by In cricket, there are many ways to score runs, but nothing quite matches the pure exhilaration of a massive six.
That breathtaking moment when bat connects with ball so perfectly that the result is a soaring projectile that disappears into the distance—it’s one of the sport’s most spectacular sights.
While cricket celebrates consistency and technique through achievements like virat kohli total centuries in all format, the sheer spectacle of an enormous six creates an instant connection with fans that transcends cricket knowledge or team loyalty.
A truly colossal six represents the perfect alignment of strength, technique, timing, and opportunity. It’s a rare moment when human capability seems to push past normal limits, creating a memory that lives on in cricket folklore.
These extraordinary shots become reference points in cricket history—moments when players briefly seemed to defy the constraints of physics and write themselves into the sport’s legend.
Longest Six in Cricket History
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the twelve longest sixes ever officially recorded in cricket history.
We’ll delve into the stories behind these remarkable shots, examine what made them possible, and celebrate the players who produced these unforgettable moments of cricketing magic.
The Science and Technology of Six Measurement
Before we count down cricket’s longest sixes, it’s important to understand the challenges and methods involved in measuring these enormous hits:
Measurement Challenges
- Moving target: Tracking a small ball traveling at high speed
- Variable flight paths: Accounting for curves, dips, and wind effects
- Landing zones: Often in crowded stands or outside stadiums entirely
- Historical comparison: Reconciling modern technology with older measurements
Measurement Technologies
- Early era (pre-2000):
- Manual estimation by officials
- Distance from pitch to landing spot
- Eyewitness accounts
- Post-match calculations
- Modern era (2000-present):
- Hawk-Eye ball tracking: Multiple synchronized cameras
- Motion analysis software: Calculating exact trajectories
- Radar systems: Measuring ball speed and distance
- Stadium mapping: Precise distance markers throughout venues
These technological advances have made modern measurements significantly more reliable, though all the sixes on our list have been verified through the best available methods at the time they occurred.
The Ultimate Twelve: Cricket’s Longest Recorded Sixes
Here’s the definitive list of cricket’s longest sixes, with detailed information about each extraordinary hit:
| Rank | Player | Team | Opponent | Distance (meters) | Year | Match Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shahid Afridi | Pakistan | South Africa | 153m | 2013 | ODI |
| 2 | Brett Lee | Australia | England | 130m | 2005 | Test |
| 3 | Martin Guptill | New Zealand | South Africa | 127m | 2012 | T20I |
| 4 | Liam Livingstone | England | Pakistan | 122m | 2021 | T20I |
| 5 | Corey Anderson | New Zealand | India | 122m | 2014 | ODI |
| 6 | Mark Waugh | Australia | New Zealand | 120m | 1999 | ODI |
| 7 | Yuvraj Singh | India | Australia | 119m | 2007 | T20I |
| 8 | MS Dhoni | India | New Zealand | 118m | 2009 | ODI |
| 9 | Shahid Afridi | Pakistan | Australia | 118m | 2005 | ODI |
| 10 | Chris Gayle | West Indies | India | 116m | 2010 | T20I |
| 11 | Ijaz Ahmed | Pakistan | India | 108m | 1999 | Test |
| 12 | Adam Gilchrist | Australia | India | 104m | 2004 | ODI |
Now, let’s explore each of these remarkable cricket moments in greater detail.
Shahid Afridi’s Record-Breaking 153-Meter Marvel (2013)
Shahid Afridi, cricket’s ultimate power hitter, holds the undisputed record for the longest six ever measured with his astonishing 153-meter hit against South Africa.
On March 17, 2013, during an ODI at Johannesburg’s Wanderers Stadium, Afridi faced South African fast bowler Ryan McLaren. What followed became the benchmark against which all cricket sixes are measured. Afridi delivered a perfect combination of timing and raw power, sending the ball on a trajectory that seemed almost impossible—soaring over the stands and landing an extraordinary 153 meters from the point of impact.
