As of January 20, 2025, the record for the most sixes in One Day International (ODI) cricket is held by Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi, who hit 351 sixes in 398 matches between 1996 and 2015.
1. Shahid Afridi (Pakistan): 351 sixes in 398 matches
Shahid Afridi, famously known as “Boom Boom,” played 398 One Day Internationals (ODIs) and hit an incredible 351 sixes, showcasing his aggressive batting style and exceptional power-hitting ability.
Key Details:
- Debut: October 2, 1996, against Kenya.
- ODI Matches: 398
- Total Sixes: 351
- Iconic Innings:
- His 37-ball century against Sri Lanka in 1996, featuring 11 sixes, was the fastest ODI century at the time.
- Numerous match-winning performances with decisive sixes for Pakistan.
Six-Hitting Legacy:
- Afridi often targeted areas like mid-wicket, long-on, and long-off to clear the boundary.
- He held the record for most ODI sixes for years and is still regarded as one of the greatest six-hitters in cricket history.
Shahid Afridi’s explosive batting and knack for hitting sixes made him a fan favorite worldwide.
2. Rohit Sharma (India): 331 sixes in 265 matches
Rohit Sharma, known as the “Hitman” of Indian cricket, has hit an impressive 331 sixes in just 265 One Day Internationals (ODIs). His ability to clear the boundary effortlessly has made him one of the most prolific six-hitters in cricket history.
Key Details:
- Debut: June 23, 2007, against Ireland.
- ODI Matches: 265
- Total Sixes: 331
- Iconic Innings:
- 264 runs vs. Sri Lanka (2014): The highest individual score in ODI history, including 9 sixes.
- *208 vs. Sri Lanka (2017)**: A double century featuring 12 sixes.
- His five centuries in the 2019 Cricket World Cup, studded with numerous sixes, made him the tournament’s highest run-scorer.
Six-Hitting Legacy:
- Rohit often plays aerial shots with elegance, targeting long-on, long-off, and square-leg boundaries.
- He is known for his ability to accelerate in the middle and death overs, making six-hitting seem effortless.
Rohit Sharma’s remarkable six-hitting consistency places him among the all-time greats in ODI cricket!
3. Chris Gayle (West Indies): 331 sixes in 301 matches
Chris Gayle, often called the “Universe Boss,” is one of the most destructive power hitters in the history of cricket. He has hit 331 sixes in 301 One Day Internationals (ODIs), showcasing his sheer power and aggression with the bat.
Key Details:
- Debut: September 11, 1999, against India.
- ODI Matches: 301
- Total Sixes: 331
- Iconic Innings:
- 215 vs. Zimbabwe (2015): Gayle became the first player to hit a double century in a World Cup match, with 16 sixes.
- 147 vs. South Africa (2015): Another explosive inning with 14 sixes, demonstrating his immense power.
- His performances in T20 leagues, including the IPL, have only added to his six-hitting reputation.
Six-Hitting Legacy:
- Chris Gayle’s signature shot is the huge six, often clearing long-on, deep mid-wicket, or even straight down the ground.
- His ability to hit sixes consistently, regardless of the bowler, makes him one of the most feared hitters in limited-overs cricket.
Gayle’s 331 sixes in ODIs, combined with his larger-than-life persona and incredible power, make him a cricketing legend in the world of six-hitting.
4. Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka): 270 sixes in 445 matches
Sanath Jayasuriya, one of Sri Lanka’s most explosive batsmen, played a crucial role in revolutionizing limited-overs cricket with his aggressive style. He hit 270 sixes in 445 One Day Internationals (ODIs), marking him as one of the most dynamic power hitters in the game’s history.
Key Details:
- Debut: December 26, 1989, against New Zealand.
- ODI Matches: 445
- Total Sixes: 270
- Iconic Innings:
- 189 vs. India (2000): One of his most memorable innings, featuring 21 fours and 3 sixes.
- 156 vs. India (2004): A fiery knock with several big hits.
- Fastest century (1996): His explosive start to the 1996 Cricket World Cup helped set the tone for Sri Lanka’s victory, including several sixes.
Six-Hitting Legacy:
- Jayasuriya was known for his fearless approach, often attacking from the outset and hitting big sixes, particularly over mid-wicket and long-on.
