Cricket, a graceful and strategic game, has changed a lot recently. Among its traditional aspects, the excitement of hitting powerful shots has become a big deal. This is often seen when players hit a mighty six, and it's a global spectacle. In One Day International (ODI) cricket, some players are not only skilled but also consistently good at hitting the ball out of the boundary. Let's explore the top 10 players who are known for their ability to launch the ball into the stands, making power hitting in ODI cricket really exciting.
Top 10 Most Sixes In ODI International Cricket
1. Shahid Afridi of Pakistan (351 Sixes)
Shahid Afridi, a standout player from Pakistan, notches up an impressive record with a batting average of 23.57. What sets him apart is his remarkable feat of hitting the most sixes in ODI international cricket. Across 369 ODI innings, Afridi achieved a remarkable 351 sixes in his career. In his 398 ODI games, Afridi showcased his prowess, accumulating a total of 8064 runs, which included six centuries and 39 half-centuries. Widely acknowledged as a formidable hitter, Afridi left a lasting impact on the cricketing world.
2. Chris Gayle of West Indies (331 Sixes)
Chris Gayle, the former West Indies opening batsman, made a big impact in ODI history by hitting 331 boundary sixes. He's one of the few players in international cricket to hit over 300 sixes in one-day internationals. Known as "The Universe Boss" in cricket, Gayle holds the record for the most big shots in international cricket with an impressive 553 sixes. His ratio of hitting sixes is better than anyone else on the list.
3. Rohit Sharma of India (323 Sixes)
Currently, Rohit Sharma leads the Indian cricket team. He achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Indian batsman to hit 300 sixes in ODI cricket. He reached this feat during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 against Pakistan, where he smacked Haris Rauf for his 300th ODI six. As of now, Rohit Sharma has a total of 323 sixes in the 50-over format. Notably, he also holds the record for hitting the most sixes in T20Is and across all international cricket matches.
4. Sanath Jayasuriya of Sri Lanka (270 Sixes)
Sanath Jayasuriya is the former Sri Lankan opening batsman. He showcased his prowess by hitting an impressive 270 sixes during his ODI career. He was known for his explosive starts at the top of the order and played a crucial role in Sri Lanka's victorious 1996 World Cup campaign. Throughout his extensive limited-overs career, Jayasuriya partnered with various openers. This maintained his aggressive style that consistently kept bowlers on their toes and made a significant impact on the game.
5. MS Dhoni of India (229 Sixes)
As MS Dhoni kicked off his white-ball cricket journey, he earned a reputation for his signature long hair and the knack for crushing the ball. He was casually knocking out sixes whenever he felt like it. Across 297 ODI innings for Team India, Dhoni notched up a total of 229 sixes. Amidst the numerous highlights, his iconic six against Nuwan Kulasekara in the 2011 World Cup is etched in everyone's memory. It marked the end of Team India's 28-year-long quest for a World Cup victory.
6. Eoin Morgan of England (220 Sixes)
Eoin Morgan, the captain who led England to World Cup victory, has hit an impressive 220 sixes in his career. He holds a notable record for the most sixes in a single innings. During the World Cup in 2019, he sent 17 balls out of the park in a match against Afghanistan. Morgan's career spans 230 ODI innings, showcasing a six-hitting ratio that's nearly 1:1, putting him in the company of players like Brendon McCullum and AB de Villiers.
7. Ab De Villiers of South Africa (204 Sixes)
AB de Villiers is often nicknamed Mr. 360. He secures the 7th spot among the top 10 batters with the most sixes in ODI international cricket. With 204 sixes in 218 ODI innings, he showcased his impressive hitting skills. De Villiers had a remarkable ODI career, tallying 9577 runs at an average of 53.51, featuring 25 centuries and 53 half-centuries. His reputation for effortlessly launching sixes whenever he wanted has left a lasting impression in the world of cricket.
8. Brendon McCullum of New Zealand (200 Sixes)
The former New Zealand captain is known for his aggressive style. Brendon McCullum has made a mark in world cricket. His smashing approach includes 200 sixes in ODIs and an impressive count of 107 sixes in test cricket. McCullum's cricket journey spans 228 ODI innings, showcasing his dynamic and impactful presence on the field.
9. Sachin Tendulkar of India (195 Sixes)
The iconic Indian batsman, Sachin Tendulkar, wrapped up his remarkable career with a total of 195 sixes in 463 one-day international games. He was known for his finesse in ground strokes rather than constantly aiming for big hits. Sachin occasionally showcased his ability to dominate bowlers with aerial shots. Impressively, he notched up more than 2,000 fours in his ODI journey. Sachin Tendulkar's name is a fixture in numerous batting records, underscoring his enduring legacy in the world of cricket.
10. Sourav Ganguly of India (190 Sixes)
Sourav Ganguly is the former captain of the Indian cricket team. He was recognized as one of the most destructive batsmen in cricket. Throughout his career, spanning 311 one-day internationals, he smashed an impressive 190 sixes. Ganguly was notably adept at handling spinners, consistently dominating them. In the 311 ODIs he played, he accumulated a substantial total of 11,363 runs.
Also Read: Top 10 All-Time Highest Score in IPL
Conclusion
People love cricket because it's a mix of skill, strategy, and excitement. The passion for the sport blooms with players evolving their playing styles and breaking records. Whether it's the powerful hits of players like Shahid Afridi or the precise batting of legends like Sachin Tendulkar, cricket keeps fans engaged in the unfolding stories on the field. Trying to hit the most sixes in ODI cricket shows the thrill of quick matches. And players like Chris Gayle, known for big hits, inspire others. In cricket's ever-changing world, breaking records is a celebration of teamwork, making the sport popular worldwide. As new players join and older ones make history, the excitement of hitting the most sixes highlights the fun mix of power, precision, and the desire for victory in cricket. Ultimately, cricket's rich history shows that the journey is just as important as reaching goals, with records like the most sixes being one exciting part of the bigger story that brings nations together and keeps the love for the game alive around the world.
Also Read: Top 10 Longest Six in Cricket History
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