The Perfect Conditions
This record-breaking six benefited from several factors:
- Johannesburg’s thin air: The Wanderers sits 1,753 meters above sea level
- Ideal contact point: The ball hit the absolute sweet spot of the bat
- Perfect technique: Despite his reputation for wild hitting, this shot featured textbook execution
- Favorable wind conditions: A slight tailwind added crucial extra meters
What made this six particularly remarkable was the apparent ease with which Afridi executed it. While many batsmen strain visibly when attempting maximum distance, Afridi’s natural power made this extraordinary feat look almost routine. Even the South African players couldn’t help but acknowledge the remarkable shot they’d just witnessed.
Brett Lee’s Surprising 130-Meter Statement (2005)
The second-longest six in cricket history comes from an unexpected source—Australia’s express fast bowler Brett Lee, who proved that bowlers can hit boundaries too.
During the 2005 Ashes series at Brisbane’s Gabba, Lee faced England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff. When Flintoff delivered a ball in Lee’s hitting zone, the Australian fast bowler unleashed a perfectly timed drive that sailed a massive 130 meters over long-on.
Breaking Stereotypes
What makes Lee’s six particularly impressive:
- It came from someone whose primary role was bowling, not batting
- The shot featured technically perfect execution
- It occurred during cricket’s most intense rivalry—an Ashes Test
- It demonstrated the perfect balance between timing and power
This extraordinary hit showcased Lee’s complete cricketing ability and proved that with proper technique, even specialist bowlers can produce remarkable power hitting. It remains a perfect example of how technical excellence can sometimes outweigh batting reputation when it comes to hitting massive sixes.
Martin Guptill’s Textbook 127-Meter Blast (2012)
New Zealand opener Martin Guptill combined technical excellence with surprising power to launch a 127-meter six against South Africa in 2012.
During a T20 International at Eden Park in Auckland, Guptill faced fast bowler Lonwabo Tsotsobe. When the South African delivered a ball slightly short of length, Guptill unleashed a pull shot of such perfect technical execution that the ball traveled an extraordinary 127 meters over midwicket.
Technical Perfection
Guptill’s six showcased several key technical elements:
- Immaculate weight transfer from back foot to the front
- Head remaining perfectly still at the moment of impact
- Complete extension of the arms through and after contact
- Early recognition of length, allowing perfect positioning
Unlike some six-hitting specialists who rely primarily on raw strength, Guptill’s enormous hit demonstrated how proper batting technique can generate distances that rival or even exceed those achieved through brute force. His shot remains a masterclass in combining orthodox batting with maximum power.
Liam Livingstone’s Stadium-Clearing 122-Meter Hit (2021)
England’s Liam Livingstone represents the modern T20 specialist—a player built specifically for power hitting. His entry on this list came in 2021 with a spectacular 122-meter six against Pakistan.
During a T20 International at Headingley in Leeds, Livingstone faced Pakistan’s express pace bowler Haris Rauf. The English batsman connected so perfectly that the ball not only cleared the boundary but the entire stadium, landing on a rugby field outside the cricket ground.
The Modern Power Game
What made Livingstone’s six extraordinary:
- The ball completely exited the stadium—a rare achievement
- The incredible height as well as distance
- The nonchalant execution by a specialist power hitter
- The instant viral impact on social media and broadcast highlights
This six exemplified the evolution of modern cricket, where specialized training, innovative techniques, and a fearless approach have pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in power hitting. Livingstone’s shot announced him as one of cricket’s premier distance hitters of the new generation.
Corey Anderson’s Effortless 122-Meter Drive (2014)
New Zealand all-rounder Corey Anderson demonstrated his exceptional power-hitting ability with a tremendous 122-meter six against India in 2014.
During an ODI in Napier, Anderson faced Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami. When Shami delivered a length ball, Anderson unleashed a straight drive of such timing and power that the ball sailed over the sightscreen, traveling 122 meters from the point of impact.