- His ability to accelerate quickly and dominate bowlers in both the powerplay and later overs made him a key figure in Sri Lanka’s cricketing success during the 1990s and 2000s.
Sanath Jayasuriya’s aggressive batting and ability to hit sixes consistently in ODIs cemented his place as a cricketing legend!
5. MS Dhoni (India): 229 sixes in 350 matches
MS Dhoni, one of India’s most successful captains and a legendary finisher, has hit 229 sixes in 350 One Day Internationals (ODIs). His ability to hit towering sixes, especially in high-pressure situations, has earned him a reputation as one of the best finishers in the history of the game.
Key Details:
- Debut: December 23, 2004, against Bangladesh.
- ODI Matches: 350
- Total Sixes: 229
- Iconic Innings:
- 91 in the 2007 ICC World T20 Final*: Dhoni’s calm and composed batting helped India win the inaugural T20 World Cup, including some crucial sixes in the latter stages of the chase.
- *183 vs. Sri Lanka (2005)**: A remarkable innings featuring several big sixes, which established him as a force in limited-overs cricket.
- Final over finishes: Dhoni’s ability to hit sixes in the last overs of the match, often finishing games with a six, has been a hallmark of his career.
Six-Hitting Legacy:
- Dhoni is renowned for his helicopter shot, a unique and effective technique that allows him to generate immense power and hit sixes effortlessly.
- His consistency in hitting sixes, particularly in critical moments, helped India win numerous matches, including key encounters in the 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup.
MS Dhoni’s strategic approach, ability to finish games, and knack for hitting sixes make him one of the greatest finishers and six-hitters in ODI history.
6. Eoin Morgan (England): 220 sixes in 248 matches
Eoin Morgan, one of England’s most successful white-ball captains, is known for his aggressive batting and innovative stroke play, particularly his ability to hit sixes. In 248 One Day Internationals (ODIs), Morgan has hit 220 sixes, solidifying his place as one of the top six-hitters in modern limited-overs cricket.
Key Details:
- Debut: July 5, 2006, against Scotland.
- ODI Matches: 248
- Total Sixes: 220
- Iconic Innings:
- *148 vs. Afghanistan (2015 World Cup)**: A powerful innings with 17 sixes, showcasing his boundary-hitting ability.
- 148 vs. Pakistan (2019): In this match, Morgan set a new record for the most sixes in a single ODI inning with 17, a feat that further cemented his reputation as one of the most dangerous hitters in the game.
- His leadership and batting were crucial in England’s victorious 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup campaign, where his tactical captaincy and aggressive approach redefined England’s approach to limited-overs cricket.
Six-Hitting Legacy:
- Morgan is known for his versatility in hitting sixes, often targeting straight boundaries and deep mid-wicket. His unorthodox but effective shots, especially the reverse sweep and scoop shots, have made him a feared hitter.
- As the captain of England, Morgan’s aggressive batting style helped revolutionize the English approach to limited-overs cricket, and he was a key figure in their World Cup-winning team.
Eoin Morgan’s ability to hit sixes consistently and lead by example in limited-overs cricket has solidified his place as one of the best modern-day power hitters.
7. AB de Villiers (South Africa): 204 sixes in 228 matches
AB de Villiers, known for his innovative and dynamic batting style, has been one of the most exceptional players in limited-overs cricket. In 228 One Day Internationals (ODIs), he has hit 204 sixes, making him one of the most prolific and versatile six-hitters in cricket.
Key Details:
- Debut: February 2, 2005, against England.
- ODI Matches: 228
- Total Sixes: 204
- Iconic Innings:
- *149 vs. West Indies (2015)**: A dazzling knock with 8 sixes, showcasing his ability to play both traditional and unorthodox shots.
- *104 vs. Sri Lanka (2017)**: A flawless inning with 5 sixes, illustrating his control and ability to accelerate when needed.
- Highest strike rate in ODIs: His aggressive batting approach helped him maintain one of the highest strike rates in ODI history.
- His famous 31-ball 100 against the West Indies in 2015 remains one of the fastest centuries in ODI cricket, including several sixes.
Six-Hitting Legacy:
- De Villiers is known for his ability to hit sixes all around the ground, from deep mid-wicket to straight over the bowler’s head. His innovative shots like the “360-degree” batting technique make him an unpredictable and dangerous batter.
