Cricket has always been a game of thrill and power, but nothing excites fans more than watching a ball sail out of the ground. Six-hitting has become a hallmark of modern cricket, especially with the rise of T20 leagues and shorter formats. Over the years, many cricketers have smashed record-breaking sixes, leaving fans stunned. Among them, Shahid Afridi’s 153-meter six against South Africa in 2013 is widely regarded as the longest in cricket history.
This article looks at the longest sixes ever recorded, the debate around their accuracy, and the legendary names who redefined power-hitting.
The Widely Recognized Longest Six – Shahid Afridi (153m)
- Player: Shahid Afridi
- Team: Pakistan
- Opponent: South Africa
- Distance: 153 meters
- Year: 2013
Afridi, known as Boom Boom, smashed Ryan McLaren in Johannesburg for what became the most famous six in cricket history. The ball cleared the stadium roof, and though some experts debate the exact distance, it remains the most consistently referenced hit worldwide.
Afridi’s fearless style and raw strength ensured his name will forever remain linked with the biggest sixes in cricket.
Brett Lee – The Bowler Who Shocked Everyone (143m)
While known for pace, Brett Lee stunned the cricket world in 2005 at the Gabba with a 143-meter strike against Darren Powell. This remains one of the longest sixes ever hit in Test cricket and showcased that even bowlers could produce batting fireworks.
Read more: Top 10 Most Dangerous Bowlers in World
Notable Longest Sixes by Other Players
Martin Guptill – 127m (2012)
Guptill smashed South African bowler Lonwabo Tsotsobe for a 127m six in Wellington. The ball struck the stadium roof, proving his dominance as one of New Zealand’s hardest hitters.
Corey Anderson – 122m (2014)
In Napier, Anderson cleared Mohammed Shami for a 122m six, cementing his place among cricket’s most dangerous hitters.
Liam Livingstone – 122m (2021)
At Headingley, England’s Livingstone destroyed Haris Rauf with a 122m shot that landed outside the stadium. It was one of the cleanest sixes ever seen in T20I cricket.
Yuvraj Singh – 119m (2007)
During the 2007 T20 World Cup, Yuvraj Singh hit Brett Lee for a 119m six, one of the longest by an Indian. It came during his iconic innings where he also smashed six sixes in an over against Stuart Broad.
MS Dhoni – 118m (2009)
Dhoni’s no-look six against New Zealand traveled 118m, showcasing his immense strength. It remains one of the most memorable moments of his career.
Chris Gayle – 116m (2010)
Known as the “Universe Boss,” Gayle blasted Yusuf Pathan for a 116m six in the 2010 T20 World Cup. This was just one among the countless monster sixes in his career.
Rumors & Unverified Claims
There have been viral social media claims about 173m sixes by players like Aiden Blizzard and Mitchell Santner, but none of these have official confirmation. Experts and historians widely dismiss these as exaggerated or anecdotal.
Read Also:- Highest Team Score in T20I and Asia Cup – Top 10 Records
List of Top 10 Longest Sixes in International Cricket
| Rank | Player | Team | Distance | Opponent | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shahid Afridi | Pakistan | 153m | South Africa | 2013 |
| 2 | Brett Lee | Australia | 143m | West Indies | 2005 |
| 3 | Martin Guptill | New Zealand | 127m | South Africa | 2012 |
| 4 | Corey Anderson | New Zealand | 122m | India | 2014 |
| 5 | Liam Livingstone | England | 122m | Pakistan | 2021 |
| 6 | Mark Waugh | Australia | 120m | New Zealand | 1997 |
| 7 | Yuvraj Singh | India | 119m | Australia | 2007 |
| 8 | MS Dhoni | India | 118m | New Zealand | 2009 |
| 9 | Shahid Afridi | Pakistan | 118m | Australia | 2005 |
| 10 | Chris Gayle | West Indies | 116m | India | 2010 |
Why Don’t Modern Batsmen Break These Records?
- Better Strategy: Players now focus more on control and placement, as a 70m six gives the same runs as a 120m one.
- Technology: Modern ball-tracking tools show more realistic distances, removing exaggerated claims.
- Fitness & Bats: While bats are stronger and lighter, batters prefer consistent boundaries over risky swings for record-breaking hits.
Read more: Longest Six in Asia Cup 2025 (T20)
Conclusion
The longest six in cricket history remains Shahid Afridi’s 153m monster hit in 2013. While debates continue about accuracy and older claims, Afridi’s strike is etched in cricket folklore. From Brett Lee’s shocker to Dhoni’s iconic no-look six and Yuvraj’s 2007 heroics, these moments remind fans why six-hitting is one of the most thrilling aspects of cricket.
The future may yet see bigger sixes, but for now, Afridi’s towering hit continues to rule the record books.
