We have seen some huge sixes in cricket that flew over big stadiums. When this happens, umpires often need to get a new ball, and fans love it! In cricket, everyone enjoys watching batsmen hit the ball out of the park. But hitting a big six is not just about power. Sometimes, it’s about timing too. For example, Yuvraj Singh hit a big six against Australia in the 2007 T20 World Cup. He faced Brett Lee’s ball and with a simple flick of his wrist, sent the ball flying to the leg side. This six was 119 meters long. So, hitting a big six is not always about using a lot of strength. Sometimes, good timing is what makes the ball go far. In this article, let’s check the top 5 longest six in International Cricket History.

Shahid Afridi – 153 Meters (2013)

Shahid Afridi of Pakistan holds the record for the longest six in cricket history. In a cricket match between Pakistan and South Africa, Shahid Afridi hit an incredible 153-meter six, which is the longest six by distance in cricket history. This happened during Pakistan’s tour of South Africa in 2013. At that moment, Pakistan’s score was 229 runs for the loss of 6 wickets, and they were playing in the 40th over. They needed 115 more runs to win, with 95 balls left in the game.

Afridi faced a ball from Ryan McLaren, a South African bowler. This ball was a free hit, meaning Afridi could not be dismissed except by being run out. He took full advantage of this opportunity. Afridi hit the ball so hard that it flew over the boundary for a six (153 meters). The ball didn’t just cross the boundary; it went so far that it hit the roof of a stand at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg and then rolled over it. This six by Afridi was one of the longest ever seen in the stadium, and it was a remarkable moment in the match.

(Later it was Found out that Shahid Afridi six was 153 meters)

Brett Lee 130-135 Meters Six (2005)

Brett Lee, primarily known for his fast bowling, showcased his batting skills in a Test match against the West Indies at the Gabba in 2005. Facing bowler Daren Powell, Lee hit a colossal six that travelled an estimated 130-135 meters. The ball flew over the stadium’s roof and landed in the practice nets outside, leaving spectators and commentators in awe. This six was a testament to Lee’s unexpected batting ability and remains one of the most talked-about moments in cricket, highlighting that even bowlers can make a significant impact with the bat. Before Brett Lee’s massive six, Australia were 411/8 against the West Indies in the first innings.

(Brett Lee Six later counted as 130-135 meters)

Martin Guptill 127-Meter Six (2012)

Martin Guptill of New Zealand made headlines in 2012 during a match against South Africa. Facing Lonwabo Tsotsobe, Guptill hit a monumental six that covered 127 meters (the longest six in the T20 international cricket). This six was not just about the distance; it was about the timing and the elegance with which Guptill dispatched the ball over the midwicket boundary. The ball hit the roof of the Westpac Stadium in Wellington and rolled back onto the ground, leaving the crowd in disbelief. Guptill’s six was a perfect blend of power and precision, showcasing his ability to dominate bowlers with his exceptional batting skills. Before Guptill’s huge six, Tsotsobe was bowling the sixth over of the innings in a twenty-20 against New Zealand. In his fifth ball of the sixth over. Guptill smashed Tsotsobe and moved the score of new Zealand from 38 to 44.

Liam Livingstone 122-Meter Six (2021)

Liam Living has a reputation for hitting massive and enormous sixes. In a T20 international against Pakistan in 2021, England’s Liam Livingstone made his mark with a massive 122-meter six. Facing Haris Rauf, Livingstone demonstrated his power-hitting capability by sending the first ball of the 16th over soaring over the stadium’s roof. The ball eventually landed on a nearby golf pitch. Livingstone’s six was not just a display of raw power; it was a statement of his confidence and ability to take on the bowlers from the get-go. His six contributed significantly to England’s total and showcased his potential as a formidable batsman in the shortest format of the game.

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Corey Anderson 122-Meter Six (2014)

Corey Anderson, who was always on form against India, hit an unforgettable six against India in 2014. During an ODI match at Napier, Anderson faced Mohammed Shami in the 44th over. With a powerful swing, he sent the ball flying over the square leg boundary for a staggering 122 meters. This six was a highlight of Anderson’s aggressive batting style, combining his strength and timing to perfection. It not only contributed to New Zealand’s total but also left an indelible mark on the spectators and cricket enthusiasts, showcasing Anderson’s ability to change the course of a game with his batting. Before that massive six, Anderson was batting at 27 (18 balls). New Zealand were 222-5 at that time.

Top 5 Biggest Six in International Cricket

Hitting a long six in cricket is a remarkable feat that combines power, timing, and technique. The players who have achieved this have shown extraordinary skill and strength, making these moments memorable in cricket history. The longest sixes are not just about the distance they cover but also about the excitement and awe they generate among fans and players alike. 

FAQs on the Longest Six by Distance in Cricket

Who holds the record for the longest six in cricket history?

Shahid Afridi of Pakistan holds the record for the longest six in cricket history, with a massive hit of 153 meters during a match against South Africa in Johannesburg in 2013.

Can bowlers also hit long sixes in cricket?

Yes, bowlers can also hit long sixes. For example, Brett Lee, known primarily for his fast bowling, hit a 143-meter six in a match against the West Indies in 2005.

What role does timing play in hitting a long six?

Along with power, timing is crucial in hitting a long six. A well-timed shot can leverage the ball’s momentum and send it flying over great distances, as seen in many of the record-breaking sixes. An example of how timing plays a crucial factor in clearing boundaries is Yuvraj Singh Six against the mighty Australian in a T20 World Cup semi-final. Yuvraj just flicked his wrist off Brett Lee’s ball and it the ball went to disappear as it recorded 119 meters six, which was the longest six in T20 cricket at that time. Later the record was broken by Martin Guptill, who hit a six of 127 meters against South Africa in 2012

What is the longest six of Virat Kohli?

Virat Kohli’s longest six was 103 meters long. He hit this six in a match where he played a flick shot against Nitish Kumar Reddy. 

What is the long six by MS Dhoni?

MS Dhoni’s long six was 118 meters against New Zealand in 2009 at Auckland.

Who hits the longest six in the World Cup 2023?

The longest six in the Cricket World Cup 2023 was hit by Daryl Mitchell of New Zealand. He hit a 107-meter six against India in the World Cup semifinal at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Gamesys11 Team

At Gamesys11, our team includes dedicated blog writers, who bring a wealth of cricket knowledge and experience to our content. From early cricket careers at divisional and district levels to deep dives into statistics and player insights, our writers are passionate about the sport. They specialize in crafting engaging blogs that explore team lineups, player statistics, and strategic predictions for upcoming contests, enhancing the experience for every cricket fan.