The sound of a cricket ball rocketing off the bat and soaring high is one of the sport’s most exhilarating sights. Across decades, a select group of batters have stunned crowds by clearing boundaries well beyond the norm—moments that combine technique, strength, and sheer audacity. Here’s a countdown of the top 10 longest sixes in cricket history, celebrating these gravity-defying hits and the legends behind them.
1. Shahid Afridi – 153 meters vs. South Africa, 2013
No one quite embodies the phrase “power hitter” like Shahid Afridi. Playing against South Africa at Johannesburg in 2013, Afridi smashed a 153-meter six off Ryan McLaren that is widely considered the longest in international cricket. The ball not only cleared the Wanderers’ boundaries but reportedly landed on the stadium’s roof and rolled out of sight. The dramatic hit exemplified Afridi’s explosive style and remains etched in the sport’s folklore.
2. Brett Lee – 130 meters vs. England, 2005
Australian pacer Brett Lee shocked everyone at the Gabba in 2005, not with his bowling but with an astonishing bat swing that sent the ball hurtling 130 meters over the boundary. Facing England, Lee connected with a perfect shot that had even the commentators at a loss for words. It stands as a rare instance when a fast bowler’s six outshone his deliveries.
3. Martin Guptill – 127 meters vs. South Africa, 2012
Martin Guptill, known for his effortless stroke play, hit an awe-inspiring 127-meter six at Wellington in 2012. The New Zealand opener sent the ball sailing completely out of the stadium, stunning onlookers and further establishing his credentials as one of cricket’s cleanest hitters. The timing and elevation made it a textbook example of long-distance power-hitting.
4. Corey Anderson – 122 meters vs. India, 2014
Kiwi all-rounder Corey Anderson unleashed a mammoth 122-meter six against India in 2014. Known for his brute power and modern batting approach, Anderson’s six had fans and pundits marveling at the sheer trajectory and speed of the ball as it cleared the stands comfortably.
5. Liam Livingstone – 122 meters vs. Pakistan, 2021
A recent addition to the list, England’s Liam Livingstone powered a colossal 122-meter six off Haris Rauf during a T20I in 2021. The ball disappeared from view, further solidifying Livingstone’s place among contemporary power hitters. His fearless attitude and muscular shots make him a constant threat in white-ball cricket.
6. Mark Waugh – 120 meters vs. New Zealand, 1997
Mark Waugh, the stylish Australian batsman, surprised everyone in 1997 by dispatching Daniel Vettori over the ropes for a 120-meter six. Waugh’s venerable technique, combined with an opportunistic shot, demonstrated that even classic players can deliver explosive moments when the time is right.
7. Yuvraj Singh – 119 meters vs. Australia, 2007
Yuvraj Singh’s legacy as a six-hitting machine is well established, but the 119-meter hit off Brett Lee during the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup in 2007 stands apart. This tournament also saw his record six sixes in an over. The shot against Lee was a blend of timing and power, truly emblematic of Yuvraj’s natural flair.
8. MS Dhoni – 118 meters vs. New Zealand, 2009
Known for his iconic helicopter shot, India’s MS Dhoni launched a monstrous 118-meter six against New Zealand in 2009. Dhoni’s combinations of strength, bat speed, and bottom-hand technique consistently produced huge sixes, but this particular hit is widely remembered by fans and analysts alike for its sheer distance and match context.
9. Shahid Afridi – 118 meters vs. Australia, 2005
Afridi features again on this coveted list, courtesy of another gigantic 118-meter six versus Australia in 2005. It was yet another testament to his reputation as one of the sport’s most feared boundary clearers. Moments like these helped cement Afridi’s “Boom Boom” persona as an entertainer and fierce competitor.
10. Chris Gayle – 116 meters vs. India, 2010
Chris Gayle, widely recognised as the “Universe Boss,” completes the top 10 with a 116-meter six hit against India during the 2010 ICC T20 World Cup. Gayle’s imposing frame and aggressive batting style have yielded many massive sixes over his career, and this particular hit represented the essence of fearless T20 batting.
The Science of the Megahit
What makes these sixes so memorable isn’t just the raw distance but the context and skill behind the shots. Contemporary players benefit from modern bats, innovative techniques, and sometimes shorter boundaries, but true power-hitting requires a unique blend of timing and muscle. Each six on this list has a story—be it match pressure, surprise, or the joy of cricketing freedom.
Closing Thoughts
The spectacle of a mammoth six is timeless, uniting fans and cricketers in shared awe. As new generations of players enter the game, records may tumble, but the legends of Afridi, Lee, Guptill, and others will continue to inspire boundary-breaking moments for years to come.
