Longest Six in Cricket History (Updated 2025)

by Jack — March 24, 2025 in Cricket

There’s a special kind of electricity that surges through a cricket stadium when a batsman connects perfectly with the ball and sends it sailing over the boundary.

The collective gasp, followed by wild cheers as spectators crane their necks to track the ball’s flight—these moments become etched in cricket folklore forever.

While batting greats like virat kohli total centuries in all format dominate discussions about consistency and technique, there’s something uniquely thrilling about those rare occasions when a cricket ball travels distances that seem to defy physics.

The longest sixes in cricket history represent those perfect moments when timing, power, technique, and conditions align to create something truly extraordinary.

Longest Six in Cricket History

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll journey through the twelve most massive sixes ever recorded in cricket history.

We’ll explore not just how far these balls traveled, but the stories behind them—the players, the moments, the reactions, and the technical brilliance that made them possible.

The Science Behind Monster Sixes

Before diving into our countdown, it’s worth understanding what makes a cricket six travel exceptional distances:

Perfect contact point: The ball must hit the sweet spot of the bat
Optimal launch angle: Usually between 40-45 degrees for maximum distance
Bat speed: Faster bat swing generates greater ball velocity
Follow-through: Complete extension after contact adds crucial meters
Environmental factors: Altitude, wind, temperature, and humidity all play roles

Modern cricket analysis uses ball-tracking technology to measure these parameters with remarkable precision, giving us accurate measurements of these extraordinary hits.

The Definitive Ranking: Cricket’s Longest Sixes

Here’s the complete list of the twelve longest sixes ever officially measured in cricket history:

Position	Player	Team	Opponent	Distance (meters)	Year
1	Shahid Afridi	Pakistan	South Africa	153m	2013
2	Brett Lee	Australia	England	130m	2005
3	Martin Guptill	New Zealand	South Africa	127m	2012
4	Liam Livingstone	England	Pakistan	122m	2021
5	Corey Anderson	New Zealand	India	122m	2014
6	Mark Waugh	Australia	New Zealand	120m	1999
7	Yuvraj Singh	India	Australia	119m	2007
8	MS Dhoni	India	New Zealand	118m	2009
9	Shahid Afridi	Pakistan	Australia	118m	2005
10	Chris Gayle	West Indies	India	116m	2010
11	Ijaz Ahmed	Pakistan	India	108m	1999
12	Adam Gilchrist	Australia	India	104m	2004

Let’s explore each of these remarkable cricket moments in detail.

1. Shahid Afridi’s 153-Meter Moonshot

When cricket fans talk about power hitting, Shahid Afridi’s name invariably enters the conversation. Nicknamed “Boom Boom” for his explosive batting style, Afridi holds the undisputed record for the longest six in cricket history.

On March 17, 2013, during an ODI against South Africa at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, Afridi faced fast bowler Ryan McLaren. What happened next would set a benchmark that remains unbroken over a decade later. Afridi stepped forward and unleashed a swing of such ferocity that the ball soared an astonishing 153 meters.

What contributed to this record-breaking hit:

The high altitude of Johannesburg (nearly 1,800 meters above sea level) created thinner air with less resistance
Afridi’s exceptionally quick hands through the hitting zone
A perfect connection on the bat’s sweet spot
The natural downward slope beyond the boundary that added to the measured distance

South African fans, though supporting the home team, couldn’t help but applaud the sheer audacity and power of the shot. Even the bowler, McLaren, managed a wry smile of acknowledgment. This wasn’t just a six—it was a statement about the outer limits of what’s physically possible in cricket.

2. Brett Lee: The Bowler Who Batted Like a Specialist

At number two comes a surprising entry—Australian fast bowler Brett Lee with a colossal 130-meter six against England during the 2005 Ashes series.

While Lee’s primary job was terrifying batsmen with 150+ km/h deliveries, he showed he could dish out punishment with the bat too. Facing England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff at the Gabba in Brisbane, Lee unleashed a perfectly timed drive that sailed high and mighty for 130 meters.

What makes Lee’s six particularly impressive:

It came from someone whose primary role was bowling, not batting
The shot featured textbook technique rather than wild slogging
It occurred during cricket’s most intense rivalry—the Ashes
The perfect balance between power and timing

This extraordinary hit showcased Lee’s all-round cricketing ability and proved that technical excellence combined with natural athleticism can produce remarkable results even from those lower down the batting order.

