Top 10 Longest Six In Cricket History: [ Updated – 2024 ]

August 13, 2024 by Barry Mcguguigan

The longest six in cricket history is a testament to the skill and prowess of these world-class batsmen. It’s no surprise that some of the biggest names in cricket have accomplished this feat, with Shahid Afridi holding the record for the longest six-ever hit of 153 meters.

These cricketers have been able to showcase their talent at an international level and will be remembered for their incredible feats. Despite the long distances, these balls have traveled, it’s safe to say that no cricket fan will ever forget the longest sixes in cricket history.

Rank	Player Name	Distance	Location	Established Year
1	Shahid Afridi	153 mts	Johannesburg, SA	2013
2	Brett Lee	130 mts	Gabba, Australia	2005
3	Martin Guptil	127 mts	Wellington, New Zealand	2012
4	Liam Livingstone	122 mts	Old Trafford, England	2021
5	Corey Anderson	122 mts	Napier, New Zealand	2014
6	Mark Waugh	120 mts	WACA, Australia	1997
7	Yuvraj Singh	119 mts	Kingsmead, Durban	2007
8	MS Dhoni	118 mts	Auckland, New Zealand	2009
9	Shahid Afridi	118 mts	WACA, Australia	2005
10	Chris Gayle	116 mts	Kensington, Oval	2010

They say cricket is ruled by batsmen. After the introduction of limited-over cricket, i.e. ODI & T20, it has become more of a batsman’s game. An exciting cricket match means some exciting innings. An exciting inning means an innings decorated with maximum numbers of boundaries and over-boundaries.

In international cricket, some innings have become eternal and become history. I mean, who can forget the last six of MS Dhoni in World Cup 2011, or the full monty by Yuvraj Singh in the T20 World Cup 2007

And what made these innings remarkable? Yes! Those sixes! Every cricket lover loves to see the ball fly into the gallery. And the batsman sending the ball farthest in the gallery always becomes a sensation of cricket!

But do you know who hit the longest six in cricket history? How long their hits were? Which one is the longest six in the world? Hold your breath! I’m gonna tell you the fairy tale of this kingly game!

Longest Six in Cricket History: Top 10 Biggest Six in Cricket World by Distance

1. Shahid Afridi- 153m Six Vs South Africa, 2013

Pakistan faced South Africa in Johannesburg on 17th March 2013. South Africa set a huge target of 344 for Pakistan. And then, Afridi showed what he’s capable of! He scored 88 facing only 48 balls. SA Captain gave the ball to Ryan McLaren to bowl the 35th over. McLaren gave 12 runs in his first four deliveries, along with 2 extra runs.

It was the time each and everyone present there could feel the temper of the match. Both teams were under pressure, and the match was in a 50-50 mode, right then, Afridi did something that became history. He hit McLaren away right in the gallery on the fifth ball.

Yes! It was a 158-meter-long six! Though Later the distance was recorded as 120 meters in the ICC Records Book (God knows why!) and Afridi’s record got the tag ‘unofficial’, nevertheless he’s considered the record holder of hitting the longest six in cricket.

2. Bret Lee- 143m Six Vs West Indies, 2005

Brett Lee is one of the fastest bowlers in the world who played for Australia and is very well known for his fast bowling abilities. But he has smashed a 130-meter six against the Windies and appeared in the Top 10 Longest Sixes in Cricket History list. This was the second-longest six ever made in cricket history. The ball landed on the practice nets behind the stadium and even Brett Lee was astonished after watching the ball.

3. Martin Guptill– 127m Six Vs South Africa, 2012

Martin Guptill is another finest player on this list who smashed six of 127 meters against South African bowler Lonwabo Tsotsobe. No one will be surprised after hearing this name because Guptil has a charming and muscular body. He smashed that six over mid-wicket boundary where the ball touched the roof before landing on the surface.

4. Liam Livingstone– 122m Six Vs Pakistan, 2021

Liam Livingstone is one of the renowned power hitters of England who has smashed a 122-meter six against Haris Rauf in the Eng vs Pak 2nd T20 played at Headingley. This hit is considered one of the best-ever shots in the history of cricket. It was played straight down the ground and there was a stocking voice from the bat, which left everyone stunned.