Power With Grace
Anderson’s six-hitting technique featured:
- A remarkably stable base at the moment of impact
- Perfect hand positioning through the hitting zone
- Complete follow-through after contact
- The rare ability to combine power with straight-bat orthodoxy
This spectacular six showcased Anderson’s natural power-hitting talent—a gift that made him one of cricket’s most exciting prospects before injuries hampered his career development. The shot demonstrated the perfect balance between technical correctness and explosive power.
Mark Waugh’s Elegant 120-Meter Surprise (1999)
Mark Waugh was renowned for his elegant stroke play rather than power hitting, which makes his 120-meter six against New Zealand in 1999 all the more remarkable.
During an ODI at the WACA in Perth, Waugh faced spinner Daniel Vettori. Rather than muscling the ball, Waugh used his exceptional timing and footwork to advance down the pitch and loft the ball over long-on. The perfectly executed shot traveled a massive 120 meters, proving that timing and technique can sometimes be just as effective as raw power.
Artistry Meets Distance
What made Waugh’s six special:
- The beautiful footwork to reach the pitch of the ball
- The technically perfect lofted drive execution
- The contrast between elegant technique and enormous distance
- The challenging spin bowling that he overcame
This six remains one of the most aesthetically pleasing among the longest hits, showing that cricket’s artists can sometimes hit just as far as its power players when technique and timing are perfect. Waugh’s shot proved that massive sixes don’t always require a muscular build or aggressive approach.
Yuvraj Singh’s World Cup 119-Meter Statement (2007)
Few cricketers are more associated with spectacular hitting than Yuvraj Singh, and his 119-meter maximum against Australia in 2007 showcased his extraordinary talent.
During the inaugural T20 World Cup in South Africa, Yuvraj faced fast bowler Brett Lee. Just days before his famous six sixes in an over against England, Yuvraj demonstrated his power by launching Lee for a massive 119-meter six over midwicket.
The Perfect Technique
Yuvraj’s six-hitting method featured:
- A perfectly timed backlift that generated tremendous energy
- Exceptional balance throughout the shot
- Lightning-quick hands through the hitting zone
- The ability to pick up length extraordinarily early
This six exemplified why Yuvraj was considered one of the cleanest strikers of a cricket ball, with a special ability to clear the boundary against even the fastest bowlers in the world with seemingly effortless power. It came during a tournament that would cement his legacy as one of cricket’s greatest six hitters.
MS Dhoni’s Helicopter Takes Flight for 118 Meters (2009)
Former Indian captain MS Dhoni revolutionized finishing in limited-overs cricket, and his 118-meter six against New Zealand in 2009 perfectly showcased his unique power.
During an ODI in Christchurch, Dhoni faced fast bowler Tim Southee, who delivered a yorker-length delivery. Most batsmen would struggle simply to keep such a ball out, but Dhoni unleashed his famous helicopter shot, using incredible wrist strength and bottom-hand power to whip the ball over square leg for a massive 118 meters.
Innovation Creates Distance
What made Dhoni’s six extraordinary:
- The difficult yorker length that should have been almost impossible to hit for six
- The unorthodox technique that defied conventional coaching
- The tremendous wrist strength and bottom-hand dominance
- The ability to generate power from a seemingly defensive position
This six perfectly demonstrated why Dhoni was such a feared finisher—his innovative technique allowed him to hit even good-length deliveries for massive distances, making him nearly impossible to bowl to in the closing overs of a match.
Shahid Afridi’s Second Entry: 118-Meter Perth Blast (2005)
Shahid Afridi makes his second appearance on our list with his 118-meter six against Australia in 2005, proving his record-breaking hit was no one-off occurrence.
During an ODI in Perth, Afridi faced part-time bowler Andrew Symonds. When Symonds dropped slightly short, Afridi rocked back and unleashed a massive pull shot that traveled 118 meters over midwicket.
