Cricket is not just a game — it’s a sport that’s full of excitement, drama and an unforgettable experience. A single of the most exciting moment in any game is when a batsman hits an huge six that sends balls into the crowd. Such powerful strikes usually turn out to be legendary, leaving fans stunned and excited. Through the years, certain stars have stood out due to their ability to cross the line like none other. In this piece we take a look at the longest six in cricket history, and then identify the top 10 best and strongest strikes we have observed in the field.
These moments are not only milestones in cricket but also demonstrate the sheer strength and skill of the players who made them possible.
Top 10 Longest Six in Cricket History
A Look at the Longest Six in Cricket History
| Sr. No | Player Name | Team | Opponent | Distance (in meters) | Year |
| 1 | Shahid Afridi | Pakistan | South Africa | 153 m | 2013 |
| 2 | Brett Lee | Australia | West Indies | 143 m | 2005 |
| 3 | Martin Guptill | New Zealand | South Africa | 127 m | 2012 |
| 4 | Liam Livingstone | England | Pakistan | 122 m | 2021 |
| 5 | Corey Anderson | New Zealand | India | 122 m | 2014 |
| 6 | Mark Waugh | Australia | New Zealand | 120m | 1997 |
| 7 | Yuvraj Singh | India | Australia | 119 m | 2007 |
| 8 | MS Dhoni | India | New Zealand | 118 m | 2009 |
| 9 | Chris Gayle | West Indies | India | 116 m | 2010 |
| 10 | Ijaz Ahmed | Pakistan | India | 115 m | 1999 |
1. Shahid Afridi: 153 Meters (2013)
Shahid Afridi, a true six-hitting machine, etched his name in history with a colossal 153-meter six against South Africa in 2013. Playing at Wanderers, Afridi smashed Ryan McLaren for a free-hit six that soared out of the stadium. The moment was even more dramatic as McLaren had dismissed Afridi just a ball earlier, celebrating aggressively, only for it to be called a no-ball. Afridi capitalized on the opportunity with his signature power, delivering one of the longest sixes in cricket history and solidifying his legacy as a legend of the game.
2. Brett Lee: 130 Meters (2005)
Known for his fast bowling, Brett Lee stunned everyone when he hit a massive six measuring 130 meters during a Test match against the West Indies. The shot was unexpected and showcased Lee’s hidden ability with the bat. This moment proved that bowlers could step up and make a mark in the record books.
3. Martin Guptill: 127 Meters (2012)
In 2012, in an ODI match, New Zealand’s Martin Guptill struck a jaw-dropping six against South Africa. The ball flew 127 meters and landed outside the ground. Guptill, renowned for his power and consistency, made this hit one of the top 10 longest sixes in cricket history.
4. Liam Livingstone: 122 Meters (2021)
Liam Livingstone smashed a monstrous 122-meter six against Haris Rauf during the 2nd T20I between England and Pakistan at Headingley in 2021. Known for his explosive power, this shot ranks among the top 10 longest six in cricket history, cementing Livingstone’s reputation as one of cricket’s most formidable hitters.
5. Corey Anderson: 122 Meters (2014)
During a match against India, Corey Anderson hit a colossal 122-meter six that stunned fans. The all-rounder from New Zealand is known for his ability to clear boundaries easily, and this shot remains one of his most memorable contributions to the game.
6. Mark Waugh: 120 Meters (1997)
Australian legend Mark Waugh hit a stunning six that travelled 120 meters during a 1997 Test match against New Zealand. Known for his elegance and timing, Waugh’s ability to hit such a massive six with seemingly minimal effort was remarkable. It remains one of the longest sixes in cricket history.
7. Yuvraj Singh: 119 Meters (2007)
Yuvraj Singh’s six-hitting spree in the 2007 T20 World Cup is unforgettable. In the semi-final against Australia, he scored 70 off 30 balls. He smashed England’s Stuart Broad for six sixes in an over. Among them, one-six measured 119 meters, showcasing his incredible timing and power. This moment made history and cemented Yuvraj’s place as one of India’s greatest match-winners.
8. MS Dhoni: 112 Meters (2009)
The name MS Dhoni is synonymous with finishing games and mighty sixes. In 2009, during an ODI against New Zealand, Dhoni hit a mammoth 112-meter six. His calm demeanour and ability to strike precisely have made him a favourite among cricket fans. This six is still talked about as one of the longest six in the world by a wicketkeeper-batsman.
9. Chris Gayle: 116 Meters (2013)
Chris Gayle, celebrated as the “Universe Boss,” is one of the most prolific six-hitters cricket has ever seen. His longest six came during the 2010 T20 World Cup in a match against India at the Kensington Oval. Facing Yusuf Pathan, Gayle unleashed a monstrous shot that travelled 116 meters, leaving fans in awe. Renowned for his unmatched power in white-ball cricket, this massive hit solidified Gayle’s legacy as one of the most destructive batters in the sport.
10. Ijaz Ahmed: 115 Meters (1999)
Ijaz Ahmed, a former Pakistani batter representing his country in 60 Tests and 250 ODIs, was known for his conventional batting style. Despite this, he had a knack for taking on spinners and hitting them out of the park. During the Pepsi Cup 1999, in a match against India, Ijaz played a crucial role in securing a victory for Pakistan. In that game, he struck an enormous 115-meter six off Virender Sehwag, a shot that still stands out as one of the longest sixes in cricket history.
What Makes These Sixes Special?
The longest six in cricket history isn’t just about raw strength; it’s also about technique, timing, and precision. Players like Afridi, Dhoni, and Gayle combine these elements with their unique styles, creating moments that fans remember for decades.
Advancements in cricket equipment, such as lighter and more powerful bats, have also contributed to these incredible hits. Stadiums now feature more advanced analytics to measure the exact distance of a six, adding to the excitement of the game.
Longest Six in Cricket History 173 Meters
There has been much debate about the longest six in cricket history 173 meters, with Shahid Afridi’s iconic hit during a 2005 ODI against South Africa often taking the spotlight. Afridi’s mammoth six at Johannesburg was officially measured at 158 meters. Still, many fans and experts believe the distance could have been even greater, sparking discussions about the possibility of it reaching 173 meters. While this claim remains unverified, it is a testament to Afridi’s raw power and legendary status among cricket enthusiasts.
Conclusion
These towering hits remind us why cricket is such a thrilling sport. From Shahid Afridi’s legendary strike to the modern-day heroics of Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers, the longest six in cricket history highlights the skill and strength of the world’s best players.
With advancements in technology, the potential for players to hit even greater distances continues to grow. For now, these remarkable shots remain iconic moments in cricket history, motivating fans and players worldwide. For more exciting cricket updates and in-depth insights, visit our website, Spin and Swing, today!
Who hit the longest six in IPL history?
Albie Morkel holds the record with a 124-meter six in IPL 2008.
What is the longest six in T20 cricket?
Shahid Afridi’s 153-meter six against South Africa in 2013 is the longest recorded in T20 cricket history.
Which stadium has witnessed the most sixes in the IPL?
Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai holds the record for the highest number of sixes hit in IPL history.
Who hit the longest six in the T20 World Cup?
Yuvraj Singh’s 119-meter six in the 2007 T20 World Cup is among the tournament’s longest.
Which player has hit the most sixes in T20 cricket?
Chris Gayle holds the record for the most sixes in T20 cricket across all formats.
Shahid Afridi’s 153-meter rocket proves that cricket isn’t just a game—it’s a showcase of superhuman power! 🚀🏏 #LongestSix