Who hit the Longest Six in Cricket History?

Cricket is a thrilling sport that has captivated millions of fans worldwide. While bowlers mesmerize audiences with their swing, seam, and spin, it’s the batsmen’s mighty sixes that often steal the spotlight. Power-hitting has become a key aspect of modern cricket, with players launching balls deep into the stands. The excitement of watching a ball soar out of the stadium leaves fans in awe and adds immense energy to the game.

The longest six in cricket history is not just about strength but also timing, technique, and the right conditions. Over the years, cricket fans have witnessed some jaw-dropping sixes that redefined power-hitting in the sport. Players like Shahid Afridi, Yuvraj Singh, and Brett Lee have stunned the world with their enormous sixes that cleared stadium rooftops and car parks.

From the exciting Indian T20 League to international cricket, several players have etched their names in the record books with incredible sixes. The longest six in IPL history and world longest six in cricket history are moments that fans cherish and replay time and again. Whether it’s Rohit Sharma’s longest six, Virat Kohli’s longest six, or iconic hits from legends like Chris Gayle and Liam Livingstone, these powerful strikes are unforgettable.

In this article, we will explore the biggest sixes in cricket, the cricketers who hold the records, and the memorable moments that defined cricket's power-hitting legacy.

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The Longest Six in Cricket History - Top 7 Record-Breaking Hits

Several memorable sixes have made headlines in international cricket. Here are the top contenders for the world longest six in cricket history:

World Longest Six in Cricket History - Detailed Analysis

1. Shahid Afridi - 153 meters

One of the longest sixes in the world came off the bat of Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi, a player who earned nicknames like “Boom Boom” for his explosive batting. In 2013, during a game against South Africa in Johannesburg, Afridi clobbered a 153-meter six. The bowler at the receiving end was Ryan McLaren. When this towering hit soared into the crowd, fans were left astounded at how easily Afridi dispatched the ball. Many experts still call it among the world longest six in cricket history.

2. Brett Lee - 143 meters

You might wonder how Brett Lee, traditionally known as a fast bowler, appears in discussions of the longest six in cricket history. But Lee was not just an express pacer—he could wield the willow effectively as well. Facing West Indian medium-pacer Rovman Powell, Lee unleashed a brutal shot measuring around 143 meters. This remarkable strike proved that big-hitting potential does not rest solely with specialist batsmen.

3. Jacob Oram - 130 meters

New Zealand’s Jacob Oram also entered the conversation around the longest six in the world when he faced Australia in 2006. Oram was known as a genuine all-rounder who could bowl and also send the ball out of the park. During this ODI match, Oram hit a remarkable six that landed him among the elites of longest six-hitters in international cricket.

4. Martin Guptill - 127 meters

Known for his hard-hitting ability, Martin Guptill smashed a massive 127-meter six off Lonwabo Tsotsobe during a match against South Africa in 2012.

5. Liam Livingstone - 122 meters

Liam Livingstone's massive 122-meter six off Haris Rauf in 2021 during a T20I match at Headingley showcased his incredible strength. Livingstone is one of the most powerful hitters in cricket today.

6. Corey Anderson - 122 meters

Corey Anderson hit a powerful 122-meter six against India's Mohammed Shami in 2014 during an ODI match in Napier. Known for his aggressive batting, Anderson consistently delivered powerful shots.

7. Yuvraj Singh - 119 meters

India’s Yuvraj Singh is remembered for many towering sixes, including the iconic six sixes in an over against England’s Stuart Broad in the 2007 T20 World Cup. However, in the semifinal against Australia in the same tournament, Yuvraj smashed a 119-meter six off Brett Lee. This powerful shot was crucial to India’s success in that match and remains one of Yuvraj’s longest hits. Fans still talk about Yuvraj Singh’s 119-meter six as one of the highlights from that historic T20 World Cup run.

Longest Six in IPL History - Top 10 List

In the thrilling world of IPL cricket, several players have smashed incredible sixes. Here's the longest six in IPL history list of top 10:

As you can see, these distances are truly massive. Let us delve deeper into each instance of the longest six in IPL to understand the context of the shot.

