Most Sixes: Cricket, often regarded as a game of patience and strategy, has evolved into an exhilarating sport where explosive batting has become one of the key attractions for the fans. One of the most thrilling aspects of batting is the ability to hit sixes, sending the ball soaring over the boundary ropes. In modern-day cricket, players who can consistently clear the ropes with ease are celebrated as power-hitters. The record for the most sixes in international cricket is a testament to a player’s raw power, technique, and ability to dominate the game.
The Record-Holders
As of February 2025, the player who holds the record for the most sixes in international cricket is Shahid Afridi of Pakistan. Afridi, one of the most explosive all-rounders in the history of the sport, holds the distinction of hitting the most sixes in international cricket. With a career spanning over two decades, Afridi became synonymous with aggressive batting, often taking the game away from the opposition with his towering sixes.
Let’s explore the journey of this remarkable cricketer and also look at the top players who have contributed significantly to the record for most sixes in international cricket.
Shahid Afridi: The King Of Sixes
Shahid Afridi’s career is a story of dynamic cricketing performances and unmatched power-hitting. He is a player who rose to fame for his ability to hit the ball out of the park effortlessly. In both One Day Internationals (ODIs) and T20Is, Afridi was one of the few players who could turn a game around with his aggressive batting in the final overs.
- ODI Career: Afridi made his ODI debut in 1996 and retired from the format in 2015. Over the years, he played 398 matches and scored over 8,000 runs. His swashbuckling style saw him hitting 351 sixes in ODIs.
- T20I Career: Afridi was also a force to reckon with in T20 internationals. With his powerful hitting, he added 73 sixes in T20I matches, contributing greatly to Pakistan’s success in the shortest format.
- Test Career: Although Afridi’s Test career wasn’t as long or prolific as his limited-overs one, he still managed to hit 56 sixes in 27 Test matches, proving that his power-hitting was effective across all formats.
Summary Of Shahid Afridi’s Sixes In International Cricket:
| Format | Matches Played | Total Sixes |
|---|---|---|
| ODI | 398 | 351 |
| T20I | 99 | 73 |
| Test | 27 | 56 |
| Total | 524 | 480 |
As of now, Afridi holds the record for the most sixes in international cricket, with a combined total of 480 sixes in ODIs, T20Is, and Tests.
Other Notable Players In The Sixes Race
While Afridi stands at the top, several other cricketers have left a significant mark by hitting a high number of sixes across formats. These players have been instrumental in shaping the modern-day game with their destructive batting.
1. Chris Gayle (West Indies)
Chris Gayle, known as the “Universe Boss,” is one of the most feared hitters of the cricket ball. Gayle has played in every major cricketing format and has a reputation for being one of the most powerful strikers of the ball. He has a long-standing presence in T20 leagues around the world, including the Indian Premier League (IPL), where his six-hitting ability is legendary.
- ODI Career: Gayle’s ODI career has seen him hit 331 sixes in 301 matches, solidifying his place as one of the greatest power hitters in the format.
- T20I Career: In T20Is, Gayle has hit 105 sixes in just 67 matches, a remarkable statistic considering the shorter nature of T20s.
- Test Career: Though his Test career was not as prolific in terms of sixes, Gayle still managed to hit 43 sixes in 103 matches.
Summary Of Chris Gayle’s Sixes In International Cricket:
| Format | Matches Played | Total Sixes |
|---|---|---|
| ODI | 301 | 331 |
| T20I | 67 | 105 |
| Test | 103 | 43 |
| Total | 471 | 479 |
Gayle’s combined total of 479 sixes places him in second place on the list of players with the most sixes in international cricket, only a single six behind Afridi.
2. Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka)
Sanath Jayasuriya, the Sri Lankan batting legend, revolutionized the game with his aggressive approach in the 1990s. He was one of the key players in Sri Lanka’s 1996 World Cup victory and was known for his explosive opening batting in ODIs. Jayasuriya’s ability to hit sixes was a hallmark of his playing style.
- ODI Career: Jayasuriya hit 270 sixes in 445 ODIs, showcasing his ability to clear the boundary frequently.
- T20I Career: Although his T20I career was relatively short, Jayasuriya still managed to hit 19 sixes in 31 matches.
- Test Career: In Tests, Jayasuriya struck 51 sixes in 110 matches, proving that his aggressive batting was effective across formats.
Summary Of Sanath Jayasuriya’s Sixes In International Cricket:
| Format | Matches Played | Total Sixes |
|---|---|---|
| ODI | 445 | 270 |
| T20I | 31 | 19 |
| Test | 110 | 51 |
| Total | 586 | 340 |
Jayasuriya’s total of 340 sixes places him firmly in the top ranks for international six-hitters.
3. Ricky Ponting (Australia)
Ricky Ponting, one of the finest batsmen in the history of cricket, was known for his consistency and aggressive stroke play. While not as renowned for his six-hitting as others, Ponting was still a significant contributor to Australia’s successes during his playing career.
- ODI Career: Ponting hit 162 sixes in 375 ODIs.
- T20I Career: His T20I career was limited, but he managed to hit 14 sixes in 17 matches.
- Test Career: Ponting hit 27 sixes in 168 Tests.
Summary Of Ricky Ponting’s Sixes In International Cricket:
| Format | Matches Played | Total Sixes |
|---|---|---|
| ODI | 375 | 162 |
| T20I | 17 | 14 |
| Test | 168 | 27 |
| Total | 560 | 203 |
Ponting, with 203 sixes, is further down the list compared to the aforementioned players but still stands out as one of cricket’s most successful and powerful batsmen.
The Impact Of Six-Hitting In Modern Cricket
The ability to hit sixes has become a crucial aspect of modern cricket. With the advent of T20 cricket, players are now more focused on finding boundaries quickly, and the rise of power-hitters like Gayle, Afridi, and others has shifted the dynamics of the game.
In formats like T20s and ODIs, where the focus is often on scoring quickly, players who can hit sixes with ease become invaluable assets to their teams. This has led to a revolution in batting techniques, with power hitters working on their strength and timing to clear the boundary regularly.
As of now, Shahid Afridi holds the record for the most sixes in international cricket, with a staggering 480 sixes across all formats. His aggressive batting style has made him a beloved figure in the cricketing world. However, other players such as Chris Gayle, Sanath Jayasuriya, and Ricky Ponting have also made their mark on the six-hitting record, showcasing the evolution of batting in international cricket.
The record for the most sixes is a true reflection of the modern-day cricketer’s ability to dominate the game with sheer power. As cricket continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see if any future players can challenge the record set by Afridi or even surpass it, adding to the rich history of this thrilling aspect of the game.