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Cricket, a sport known for its grace and technique, also has a thrilling facet that captivates fans around the world – the mighty sixes. The ability to clear the boundary consistently requires a unique blend of power, technique, and fearlessness. Let’s delve into the world of big hitters and explore the top 10 six-hitters in One Day International (ODI) cricket, who have left an indelible mark with their remarkable ability to send the ball soaring into the stands.
Table of content
- 1 1. Shahid Afridi (Pakistan)
- 2 2. Chris Gayle (West Indies)
- 3 3. Rohit Sharma (India)
- 4 4. Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka)
- 5 5. MS Dhoni (India)
- 6 6. Eoin Morgan (England/Ireland)
- 7 7. AB de Villiers (South Africa)
- 8 8. Brendon McCullum (New Zealand)
- 9 9. Sachin Tendulkar (India)
- 10 10. Sourav Ganguly (India)
1. Shahid Afridi (Pakistan)
- Span: 1996-2015
- Matches: 398
- Innings: 369
- Sixes: 351
Known as the “Boom Boom” Afridi, Shahid Afridi stands tall as the most prolific six-hitter in ODI history. His aggressive style and powerful hitting have entertained cricket enthusiasts worldwide. Afridi’s penchant for clearing the boundary in high-pressure situations made him a match-winner for Pakistan.
2. Chris Gayle (West Indies)
- Span: 1999-2019
- Matches: 301
- Innings: 294
- Sixes: 331
The “Universe Boss,” Chris Gayle, is synonymous with explosive batting. With a nonchalant demeanor, Gayle has sent numerous bowlers on a leather hunt with his towering sixes. His ability to decimate bowling attacks makes him one of the most feared batsmen in limited-overs cricket.
3. Rohit Sharma (India)
- Span: 2007-2023
- Matches: 261
- Innings: 253
- Sixes: 320
Rohit Sharma, often referred to as the “Hitman” of Indian cricket, combines elegance with power. Whether opening the innings or anchoring the middle order, Rohit’s ability to clear the ropes adds a dynamic dimension to his batting. His knack for converting starts into big scores includes a plethora of maximums.
4. Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka)
- Span: 1989-2011
- Matches: 445
- Innings: 433
- Sixes: 270
Sanath Jayasuriya’s explosive batting at the top of the order revolutionized ODI cricket. As a trailblazer for aggressive opening batting, Jayasuriya’s fearless approach and powerful hitting make him an iconic figure in Sri Lankan cricket. His ability to dominate the powerplays paved the way for a new era in limited-overs cricket.
5. MS Dhoni (India)
- Span: 2004-2019
- Matches: 350
- Innings: 297
- Sixes: 229
Former Indian captain MS Dhoni, known for his cool demeanor, is also a destructive finisher. Dhoni’s finishing prowess often culminated in soaring sixes during the final overs. His ability to assess the situation and launch calculated attacks has been instrumental in India’s success in limited-overs cricket.
6. Eoin Morgan (England/Ireland)
- Span: 2006-2022
- Matches: 248
- Innings: 230
- Sixes: 220
Eoin Morgan, the English captain, is a modern-day captain cool with a penchant for aggressive batting. His innovative strokeplay includes an array of sixes, often changing the course of the game in England’s favor. Morgan’s leadership and ability to lead from the front make him a valuable asset for the English team.
7. AB de Villiers (South Africa)
- Span: 2005-2018
- Matches: 228
- Innings: 218
- Sixes: 204
AB de Villiers, often referred to as “Mr. 360,” redefined modern batting with his innovative shot selection and 360-degree range. De Villiers’ ability to clear the ropes from any angle and all parts of the ground makes him a standout six-hitter. His audacious strokes have left spectators in awe on numerous occasions.
8. Brendon McCullum (New Zealand)
- Span: 2002-2016
- Matches: 260
- Innings: 228
- Sixes: 200
Brendon McCullum, the former New Zealand captain, set the tone for aggressive cricket with his fearless and attacking brand of batting. McCullum’s ability to take on bowlers from the word go made him a trendsetter in limited-overs cricket. His explosive innings, often featuring breathtaking sixes, have etched his name in the annals of cricketing history.
9. Sachin Tendulkar (India)
- Span: 1989-2012
- Matches: 463
- Innings: 452
- Sixes: 195
Sachin Tendulkar, the “Little Master,” wasn’t just about exquisite timing; he could clear the boundary with grace. Tendulkar’s sixes added flair to his classical batting. While he was known for his textbook strokes, Tendulkar could effortlessly shift gears and dispatch the ball over the ropes when needed.
10. Sourav Ganguly (India)
- Span: 1992-2007
- Matches: 311
- Innings: 300
- Sixes: 190
Sourav Ganguly, the aggressive southpaw and former Indian captain, displayed his six-hitting prowess during crucial phases of the game. Ganguly’s fearless approach and ability to take on the best bowlers made him a charismatic figure in Indian cricket. His memorable sixes are etched in the memories of cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
These power-hitters have not only entertained cricket enthusiasts but also played pivotal roles in shaping the dynamics of modern-day limited-overs cricket with their remarkable ability to send the ball into the stands. The legacy of these six-hitting maestros continues to inspire the next generation of cricketers, emphasizing the thrilling and dynamic nature of ODI cricket.