• Albie Morkel’s 125-Meter Six (2008): Albie Morkel etched his name in the IPL record books by launching Pragyan Ojha for a 125-meter six in the inaugural season. This massive hit took place at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad. Morkel’s explosive batting was vital for the Chennai Super Kings that season, and his 125-meter shot is still the longest six in IPL history so far.
• Praveen Kumar’s 124-Meter Six (2013): Praveen Kumar was primarily known for his swing bowling, but on one particular day in 2013, he showed that he could wield the bat effectively. Playing for Kings XI Punjab, he hit a 124-meter six against Mumbai Indians, securing his place among the top contenders for the longest six in IPL.
• Adam Gilchrist’s 122-Meter Six (2011): Legendary Australian wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist added IPL flair to his impressive resume by smashing a 122-meter six while playing for Kings XI Punjab. Gilchrist’s victim was South African pacer Charl Langeveldt, in a match against RCB. Fans still remember this iconic hit as one of the best in the tournament’s history.
• Robin Uthappa’s 120-Meter Six (2008): Robin Uthappa demonstrated his power in the very first season of the IPL by hitting a 120-meter six off Dwayne Bravo. Representing Royal Challengers Bangalore, Uthappa showcased how Indian batsmen also have the power to compete with big international hitters, securing the fourth spot in longest six in IPL history.
• Chris Gayle’s 119-Meter Six (2013): Chris Gayle, known as the “Universe Boss,” is synonymous with monster hits. In 2013, while playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore against Pune Warriors, he recorded a 119-meter six during an innings where he scored an unbelievable 175*—one of the best T20 knocks ever. This 119-meter six is etched in the memory of every RCB fan, and Gayle remains a legend of T20 cricket.
• Yuvraj Singh’s 119-Meter Six (2009): Yuvraj Singh’s six-hitting prowess is well documented. During the 2009 IPL season, he hit a 119-meter six off Makhaya Ntini while playing for Kings XI Punjab. This shot sits comfortably among the greatest in the tournament’s history and reminds fans that Yuvraj can match the biggest hitters when it comes to clearing boundaries.
• Ross Taylor’s 119-Meter Six (2008): Another big hit from the inaugural IPL season came off Ross Taylor’s bat. Facing the experienced Chaminda Vaas, Taylor smashed a 119-meter six. Though the Royal Challengers Bangalore had a shaky first season, this shot was one of the bright spots, showcasing the Kiwi’s powerful hitting.
• Ben Cutting’s 117-Meter Six (2016): Ben Cutting’s 117-meter six in the 2016 season of the IPL happened in the final at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad, Cutting’s monstrous shot off Shane Watson helped propel his team’s total and eventually secure the IPL title. This moment is still fresh in the minds of SRH supporters.
• Gautam Gambhir’s 117-Meter Six (2013): Known for his gritty approach, Gautam Gambhir could also hit big when required. In 2013, playing for the Kolkata Knight Riders against the Rajasthan Royals, Gambhir hammered a 117-meter six. This shot proved that Gambhir was not just a consistent scorer but also capable of joining the party of longest six in IPL history.
• Liam Livingstone’s 117-Meter Six (2022): Liam Livingstone, renowned for his feats in international cricket, once again left fans in awe when he hit a 117-meter six in the 2022 IPL season while representing Punjab Kings. Livingstone is a modern power-hitter whose career is on an upward trajectory. Many believe he could soon break more records.

Rohit Sharma Longest Six & Virat Kohli Longest Six

Though Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are known for their elegant stroke play, both have delivered some massive sixes in their careers:

• Rohit Sharma's Longest Six: Rohit Sharma's longest six is approximately 110 meters, achieved during a match against Australia in Bengaluru.
• Virat Kohli's Longest Six: Virat Kohli has hit a 105-meter six during an IPL match against Rising Pune Supergiants in 2016.

Conclusion

The world of cricket has witnessed some mind-blowing sixes over the years. From Shahid Afridi's record-breaking 153-meter six to Yuvraj Singh's iconic 119-meter hit, these massive shots have left cricket fans in awe. The longest six in cricket history, longest six in IPL, and other unforgettable moments continue to inspire aspiring cricketers and fans worldwide. Whether it's Rohit Sharma's longest six, Virat Kohli's longest six, or powerful strikes from IPL legends, cricket lovers can always expect breathtaking sixes to keep the excitement alive.

So, next time you watch a cricket match, keep an eye out for the next big hit that might just break the record for the world's longest six in cricket history!