Most Sixes Hit By A Player In ODI Cricket [Source: AP Photos]
In the thrilling world of One Day International (ODI) cricket, hitting sixes remains one of the most entertaining aspects of the game. Over the years, power-hitters have delighted fans by clearing boundaries with ease and rewriting records with their big-hitting skills.
From legendary names to modern-day hitters, the race for the most sixes in ODI cricket has always been intense.
This elite list boasts of players who consistently dominate over bowlers while entertaining the viewers with their free-flowing gameplay.
On that note, let’s take a closer look at the cricketers who have etched their names in history by smashing the most sixes in ODIs.
5. MS Dhoni - 229 sixes
5. MS Dhoni - 229 sixes [Source: @ashMSDIAN7/X.com]
The World Cup-winning former Indian cricketer, MS Dhoni, stands 5th on the list with 229 sixes from ODI cricket. Dhoni, the prominent finisher, who had a calm demeanour on the field, possessed incredible power-hitting ability.
His towering six in the final of the 2011 ICC ODI World Cup is still remembered as one of the most iconic hits of his career. His tally of 229 sixes clearly reflects his contribution as a match-winner for India.
4. Sanath Jayasuriya - 270 sixes
4. Sanath Jayasuriya - 270 sixes [Source: @cricketcomau/X.com]
Former Sri Lankan legend Sanath Jayasuriya was a revolutionary opener who redefined batting in ODIs. Along with being an inning builder, Jayasuriya also possessed tremendous power to hit long sixes.
He slammed 270 sixes in his extensive ODI career, which covered over 445 matches, and made 13430 runs. During the 1996 ICC ODI World Cup, his performances played a pivotal role in helping Sri Lanka to win the first-ever title of the tournament.
One of the most memorable innings was his 189 against India in 2000, which showed his capability of hitting sixes.
3. Chris Gayle - 331 sixes
3. Chris Gayle - 331 sixes [Source: @cricketcomau/X.com]
Any list of sixes is incomplete without Universe Boss Chris Gayle. The 6'2 long man with bulky biceps used to hit humongous sixes without a flinch. In his ODI career, Gayle smacked 331 sixes in 301 games and accumulated 10480 runs.
One of his most remembered innings was when he played against Zimbabwe during the 2015 ICC ODI World Cup, scoring 215 runs, smashing 16 sixes for himself. The flamboyant style and power that threatened the bowlers got him the title of 'Universe Boss.'
2. Rohit Sharma - 333 sixes
2. Rohit Sharma - 333 sixes [Source: @BCCI/X.com]
Rohit Sharma, India's explosive opening batsman, is second in this exclusive list, having hammered 333 sixes in his glorious ODI career. From being a middle-order batsman, Sharma became a different beast after being promoted as an opener.
His aggressive intent and his ability to take the bowlers on, particularly in the powerplay, made him a serious force in the ODI arena. In addition, Rohit is the only batsman to have scored three double centuries in ODIs.
1. Shahid Afridi - 351 sixes
1. Shahid Afridi - 351 sixes [Source: @SajSadiqCricket/X.com]
Former legendary Pakistani all-rounder Shahid Afridi holds the record of hitting most sixes in ODI cricket. In 398 ODIs, he slammed 351 sixes and hit a total of 8064 runs.
Afridi played the role of a finisher for Pakistan and in his time, his fearless approach often left spectators in awe and bowlers scratching their heads. Despite being a lower-order batter, his tally of 351 sixes is a record in itself.
Moreover, his tendency to hit sixes from the very first ball made him a game-changer for Pakistan. His 37-ball century against Sri Lanka in 1996 remains one of the most iconic innings in ODI history.