Sixes and boundaries have become a significant way to score quick runs in shorter formats of cricket, such as T20 and One-Day Internationals (ODIs). The introduction of shorter formats has brought in the aggressive style of playing to the limelight. With teams now focusing on playing hard-hitters in all three formats of the game. For example, someone with a Rishabh Pant style of batting is considered over someone like Cheteshwar Pujara to be in the Test squad. Thanks to the six-hitting stalwarts like, Chris Gayle, MS Dhoni, A B Devilliers, and Rohit Sharma more and more players are adopting the new form of batting presenting a treat to the eyes of the spectators. Having said that, in this article, we take a look at the players with the most sixes in ODI cricket.
Most Sixes in ODI Cricket
Here are the top ten players with the most sixes in ODI cricket history:
Rank | Player | Team | ODI Career Span | Sixes |
1 | Shahid Afridi | Pakistan | 1996–2015 | 351 |
2 | Chris Gayle | West Indies | 1999–2019 | 331 |
3 | Rohit Sharma | India | 2007–Present | 280+ |
4 | Sanath Jayasuriya | Sri Lanka | 1989–2011 | 270 |
5 | MS Dhoni | India | 2004–2019 | 229 |
6 | Eoin Morgan | England | 2006–2022 | 220 |
7 | AB de Villiers | South Africa | 2005–2018 | 204 |
8 | Brendon McCullum | New Zealand | 2002–2016 | 200 |
9 | Martin Guptill | New Zealand | 2009–Present | 187 |
10 | Sachin Tendulkar | India | 1989–2012 | 195 |
These players are known for their aggressive batting and ability to clear boundaries, making them vital assets in limited-overs cricket.
The above-mentioned players are pioneers of bringing a significant change in the style of batting in the recent couple of decades. In limited overs, since teams have limited balls to face, by hitting sixes, these players highlighted a quick and effective way to boost the score.
On top of that, a well-timed six can not only shift the momentum of the game but also bring in the entertainment and drama value to the game. It often demoralizes the bowling team and energizes the batting side, changing the dynamics of the match in just one delivery. As getting hit for sixes put bowlers under pressure, forcing them to change their line, length, and strategies. This can lead to more mistakes and scoring opportunities for the batting side.
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While some batters play an anchoring role in the innings, the big-hitting players who can clear the boundary play key roles as finishers. They are often responsible for scoring vital runs in the death overs and winning matches from tough situations.
Lastly, sixes provide a thrilling spectacle, making the game more entertaining for spectators and TV audiences. They are often highlights of matches, attracting viewership and fan engagement.
Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi Tops List of Most Sixes
The answer to the question, “Who hit the most sixes in ODI cricket?” is the ‘Boom Boom’ Shahid Afridi. Not surprising, right? Is there anything this Pakistani all-rounder can’t do?
Known for his fearless batting, Afridi has smashed an astonishing total of 351 sixes during his illustrious career. As one of Pakistan’s greatest all-rounders, Afridi thrilled fans with his explosive performances and game-changing abilities. From setting the record for the fastest century in 1996 to dismantling bowling attacks with ease, his six-hitting prowess became his signature. Whether with bat or ball, Afridi proved time and again that there’s little this legendary cricketer couldn’t do.
Ro-‘hitMan’ Sharma: Holds 2nd Position in Most ODI Sixes List
Rohit Sharma, fondly known as the “Hitman,“ has cemented his place as one of the greatest six-hitters in ODI cricket history. With over 280 sixes, he holds the third position on the all-time list, trailing only behind Shahid Afridi and Chris Gayle. Rohit’s elegant yet powerful strokeplay makes his six-hitting an effortless spectacle.
One of his most significant milestones came during his record-breaking knock of 264 against Sri Lanka in 2014, the highest individual score in ODI cricket. That innings featured 9 massive sixes and remains etched in cricket history. Another memorable milestone was during the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, where Rohit smashed 5 centuries, including a flurry of sixes, setting the record for the most centuries in a single World Cup.
Rohit also became the first cricketer to hit three double centuries in ODIs, a feat defined by his fearless six-hitting. His 209 against Australia in 2013 included a staggering 16 sixes, a then-world record for most sixes in an ODI innings.
Rohit’s milestones exemplify his ability to dominate bowlers with unmatched precision and power, making him one of the most formidable and entertaining batters in modern cricket.
On behalf of all the members of the cricket-loving fraternity, we would like to thank all these batters for making the sport even more interesting to watch.
'Universe Boss’ Chris Gayle Rules with Third Most Sixes in ODI
When it comes to big-hitting and clearing boundaries, Chris Gayle stands unrivaled. The legendary West Indian cricketer, known as the ‘Universe Boss,’ holds the record for hitting the most sixes in ODI cricket, with a staggering 331 maximums to his name. Gayle’s towering frame, fearless approach, and ability to send bowlers into submission have made him one of the most entertaining cricketers in history.
Among his iconic ODI performances, a few stand out as unforgettable. One such inning came against Zimbabwe during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, where Gayle smashed 215 runs off just 147 balls, including 16 sixes, a world-record knock in World Cup history.
Another memorable moment was against England in 2019, where he scored 135 off 129 balls, hitting 12 sixes in a heroic attempt to chase down a mammoth target. His 132 against South Africa in 2004, which included explosive hitting across all parts of the ground, further solidified his reputation as a master blaster.
Chris Gayle’s unparalleled ability to clear the ropes has left an indelible mark on the game. With his charismatic persona and unforgettable innings, he remains a true legend of limited-overs cricket.