The Consistency Factor
Afridi’s consistent six-hitting prowess stemmed from:
- An exceptionally strong base and stable lower body position
- Tremendous bat speed through the hitting zone
- Complete confidence in his ability to clear any boundary
- Natural timing that complemented his raw power
As the only player to appear twice on this list, Afridi cemented his status as cricket’s most consistent distance hitter, capable of clearing not just boundaries but entire stadiums with remarkable regularity. His ability to hit enormous sixes regardless of venue, format, or bowling type made him cricket’s ultimate power-hitting specialist.
Chris Gayle’s Universe Boss Power: 116 Meters (2010)
West Indian legend Chris Gayle earned his “Universe Boss” nickname largely through his extraordinary six-hitting ability, demonstrated perfectly by his 116-meter maximum against India in 2010.
During a T20 International in Bridgetown, Barbados, Gayle faced spinner Yusuf Pathan. With his characteristic minimal footwork but maximum impact, Gayle launched a monstrous six that traveled 116 meters over long-on.
The Gayle Method
Gayle’s unique six-hitting approach featured:
- Minimal movement but perfect balance and stability
- Exceptional upper-body and forearm strength
- The ability to hit through the line with a straight bat
- A calm, almost casual demeanor that masked explosive power
This six epitomized Gayle’s approach to batting—seemingly effortless power that made even the biggest boundaries seem inadequate. His ability to clear boundaries with such ease transformed how teams approached both batting and bowling strategies in limited-overs cricket, making him one of the most feared batsmen of his generation.
Ijaz Ahmed’s Test Match Surprise: 108 Meters (1999)
Pakistan’s Ijaz Ahmed produced a rare sight during a Test match against India in 1999—a 108-meter six that proved massive hitting isn’t limited to limited-overs cricket.
During the Test at Mohali, Ijaz faced legendary spinner Anil Kumble. In a format where controlled aggression usually trumps all-out attack, Ijaz decided to buck the trend. He stepped down the track and launched Kumble for a massive six that traveled 108 meters.
Breaking Format Conventions
What makes Ijaz’s six noteworthy:
- It came in a Test match, where such hitting is relatively uncommon
- It was against one of India’s greatest bowlers
- The pressure context of an India-Pakistan rivalry match
- The technical quality required to hit a top spinner for such a distance
These six demonstrated that massive hitting has a place in all formats of cricket when the situation and opportunity align perfectly. It showed that even in Test cricket’s more measured environment, moments of spectacular power hitting can emerge.
Adam Gilchrist’s Revolutionary 104-Meter Pull (2004)
Completing our list is Australian wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist with his 104-meter six against India in 2004.
During an ODI at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Gilchrist faced young fast bowler Irfan Pathan. When Pathan delivered a ball slightly short of length, Gilchrist unleashed his trademark pull shot, sending the ball soaring 104 meters over midwicket.
Changing the Game
Gilchrist’s six showcased:
- His exceptional reflexes and hand-eye coordination
- Perfect weight transfer into the pull shot
- The aggressive mindset that redefined wicketkeeper-batting
- Technical excellence combined with natural timing
This six exemplified why Gilchrist was such a revolutionary figure in cricket—his ability to dominate bowling attacks from the very start of an innings changed how teams approached the game’s opening phases and transformed the role of wicketkeeper-batsmen forever.
The Biomechanics of Monster Sixes
The ability to hit truly massive sixes requires a combination of physical attributes and technical excellence:
The Physical Foundation
- Core strength: Provides rotational power for the swing
- Forearm and wrist strength: Controls the bat through impact
- Lower body stability: Creates the platform for the swing
- Kinetic chain efficiency: Transfers energy from ground through body to bat
- Fast-twitch muscle fibers: Enable explosive power generation
The Technical Elements
- Impact point optimization: Hitting precisely on the bat’s sweet spot
- Launch angle management: Finding the ideal trajectory (typically 40-45 degrees)
- Bat path efficiency: Taking the shortest route to the ball
- Follow-through extension: Completing the swing for maximum energy transfer
- Weight transfer timing: Moving power from back foot to front at precisely the right moment
Modern cricket training specifically targets these biomechanical elements, creating batsmen who can clear boundaries with unprecedented consistency and distance.
