Most Sixes in ODI | Most ODI Sixes in a Calendar year
The introduction of T20 cricket has made six-hitting a crucial element of a batsman’s skill set. Nevertheless, some players were pioneers in this aggressive approach long before the format’s rise. Their bold batting styles set a precedent for how the game could be played. Notable figures such as Shahid Afridi, Rohit Sharma, Chris Gayle, and Brendon McCullum consistently showcased their attacking instincts, regardless of the match format or circumstances. It is fitting that Shahid Afridi holds the record for the most sixes in ODI cricket.
Here’s a look at the list of players who have hit the most sixes in ODI in International cricket:
Most Sixes in ODI Cricket
| Player | Mat | Sixes | HS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shahid Afridi (Pakistan) | 398 | 351 | 124 |
| Rohit Sharma (India) | 270* | 339 | 264 |
| Chris Gayle (West Indies) | 301 | 321 | 215 |
| Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka) | 445 | 270 | 189 |
| MS Dhoni (India) | 350 | 229 | 183* |
Shahid Afridi – The Six-hitting phenomenon
Even after his retirement in 2015, Pakistan’s formidable middle-order player remains the leading six-hitter in One Day International (ODI) cricket. Afridi, who consistently embraced a dynamic and aggressive approach, established his reputation in the late 1990s through his explosive style of play. His remarkable strength enabled him to hit sixes effortlessly, often causing significant disruption in the opposing team’s morale with his capacity to change the game’s momentum within a matter of deliveries. Due to his bold batting technique, Afridi held the record for the fastest century in ODI cricket for 18 years, until Corey Anderson achieved a 36-ball hundred in 2014.
Most ODI Sixes in a Calendar Year
Indian Captain Rohit Sharma currently holds the record for the most sixes in One Day Internationals (ODIs) within a single calendar year. In 2023, he has achieved an impressive total of 67 sixes across 26 innings. He surpassed the previous record of 58 sixes set by AB De Villiers when he hit two sixes during a World Cup match against the Netherlands in Bengaluru. Given Rohit’s aggressive playing style, it was only a matter of time before he would dominate the records for sixes in international cricket. His remarkable stroke play and precise timing captivate fans worldwide.
Here’s how Rohit registered the record earlier this year:
𝗛𝗜𝗧𝗠𝗔𝗡 𝗦𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟!
Captain Rohit Sharma now holds the record for the most ODI sixes in the calendar year 💥#TeamIndia | #CWC23 | #MenInBlue | #INDvNED pic.twitter.com/YTCYHAKk7B
— BCCI (@BCCI) November 12, 2023
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who has hit the most sixes in international cricket?
Rohit Sharma has hit the most sixes in international cricket. Sharma holds the record with a tally of 582 sixes.
Q: Who has hit the most sixes in a match?
England’s former Captain Eoin Morgan has hit the most sixes in a match. Morgan smashed 17 sixes against Afghanistan in World Cup 2019 at Old Trafford in Manchester.