the T20 format, where quick scoring is crucial. In ODIs, the ability to hit big sixes in the death overs has turned matches, and in Test cricket, players like Afridi and Stokes have proven that the ability to clear the boundary is not just limited to the shorter formats.
These all-rounders bring a unique dynamic to their teams, as they can contribute in multiple areas of the game. Their ability to take on bowlers with their big hitting while providing valuable contributions with the ball makes them invaluable assets.
As of 2025, Shahid Afridi holds the record for the most sixes hit by an all-rounder in international cricket, with a total of 480 sixes across all formats. His powerful hitting, combined with his effective bowling, makes him one of the most iconic all-rounders in cricket history. While other all-rounders like Jacques Kallis, Ian Botham, and Ben Stokes have also made their mark, Afridi’s record remains unparalleled. The evolution of the all-rounder in modern cricket, especially in T20 cricket, emphasizes the increasing importance of the ability to hit sixes, and Afridi’s record is a fitting tribute to his legacy as one of the most destructive players the game has seen.