The Evolution of Cricket Bats: Tools of the Trade
While player skill remains paramount, cricket equipment has evolved significantly, contributing to longer six distances:
Historical Perspective
- Early bats (pre-1980s):
- Thinner edges (often under 15mm)
- Heavier overall weight (often 2.8+ pounds)
- Smaller sweet spots
- Less responsive materials
- Modern bats (1990s-present):
- Dramatically thicker edges (up to 40mm)
- Lighter overall weight (often 2.5-2.7 pounds)
- Much larger sweet spots
- More responsive, precisely prepared willow
Key Innovations
- Edge thickness: Dramatically increased power on off-center impacts
- Profile changes: More pronounced bow shapes for better weight distribution
- Handle technology: Composite materials for better flex and vibration-dampening
- Weight distribution: Concentrated mass behind the striking area
These equipment innovations, while regulated to maintain balance in the game, have undoubtedly contributed to the increasing distances we see in today’s cricket.
Six Hitting Across Generations: How the Game Has Changed
The approach to hitting sixes has evolved dramatically throughout cricket history:
The Classical Era (Pre-1970s)
- Conservative philosophy: Sixes were considered high-risk, low-percentage shots
- Format limitations: Test cricket’s emphasis on longevity discouraged risk-taking
- Technical limitations: Orthodox batting techniques weren’t optimized for distance
- Cultural factors: Aggressive batting was often viewed as reckless or undisciplined
The Transition Period (1970s-1990s)
- One-day influences: Limited-overs cricket created the tactical need for boundaries
- Pioneer power hitters: Players like Viv Richards and Kapil Dev changed perceptions
- Technical adaptations: More batsmen began developing specific power-hitting techniques
- Strategic shifts: Teams recognized the value of designated “finishers”
The Modern Power Game (2000s-Present)
- T20 revolution: The shortest format prioritized six-hitting ability
- Specialized training: Players specifically train for maximum distance
- Technical innovations: 360-degree hitting, stronger grips, higher backlifts
- Cultural embrace: Power hitting now celebrated as an essential cricket skill
This evolution explains why six-hitting has become more prevalent and more spectacular in modern cricket, with distances that would have seemed impossible in earlier eras.
Also Check:
Conclusion: Cricket’s Greatest Aerial Achievements
The twelve extraordinary sixes we’ve explored represent cricket at its most spectacular—moments when skill, power, timing, and opportunity align to create something truly magical.
From Shahid Afridi’s physics-defying 153-meter moonshot to Adam Gilchrist’s innovative 104-meter pull, each of these shots has earned its place in cricket’s hall of fame.
What makes these sixes truly remarkable is their diversity. They’ve come from dedicated power hitters like Afridi and Gayle, technical masters like Waugh and Guptill, revolutionary wicketkeeper-batsmen like Dhoni and Gilchrist, and even a specialist bowler in Brett Lee.
They’ve occurred across all formats from T20 to Test cricket, proving that extraordinary hitting transcends the game’s different forms.
These twelve magnificent shots aren’t just statistics—they’re moments of sporting magic that capture cricket at its most exciting and accessible.
When bat meets ball perfectly and sends it soaring beyond conventional boundaries, cricket reveals itself as a game of both subtle skill and spectacular power—a combination that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
As cricket evolves and players become stronger, more technically refined, and better equipped, these records may eventually fall.
But for now, these twelve shots represent the pinnacle of what’s possible when cricket’s finest batsmen unleash their full power and precision—a standard for future generations to aspire to and a reminder of just how spectacular this sport can be.
