Cricket is a sport full of excitement and thrill, and one of the most breathtaking moments in the game is when a batsman hits a huge six. The ability to hit a ball out of the park requires not just strength, but also technique and timing. In this article, we will look at the top 10 longest sixes in cricket history.
The Criteria
Before we dive into the list, let’s take a look at the criteria used to select the top 10 longest sixes in cricket history. The distance of a six is measured from the point of impact to the point where the ball crosses the boundary. The measurement is done using a laser distance meter or GPS.
1. Shahid Afridi – 158 meters
Shahid Afridi, the former Pakistani cricketer, holds the record for hitting the longest six in cricket history. During a match against South Africa in 2013, Afridi hit a massive six that travelled a distance of 158 meters, shattering the previous record of 130 meters set by Brett Lee. Afridi is known for his powerful hitting and has hit over 350 sixes in international cricket.
2. Brett Lee – 130 meters
Brett Lee, the former Australian fast bowler, held the record for hitting the longest six in cricket history before Shahid Afridi broke it. During a match against New Zealand in 2005, Lee hit a massive six that travelled a distance of 130 meters. Lee was known for his all-around skills and is one of the few bowlers who has also hit a century in international cricket.
3. Martin Guptill – 127 meters
Martin Guptill, the New Zealand opener, hit a massive six during a match against South Africa in Hamilton in 2012. The ball travelled a distance of 127 meters, making it the longest six in New Zealand’s cricket history. Guptill is known for his aggressive style of play and is the first New Zealand batsman to score a double century in an ODI.
4. MS Dhoni – 125 meters
MS Dhoni, the former Indian captain, hit a massive six during a match against Australia in the 2013 Commonwealth Bank Series. The ball travelled a distance of 125 meters, making it one of the longest sixes in cricket history. Dhoni is known for his calm demeanour and is regarded as one of the best finishers in limited-overs cricket.
5. Albie Morkel – 125 meters
Albie Morkel, the former South African all-rounder, hit a massive six during a match against Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2012. The ball travelled a distance of 125 meters, making it one of the longest sixes in cricket history. Morkel is known for his big-hitting abilities and was a valuable player in the Chennai Super Kings team in the IPL.
6. Yuvraj Singh – 124 meters
Yuvraj Singh, the former Indian cricketer, hit a massive six during a match against England in the 2007 T20 World Cup. The ball travelled a distance of 124 meters, making it one of the longest sixes in cricket history. Yuvraj is known for his aggressive batting style and was a key member of India’s World Cup-winning team in 2011.
7. Corey Anderson – 122 meters
Corey Anderson, the former New Zealand cricketer, hit a 122-meter six during a match against West Indies in Queenstown in 2014. This was the longest six in New Zealand’s cricket history at the time. Anderson is known for his explosive batting and was the fastest player to score a century in ODI cricket then.
8. Shahid Afridi – 122 meters
Shahid Afridi makes another entry in the list with a 122-meter six he hit during a match against South Africa in Johannesburg in 2013. Afridi’s powerful hitting abilities are known to cricket fans worldwide, and he is one of the most popular cricketers of his generation.
9. Chris Gayle – 120 meters
Chris Gayle, the West Indian opener, hit a massive six during a match against Pune Warriors in the IPL in 2013. The ball travelled a distance of 120 meters, making it one of the longest sixes in cricket history. Gayle is known for his big-hitting abilities and is one of the most successful T20 players ever.
10. Mark Waugh – 120 meters
Mark Waugh, the former Australian cricketer, hit a massive six during a match against New Zealand in Perth in 1997. The ball traveled a distance of 120 meters, making it one of the longest sixes in cricket history. Waugh is known for his elegant stroke play and was part of the Australian team that dominated world cricket in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
In conclusion, hitting a massive six is a rare feat that requires a combination of timing, technique, and power. The batsmen who have made it to this list have achieved something extraordinary and have left a lasting impression on cricket fans worldwide. The list of longest sixes in cricket history is constantly evolving, and it will be interesting to see who will break these records in the future.
Updated table with the top 10 longest sixes in cricket history:
| Rank | Player | Distance (meters) | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shahid Afridi | 158 | 2013 |
| 2 | Brett Lee | 130 | 2005 |
| 3 | Martin Guptill | 127 | 2012 |
| 4 | MS Dhoni | 125 | 2013 |
| 5 | Albie Morkel | 125 | 2012 |
| 6 | Yuvraj Singh | 124 | 2007 |
| 7 | Corey Anderson | 122 | 2014 |
| 8 | Shahid Afridi | 122 | 2013 |
| 9 | Chris Gayle | 120 | 2013 |
| 10 | Mark Waugh | 120 | 1997 |
Conclusion
In conclusion, hitting a massive six is not an easy feat, and the batsmen who have made it to this list have achieved something extraordinary. These are the top 10 longest sixes in cricket history, and each one is a testament to the skill and power of the batsman. The game of cricket will always have room for such epic moments, and we can’t wait to see who will break these records in the future.
FAQs
1. What criteria were used to select the top 10 longest sixes in cricket history?
The distance of a six is measured from the point of impact to the point where the ball crosses the boundary. The measurement is done using a laser distance meter or GPS.
2. Who holds the record for the longest six in cricket history?
Shahid Afridi holds the record for the longest six in cricket history. During a match against South Africa in 2013, Afridi hit a massive six that travelled a distance of 158 meters, shattering the previous record of 130 meters set by Brett Lee.
3. Which player has hit the most sixes in cricket history?
Chris Gayle holds the record for hitting the most sixes in international cricket history. As of the knowledge cutoff date of September 2021, he has hit 534 sixes in international cricket.
4. Who is known for hitting the longest six in the Indian Premier League (IPL)?
Albie Morkel is known for hitting the longest six in the IPL. During a match against Rajasthan Royals in 2012, Morkel hit a massive six that travelled a distance of 125 meters.
5. How do batsmen hit such long sixes?
Hitting a long six requires a combination of timing, technique, and strength. Batsmen need to get their footwork and body positioning right to generate power and hit the ball cleanly. Additionally, using a heavy bat and playing with the wind direction can also help in hitting longer sixes.
6. Has any six been hit outside the cricket ground?
A few instances have been reported where a six has been hit outside the cricket ground. The most famous instance was during a match between South Africa and Zimbabwe in 2007 when Herschelle Gibbs hit a six that landed on the roof of the five-story office building outside the stadium.