3. Martin Guptill’s Perfect Technique

New Zealand opener Martin Guptill combined textbook technique 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 and produced a pull shot of such perfection that the ball traveled an amazing 127 meters. What makes Guptill’s six special is that it came not from wild swinging but from immaculate technique.

The technical elements behind Guptill’s massive hit:

Perfect weight transfer from back foot to front as he swiveled into the pull
Head completely still at the moment of impact
Full extension of the arms through and after contact
The ability to pick up length extremely early, allowing maximum preparation time

Guptill’s six demonstrated that monster hits don’t always require brute strength—sometimes perfect technique can be just as effective in generating extraordinary distance.

4. Liam Livingstone’s Stadium Clearer

England’s Liam Livingstone represents the modern T20 specialist—a player seemingly built for the power game. 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 express pace bowler Haris Rauf. When Rauf delivered a ball in Livingstone’s hitting zone, the Englishman connected so perfectly that the ball not only cleared the boundary but the entire stadium. Officials measured the astonishing hit at 122 meters as it landed on a rugby pitch outside the cricket ground.

What set Livingstone’s six apart:

The incredible height as well as distance
The nonchalant ease with which it was struck
The ball completely exiting the stadium premises
The psychological impact on the bowling team

This six announced Livingstone as one of cricket’s premier distance hitters and showcased how the modern game has evolved to produce specialists in power hitting.

5. Corey Anderson’s Effortless Power

New Zealand all-rounder Corey Anderson may not have enjoyed the longest international career, but his power-hitting ability was unquestionable. His 122-meter six against India in 2014 perfectly illustrated his clean striking.

During an ODI in Napier, Anderson faced fast bowler Mohammed Shami. When the Indian 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.

Anderson’s six-hitting technique featured:

A perfectly balanced stance at the moment of impact
Exceptional hand speed through the hitting zone
Full extension of the arms in the follow-through
The ability to hit with a straight bat for maximum distance

Though injuries would hamper Anderson’s career development, this momentous six showed why he was considered one of cricket’s most naturally gifted power hitters during his prime.

6. Mark Waugh’s Elegant Monster

Mark Waugh was known throughout his career for elegant stroke play rather than brutal power, 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 shot traveled a massive 120 meters, proving that timing and technique can be just as effective as raw power.

What made Waugh’s six special:

The dancing footwork to get to the pitch of the ball
The perfect lofted drive technique with high elbow
The full follow-through that maximized the distance
The contrast between the elegant execution and the monstrous result

This six remains one of the most technically beautiful among the longest hits, showing that cricket’s artists can sometimes hit just as far as its power players.

7. Yuvraj Singh’s World Cup Statement

Few cricketers are more associated with six-hitting than Yuvraj Singh, and his 119-meter maximum against Australia in 2007 showcased his exceptional 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 technical brilliance behind Yuvraj’s six:

A high backlift that generated tremendous potential energy
Perfect balance at the point of impact
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.

8. MS Dhoni’s Helicopter Launch

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 even to connect with such a ball, 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.

What made Dhoni’s six extraordinary:

The difficult yorker length that most batsmen would simply defend
The unorthodox technique that defied conventional coaching
The incredible wrist strength and bottom-hand dominance
The ability to generate power from a seemingly defensive position

This six perfectly demonstrates why Dhoni was such a feared finisher—his ability to hit even good-length deliveries for massive distances made him nearly impossible to bowl to in the closing overs.

9. Shahid Afridi’s Second Entry

Shahid Afridi makes a 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.

Afridi’s consistent six-hitting prowess came from:

An exceptionally strong base and stable lower body
Tremendous bat speed through the hitting zone
The confidence to attack from the first ball
A fearless approach regardless of the match situation

As the only player to appear twice on this list, Afridi cemented his reputation as cricket’s most consistent distance hitter, capable of clearing not just boundaries but entire stadiums.

10. Chris Gayle: The Universe Boss Delivers

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 Barbados, Gayle faced spinner Yusuf Pathan. With minimal footwork but maximum impact, Gayle launched a monstrous six that traveled 116 meters over long-on.

Gayle’s unique six-hitting style featured:

Minimal movement but perfect balance
Tremendous upper-body and forearm strength
The ability to hit through the line with a straight bat
A calm demeanor that masked his explosive intent

This six epitomized Gayle’s approach to batting—seemingly effortless power that made even the biggest boundaries seem inadequate.