- His ability to adapt and change the course of the game with powerful hitting, combined with his quick decision-making and adaptability, makes him one of the finest modern-day power hitters in ODI cricket.
AB de Villiers’ brilliance with the bat, especially his six-hitting prowess, has made him a cricketing legend and a key figure in South Africa’s limited-overs success.
8. Sachin Tendulkar (India): 195 sixes in 463 matches
Sachin Tendulkar, often regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of all time, hit 195 sixes in 463 One Day Internationals (ODIs). While his game was more about precision and timing than raw power, his ability to clear the boundary with elegance and skill made him one of the most prolific batsmen in ODI cricket.
Key Details:
- Debut: December 18, 1989, against Pakistan.
- ODI Matches: 463
- Total Sixes: 195
- Iconic Innings:
- *200 vs. South Africa (2010)**: Tendulkar became the first player in ODI history to score a double century, including several sixes, showcasing his ability to dominate in modern cricket.
- *137 vs. Australia (1998)**: A crucial knock with several sixes, leading India to a memorable victory.
- Tendulkar’s 175 vs. Australia (2009): A masterful innings with 6 sixes that displayed his ability to accelerate when needed.
Six-Hitting Legacy:
- Sachin’s sixes were often a result of perfect timing, with many of them coming straight down the ground or over mid-wicket.
- Though not as power-focused as other contemporary hitters, his consistent ability to clear the boundary, combined with his overall technique, made him one of the most respected players in cricket history.
Sachin Tendulkar’s 195 sixes in 463 ODIs, combined with his unparalleled career achievements, cemented his legacy as a cricketing icon and a symbol of excellence in the sport.
9. Chris Cairns (New Zealand): 153 sixes in 215 matches
Chris Cairns, one of New Zealand’s finest all-rounders, was known for his powerful hitting and solid bowling. In his 215 One Day Internationals (ODIs), Cairns hit 153 sixes, showcasing his capability to clear the boundary with ease, particularly during the latter stages of an innings.
Key Details:
- Debut: March 3, 1991, against Australia.
- ODI Matches: 215
- Total Sixes: 153
- Iconic Innings:
- 102 vs. South Africa (2004): A brilliant knock that included several powerful sixes, showing his all-round capabilities.
- Ruthless hitting in 2000s: Cairns played several crucial innings in ODIs where his power hitting in the middle overs helped New Zealand accelerate their score.
- He played key roles in New Zealand’s middle order, often coming in as a finisher, and his six-hitting ability was integral to many of the team’s successes.
Six-Hitting Legacy:
- Cairns was known for his big-hitting ability, particularly over the leg side, and his calmness in pressure situations allowed him to hit sixes when it mattered most.
- As an all-rounder, his ability to contribute with both bat and ball made him an asset to New Zealand in both ODIs and Test cricket.
Chris Cairns’ 153 sixes in 215 ODIs highlight his significant contribution to New Zealand cricket and his power-hitting prowess, especially during key moments in matches.
10. Jos Buttler (England): 152 sixes in 169 matches
Jos Buttler, one of England’s most explosive and innovative limited-overs players, has made a name for himself with his ability to clear the boundary at will. In just 169 One Day Internationals (ODIs), Buttler has hit 152 sixes, showcasing his aggressive approach and exceptional finishing abilities.
Key Details:
- Debut: February 2, 2012, against India.
- ODI Matches: 169
- Total Sixes: 152
- Iconic Innings:
- *150 vs. India (2019)**: A blistering knock, including 8 sixes, that highlighted his aggressive approach in the middle overs.
- *77 vs. Australia (2019 World Cup)**: Buttler’s ability to finish games was on full display, as he hit crucial sixes to seal England’s victory in a high-pressure match.
- 94 vs. New Zealand (2015): A brilliant innings with several sixes that led England’s charge in a memorable ODI encounter.
Six-Hitting Legacy:
- Buttler is renowned for his versatility, with the ability to hit sixes all over the ground, especially with his innovative shots like the reverse scoop and ramp shots.
- His fearless and aggressive batting style, combined with his ability to perform under pressure, has made him a key player in England’s transformation into a dynamic limited-overs team.
Jos Buttler’s 152 sixes in 169 ODIs, along with his crucial role in England’s 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup-winning team, solidify his reputation as one of the best modern-day power hitters in ODI cricket.