Table of Contents
Firstly, let’s start with defining what is a six in cricket: A six is also referred to as a ‘maximum’ as this is the most runs that can be scored in cricket from a single hit. There may be anomalies, such as instances where fielders allow for ‘overthrows’ but these are exceptionally rare.
The Longest Sixes in Cricket – Chart Updated as of April, 2024
A six is recorded when the batsman clears the boundary ropes without the ball bouncing. It’s an exciting moment in the game and, as a recognised maximum, a six comes with a host of important and relevant statistics. Biggest sixes are always recorded during a tournament but what are the longest and highest of all time?
1. Brett Lee (Australia)
143m against West Indies in the Gabba, Brisbane 2005 (Test Cricket)
It’s an unlikely name at the top of this list: Brett Lee was known for his express pace as a bowler and he’s also on the separate list for fastest deliveries of all time.
However, Lee was also handy with the bat and this hit from 2005 was simply mesmerising to watch. Rovman Powell was the stunned bowler as Lee made his clean hit and sent the ball out of the ground. It’s worth noting that the batsman was using a reinforced carbon fibre bat which has since been banned but this remains an official record.
2. Aiden Blizzard (Australia)
130m against Western Australia, in the WACA on 13 January 2008 (T20I Cricket)
Known as a limited overs specialist, Aiden Blizzard played for many T20 franchises and was good enough to earn an IPL contract with Mumbai Indians in 2011.
Although he didn’t play for Australia, his biggest ever six came on a grand stage, playing for Victoria in the KFC final of 2008. It wasn’t officially measured but, as it cleared the WACA and landed in the neighbouring car park, it’s known to have been at least 130 metres.
3. Martin Guptill (New Zealand)
127m against South Africa in the Sky Stadium, Wellington 2012 (T20I Cricket)
Martin Guptill is well known as a powerful opening batsman and the New Zealander finished the 2015 ODI World Cup as the tournament’s leading run scorer.
In this moment, the Kiwi faced a serious bowler in South Africa’s paceman Lonwabo Tsotsobe and he put him on the roof of the Westpac Stadium for a mighty 127 metre six.
4. Albie Morkel (South Africa)
125m against Deccan Chargers in Chennai 6 May 2008 (T20I Cricket)
The longest six in the history of the Indian Premier League was recorded in the very first edition. Albie Morkell was picked for Chennai Super Kings as a bowling all rounder who could score useful runs down the order and he certainly didn’t disappoint with this stunning shot.
At 125 metres, the maximum edges out a trio of batsmen into fifth place.
5. Simon O’Donnell (Australia)
122m against New South Wales in the MCG, Melbourne March 18-21 1993 (First Class Cricket)
Like Brett Lee before him, Australia’s Simon O’Donnell was known largely for his bowling but he could bat and scored seven first class centuries.
The Aussie also hit the biggest six at the Melbourne Cricket Ground which is a vast arena. In a Sheffield Shield match against New South Wales, he hit Greg Matthews into the third tier of the Great Southern Stand.
6. Adam Gilchrist (Australia)
122m against Royal Challengers Bangalore in Dharamsala 17 May 2011 (IPL)
Adam Gilchrist was an explosive batsman for Australia and he played in the IPL towards the end of his career.
He wasn’t quite as effective with the bat in this tournament but a high point came in 2011. Playing for Kings XI Punjab against Royal Challengers Bangalore, he hit a slower ball from Charl Langeveldt high into the stands at Dharamsala.
7. Corey Anderson (New Zealand)
122m against India in McLean Park, NZ 2014 (ODI Cricket)
A powerful left hander who has been seriously unlucky with injuries, Corey Anderson joins this list with a monster hit against India in 2014.
It landed on the roof of McLean Park which is a huge arena and was measured officially at 122 metres.
8. Victor Trumper (Australia)
120m+ in the Redfern Oval, AU 1903 (Club Match)
TV ball trackers and instant measuring devices weren’t around in Victor Trumper’s day and that’s why his final recorded distance is something of an approximation. It is, however, an incredible achievement for 1903 when you consider the advancement of technology and cricket bats since that time.
His maximum in this club match in Australia is open to debate but official reports show it to have been in excess of 120 metres so it gets a place on this list.
9. Mark Waugh (Australia)
120m against New Zealand in WACA, Perth 1997 (Test)
Australia’s Mark Waugh was largely known for his elegant stroke play but he could give the ball a mighty thump when the circumstances required. This particular milestone was recorded off one of New Zealand’s greatest ever bowlers, Daniel Vettori.
The left arm spinner bowled a back of the length delivery but Waugh came down the pitch, met it on the half volley and sent it sailing 120 metres into the stands at the WACA.
10. Shahid Afridi (Pakistan)
120m against South Africa in Johannesburg 17 March 2013 (ODI)
It’s fitting that a list relating to six hitters contains a man known as ‘Boom Boom’. Shahid Afridi hit a number of monster maximums but the only one that seems to be widely recognised as official is this effort.
Balls can travel further in Johannesburg because of the high altitude but this 120 metre six for Pakistan against South Africa is still an impressive hit.
Closing Thoughts
Whilst researching this list and the interactive chart, there were some other suggestions in terms of who has hit the longest and biggest sixes. What I’ve looked to do here is only include those that have been officially recorded. If there is some doubt as to the exact measurement, as in the case of Victor Trumper, I’ve made sure that there is something official in place.
There are suggestions that Shahid Afridi has hit a bigger six than Brett Lee but there is a bigger dispute over this point. Overall, it’s been interesting to work through it and I hope you enjoy the list and the chart.
Remember to keep checking the chart: Batsmen who are still involved in the game will have their records updated and anyone who breaks into the list will also be included in the future.