5. Corey Anderson- 122m vs India, 2014

Corey Anderson’s career was not as long as other players for New Zealand cricket but he is popular because of hitting long sixes. He smashed six of 122 meters against Mohammad Shami in the first ODI that was played in 2014. With this spectacular shot, Corey Anderson has left a good image in front of everyone and is considered one of the finest hitters in world cricket.

6. Mark Waugh- 120m vs New Zealand, 1999

It is really surprising to add Mark Waugh’s Name to this list but he smashed a powerful six of 120 metres against Daniel Vettori of New Zealand in 1997. That 120-meter six was considered the longest six at that time. For any player who is mainly known for his timing and placement, it was an extraordinary event for everyone to watch this six.

7. Yuvraj Singh- 119m vs Australia, 2007

Yuvraj Singh is one the best left-handers India has ever produced. His six-hitting ability helped India win two world cups, T20(2007) and WC (2011). He smashed a long six to Brett Lee in the 2007 World Cup with a smart flick. This six was smashed in the semi-finals of the World Cup and his form was extraordinary throughout the whole tournament.

8. MS Dhoni- 118m six vs New Zealand, 2009

The list of the longest six is incomplete without MS Dhoni. He was the most successful captain of India in limited-overs Cricket. His calmness always keeps him ahead of other players. Dhoni smashed a 118-meter six against New Zealand in the 3rd ODI 2009 played at Auckland. It was a small stadium but still, the ball landed on the back of the stands.

9. Shahid Afridi- 116m six vs India, 2010

On March 19th, 2010, Shahid Afridi wrote his piece of cricketing history. During a match against India at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka, Bangladesh, he hit an incredible 116m six off the first ball of the match.

This was not only a record-breaking shot from Afridi but also the longest six-ever hit in a cricket match. The crowd erupted with cheers and admiration for Afridi’s feat. After his 116m shot, Afridi went on to score 54 runs off 36 balls, helping Pakistan to set a total of 246 runs.

India fell short in their run chase by 82 runs as Pakistan celebrated a historic win. Afridi’s 116m six still stands as one of the most exciting records in cricket, and his feat will likely go down in history as one of the greatest moments in cricketing history.

9. Chris Gayle– 116m Six Vs India, 2010

The name needs no introduction, he is Universe Boss and smashing sixes is like peanut butter for him. Currently, he is also holding the record for most sixes (553) in the world. In 2010, Chris Gayle smashed a116 meter six against Yusuf Pathan in which the ball goes out of the stadium.

Zard Ali-173 meters Six Vs Australia, 2009

Highest Six In Cricket History 250 meters

Well, practically no one can hit a 250-meter six. I mean, there’s a thing called Physics, right? No wonder there’s no official record of hitting a 250-meter-high six, though you’ll find articles and videos on the internet claiming some batsmen hit this impossible shot and the names vary from one site to another. But all these are unofficial videos and records which have no authentication. In case you’re wondering how long 250 meters is and why it’s impossible to hit, I can give you an idea. The height of the Taj Mahal of Agra is only 73 meters! Now you got the idea, right?

Who Hit The Shortest Six?

Well, there’s a record for hitting the shortest six too! And the record is named under Pakistani wicketkeeper-batsman Rashid Latif, but he didn’t hit an over-boundary! Sounds interesting? Let me tell you the story. It’s simultaneously hilarious, and goofy as well.

In the opening match of the ICC Champion’s Trophy in the year 2002, Pakistan was facing the 26^th over and the score was 91/4. Upal Chandana was bowling for his team Sri Lanka. On the very first ball, Latif played a sweep shot. Unfortunately, the ball hit the helmet of Kumara Sangakkara, former wicketkeeper of Sri Lanka, which was kept behind him. Latif completed a single before the fielder took the ball and returned it to Sangakkara.

Steve Bucknor was the umpire of the match. He gave six runs to the batting side, and called the ball dead! Confused? Well, there’s the rule of ICC that if the batsman strikes the ball, and the ball hits the helmet kept behind by the wicketkeeper, five runs will be awarded to the batting team. Latif took a single. So 5+1 = 6 runs! Rules are funny at times, huh?

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