11. Ijaz Ahmed’s Test Match Surprise

Pakistan’s Ijaz Ahmed delivered a rare spectacle 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 bucked the trend. He stepped down the track and launched Kumble for a massive six that traveled 108 meters.

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

This six proved that massive hitting has its place in all formats of cricket when the moment calls for it.

12. Adam Gilchrist’s Pioneering Power

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.

Gilchrist’s six showcased:

His lightning-fast 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.

The Evolution of Power Hitting in Cricket

The ability to hit massive sixes has evolved dramatically over the years, transforming how the game is played:

Physical preparation has changed:
- Modern players undergo specific power training
- Bat speed exercises have become standard
- Video analysis helps optimize technique
- Nutrition science maximizes strength-to-weight ratio
Mental approach has shifted:
- Six hitting is now an expected skill, not a bonus
- Calculated risk-taking is encouraged
- Specialized roles for power hitters have emerged
- Psychological barriers about “appropriate” shot selection have fallen
Coaching philosophy has adapted:
- Young players are now taught power-hitting techniques
- Range-hitting practice is standard
- Innovative shots are encouraged, not discouraged
- Data analysis identifies optimal hitting zones

Today’s cricketers benefit from these modern approaches that simply weren’t available to earlier generations, potentially enabling even longer sixes in the future.

How Bat Technology Has Changed the Game?

While player skill remains the primary factor, cricket equipment has evolved significantly, contributing to longer six distances:

Modern bat improvements:
- Larger sweet spots distribute impact force more efficiently
- Lighter yet more powerful materials reduce swing weight
- Optimized weight distribution creates better leverage
- Edge thickness innovations provide forgiveness on mis-hits
Handling techniques have adapted:
- Grip modifications to maximize power
- Higher bat lift preparations for greater swing force
- Two-handed follow-through for added control
- Stance adjustments to create optimal swing paths

These equipment and technique innovations have combined to create the perfect environment for the massive sixes we see in today’s game.

The Impact on Cricket’s Global Appeal

These monster sixes have done more than just change how the game is played—they’ve transformed how cricket is perceived globally:

Increased accessibility for new fans:
- Six hittings is immediately understandable and exciting
- Creates highlight-reel moments that transcend cricket knowledge
- Appeals to younger audiences with shorter attention spans
- Provides social media-friendly content
Changed commercial dynamics:
- Sponsors specifically target big hitters for endorsements
- Stadium designs now consider six-hitting sightlines
- Broadcast technology focuses on measuring and tracking six
- Fantasy sports and betting markets value six-hitting ability
Influenced cricket format development:
- T10 and The Hundred formats emphasize power-hitting
- Even Test cricket has seen increased six-hitting rates
- Boundary sizes are standardized to balance the game
- Power hitting has become central to team selection strategies

The ability to clear the boundary by extraordinary distances has become a valuable skill that extends beyond the cricket field and into cricket’s broader cultural and commercial landscape.

The Future of Six Hitting in Cricket

As cricket continues to evolve, what might the future hold for six hitting?

Will records be broken?
- Advanced training might push distances even further
- New bat technologies could increase the potential distance
- Specialized six-hitting specialists might emerge
- Tactical innovations may create better six-hitting opportunities
Potential limitations:
- Regulatory controls on bat sizes
- Larger boundaries in some venues
- Bowling innovations specifically designed to limit six hitting
- The physical limits of human capability

The combination of improved training techniques, advanced equipment, and specialist power hitters suggests that even Afridi’s 153-meter benchmark may not stand forever.

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Conclusion: Cricket’s Greatest Aerial Achievements

The twelve enormous sixes we’ve explored represent cricket at its most spectacular—the perfect combination of skill, power, timing, and opportunity.

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 folklore.

What makes these sixes truly remarkable is their diversity. They’ve come from dedicated power hitters like Afridi and Gayle, technically brilliant batsmen like Waugh, revolutionary wicketkeeper-batsmen like Dhoni and Gilchrist, and even a specialist bowler in Brett Lee. They’ve occurred in every format from T20 to Test cricket, proving that extraordinary hitting can happen in any context.

These twelve magnificent shots aren’t just statistics—they’re moments of sporting magic that transcend cricket and enter the realm of athletic achievement. They remind us why cricket, in all its forms, continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

When bat meets ball perfectly and sends it soaring beyond conventional boundaries, cricket reveals itself at its most thrilling and accessible—a game where power meets precision to create moments of pure sporting joy.

Longest Six in Cricket History (Updated 2025)