by There’s a special kind of magic that happens in cricket when a batsman connects so perfectly with the ball that it soars far beyond the boundary rope, into the stands, or even out of the stadium entirely.
While cricket celebrates many forms of greatness—from bowlers who can make the ball dance to fielders who can pluck impossible catches from the air—there’s something uniquely thrilling about a truly massive six that brings fans to their feet, no matter which team they support.
Cricket statisticians meticulously track achievements like virat kohli total centuries in all format to measure consistent excellence, but another kind of cricketing greatness is measured purely in meters.
When a batsman hits a six so enormous that it seems to defy the laws of physics, they create a moment that transcends the sport itself—a pure expression of human power, timing, and skill that anyone can appreciate.
Longest Six in Cricket History
This comprehensive guide explores the twelve longest sixes ever officially measured in cricket history.
We’ll dive into the stories behind these extraordinary shots, examine the techniques and conditions that made them possible, and celebrate the players who achieved these remarkable feats.
Measuring the Unmeasurable: How Six Distances Are Calculated?
Before we explore our countdown of cricket’s longest sixes, it’s worth understanding the complexities involved in measuring these massive hits:
Technical Measurements
- Starting point: Measurements begin from the point of bat-ball contact
- Trajectory tracking: Modern systems follow the ball’s entire flight path
- Landing point: The first point of impact beyond the boundary is recorded
- Total distance calculation: The complete flight path distance is determined
Measurement Evolution
- Early era (pre-2000s):
- Primarily manual estimations
- Reliance on eyewitness accounts
- Significant margin for error
- Modern era (2000s-present):
- Hawk-Eye technology: Ball tracking through multiple cameras
- Radar systems: Speed and distance measurement tools
- 3D modeling: Computer-generated flight path analysis
- GPS markers: Precise landing location identification
This evolution means that newer measurements tend to be more reliable than historical ones, though all the sixes on our list have been verified through the best available technology at the time.
The Definitive Ranking: Cricket’s Twelve Longest Sixes
Here’s the authoritative list of the longest recorded sixes in cricket history, featuring detailed information about each extraordinary hit:
| Position | Player | Team | Opponent | Distance (meters) | Year | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shahid Afridi | Pakistan | South Africa | 153m | 2013 | Johannesburg |
| 2 | Brett Lee | Australia | England | 130m | 2005 | Brisbane |
| 3 | Martin Guptill | New Zealand | South Africa | 127m | 2012 | Auckland |
| 4 | Liam Livingstone | England | Pakistan | 122m | 2021 | Leeds |
| 5 | Corey Anderson | New Zealand | India | 122m | 2014 | Napier |
| 6 | Mark Waugh | Australia | New Zealand | 120m | 1999 | Perth |
| 7 | Yuvraj Singh | India | Australia | 119m | 2007 | Durban |
| 8 | MS Dhoni | India | New Zealand | 118m | 2009 | Christchurch |
| 9 | Shahid Afridi | Pakistan | Australia | 118m | 2005 | Perth |
| 10 | Chris Gayle | West Indies | India | 116m | 2010 | Bridgetown |
| 11 | Ijaz Ahmed | Pakistan | India | 108m | 1999 | Mohali |
| 12 | Adam Gilchrist | Australia | India | 104m | 2004 | Sydney |
Now, let’s explore each of these extraordinary cricketing moments in greater detail.
1. Shahid Afridi’s 153-Meter Stratosphere Shot
When cricket fans discuss power hitting, Shahid Afridi invariably dominates the conversation. His nickname “Boom Boom” wasn’t given lightly, and his record-setting 153-meter six proves why he’s considered cricket’s ultimate distance hitter.
During a 2013 ODI against South Africa at Johannesburg’s Wanderers Stadium (known as “The Bullring”), Afridi faced fast bowler Ryan McLaren. What happened next became instant cricket legend. With perfect timing and explosive power, Afridi connected so sweetly that the ball soared an astonishing 153 meters—a distance that remains unchallenged over a decade later.
The Perfect Storm of Factors
Several elements combined to create this record-breaking hit:
- Johannesburg’s altitude (1,753 meters above sea level) reduced air resistance
- Afridi’s unique combination of bat speed and natural strength
- The perfect connection on the bat’s sweet spot
- Slight tailwind conditions
- The Wanderers’ open stadium design allowing unimpeded flight
What makes this six particularly remarkable is how Afridi made it look routine. While most batsmen strain visibly when attempting maximum distance, Afridi’s natural power made this extraordinary shot appear almost effortless. Even South African fans, while disappointed with their team’s performance, acknowledged they’d witnessed something truly special.
2. Brett Lee: The Bowler’s Revenge (130 meters)
Cricket’s second-longest six comes from an unexpected source—Australia’s express fast bowler Brett Lee, who proved that bowlers can dish out punishment 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 arc, the Australian fast bowler unleashed a stunning drive that sailed a massive 130 meters.
Breaking Stereotypes
What makes Lee’s six particularly remarkable:
- It came from a player primarily known for bowling
- The shot featured textbook technique rather than wild slogging
- It occurred during the pressure-cooker environment of an Ashes Test
- The perfect balance of technical execution and natural power
This extraordinary hit showcased Lee’s all-round cricketing talent and demonstrated that with proper technique, even players not known for batting can produce remarkable power hitting. It remains the longest six ever hit by a specialist bowler in international cricket.
3. Martin Guptill’s 127-Meter Masterclass
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. When the South African delivered a ball slightly short of a good length, Guptill unleashed a pull shot of such perfect execution that the ball traveled an extraordinary 127 meters.
Technical Excellence in Motion
Guptill’s six showcased several technical elements worth analyzing:
- Perfect weight transfer from back foot to front
- Head remaining completely still throughout the shot
- Full extension of the arms through and after contact
- The ideal bat angle at the moment of impact
Unlike some six-hitting specialists who rely primarily on brute strength, Guptill’s enormous hit demonstrated that proper technique can generate distances that rival or even exceed those achieved through raw power alone. His shot remains a masterclass in combining orthodox batting with maximum distance.
4. Liam Livingstone’s Stadium Exit (122 meters)
England’s Liam Livingstone represents the modern T20 specialist—a player specifically trained for the power game. His 122-meter six against Pakistan in 2021 announced him as one of cricket’s premier distance hitters.
During a T20 International at Headingley in Leeds, Livingstone faced Pakistan’s express pace bowler Haris Rauf. The England batsman connected so perfectly that the ball not only cleared the boundary but the entire stadium, landing on a rugby pitch outside the cricket ground.
The Wow Factor
What made Livingstone’s six extraordinary:
- The ball completely exited the stadium premises
- The spectacular height as well as distance
- The apparent ease with which it was executed
- The immediate viral impact on social media
Commentary teams were left speechless as the ball disappeared from view. This six established Livingstone as one of cricket’s most exciting power hitters and demonstrated how the modern game has evolved to produce specialists who can consistently clear boundaries by remarkable distances.
5. Corey Anderson’s Effortless 122-Meter Strike
New Zealand all-rounder Corey Anderson may not have had the longest international career, but his power-hitting ability was undeniable. His 122-meter six against India in 2014 perfectly showcased his clean striking.
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.
Natural Power Unleashed
Anderson’s six-hitting technique featured:
- A remarkably still base at the moment of impact
- Perfect hand positioning on the bat handle
- Complete follow-through after contact
- The ideal bat path through the hitting zone
Though injuries would later hamper Anderson’s career development, this spectacular six demonstrated why he was considered one of cricket’s most naturally gifted power hitters during his prime years.
6. Mark Waugh’s Elegant 120-Meter Statement
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 dance 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.
Beauty and Distance Combined
What made Waugh’s six special:
- The graceful footwork to get to the pitch of the ball
- The perfect lofted drive technique with high elbow position
- The full follow-through that maximized the distance
- The contrast between the elegant execution and the enormous result
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.
7. Yuvraj Singh’s World Cup Wonder (119 meters)
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 Marvel
Yuvraj’s six-hitting technique featured:
- 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 with seemingly effortless power.
8. MS Dhoni’s Helicopter Takes Flight (118 meters)
Former Indian captain MS Dhoni revolutionized finishing in limited-overs cricket, and his 118-meter six against New Zealand in 2009 perfectly demonstrated 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 Meets Power
What made Dhoni’s six extraordinary:
- The difficult yorker length that most batsmen could barely handle
- The unorthodox technique that defied conventional coaching
- The incredible wrist strength required
- The ability to generate power from a seemingly defensive position
This six perfectly illustrates why Dhoni was such a feared finisher—his ability to hit even good deliveries for massive distances made him nearly impossible to bowl to in the closing overs of a match.
9. Shahid Afridi’s Second Entry (118 meters)
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.
The Consistency Factor
Afridi’s consistent six-hitting prowess stemmed from:
- An exceptionally strong base and stable lower body
- 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 reputation as cricket’s most consistent distance hitter, capable of clearing not just boundaries but entire stadiums with remarkable regularity.
10. Chris Gayle: The Universe Boss (116 meters)
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 his characteristic minimal footwork but maximum impact, Gayle launched a monstrous six that traveled 116 meters over long-on.
The Gayle Force
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 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.
11. Ijaz Ahmed’s Test Match Surprise (108 meters)
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 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 distance
This six demonstrated that massive hitting has a place in all formats of cricket when the situation and opportunity align perfectly.
12. Adam Gilchrist’s Pioneering Power (104 meters)
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 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 and transformed the role of wicketkeeper-batsmen forever.
The Psychological Impact of Monster Sixes
Beyond the physical spectacle, enormous sixes have a profound psychological impact on the game:
Effect on Bowlers
- Confidence erosion: A bowler’s belief can be shattered after being hit for a massive six
- Length adjustment: Often leads to bowling too short or too full in compensation
- Risk aversion: May cause bowlers to become too defensive
- Field placement pressure: Creates doubt about protective field settings
Effect on Batting Teams
- Momentum shifts: A huge six can change the energy of an entire innings
- Risk encouragement: Teammates become more willing to attack
- Target recalibration: Run-chase targets suddenly seem more achievable
- Dressing room boost: Lifts the spirits of the entire team
Effect on Fielding Teams
- Captain’s challenge: Makes field placement decisions extremely difficult
- Team morale: Can deflate the energy of the entire fielding unit
- Strategy questioning: Players may lose faith in the match plan
- Over-compensation: Can lead to extreme defensive measures
This psychological dimension explains why big six hitters are so valuable beyond just the runs they score—they change the entire dynamics of a match through intimidation and inspiration.
Environmental Factors: The Geography of Six Hitting
Not all cricket grounds are created equal when it comes to hitting massive sixes. Several geographical factors significantly influence six distances:
Altitude Matters
- High altitude venues:
- Johannesburg’s Wanderers (1,753m): Home to Afridi’s record 153m six
- Dharamsala’s HPCA Stadium (1,457m): Known for enormous sixes
- Bloemfontein’s Mangaung Oval (1,395m): Favors distance hitting
- Mexico City Cricket Club (2,250m): Though not a regular international venue, has seen some of amateur cricket’s longest hits
- Sea level venues:
- Generally produce shorter sixes
- Required more power from batsmen
- Need perfect connection for monster hits
Wind and Weather
- Wind assistance: Can add 10-20 meters to six distances
- Humidity: Lower humidity means less air resistance
- Temperature: Warmer air is less dense, allowing longer hits
- Rain effects: Wet balls travel shorter distances when hit
Understanding these geographical factors helps explain why certain venues consistently produce longer sixes than others, regardless of who’s batting.
Six Hitting in the Data Era: The Numbers Behind the Magic
Modern cricket has embraced data analytics, giving us unprecedented insights into what makes a massive six possible:
Optimal Technical Factors
Research shows the ideal conditions for maximum six distance include:
- Launch angle: 40-45 degrees (measured from horizontal)
- Ball exit speed: 150-160 km/h off the bat
- Bat swing speed: 130-140 km/h through impact
- Impact point: 15-20 cm from the toe of the bat
- Follow-through: Complete extension adds 5-10% to distance
Record-Breaking Conditions
Data analysis of the longest sixes reveals common patterns:
- 65% occurred during afternoon sessions
- 72% were hit with the wind rather than against it
- 58% came from deliveries in the “slot” (waist to chest height)
- 70% were achieved with bats weighing between 1200-1280 grams
This scientific understanding helps explain why certain players consistently hit bigger sixes than others, regardless of their overall strength or size.
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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 fusion 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’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 in every format 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 and more technically refined, 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.
