Longest Six in Cricket History: Top 10 Biggest Hits Ever
Some shots stop the crowd mid-breath. The ball leaves the bat and you just know — that one is not coming back quickly. The longest sixes in cricket history are those rare moments where power, timing and intent combine into something you replay for years.
This is the definitive list of the longest cricket sixes ever recorded in international cricket. Each one measured, verified and worth knowing.
Quick answer: Shahid Afridi holds the record for the longest six in cricket history with a 153-meter hit against South Africa in 2013. No international player has officially broken that mark.
What Is the Longest Six in Cricket History
Shahid Afridi‘s 153-meter six at Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg in a 2013 ODI against South Africa remains the longest verified six in international cricket. Hawk-Eye technology confirmed the distance.
The ball cleared the stands and landed near the stadium parking area. Johannesburg’s high altitude reduced air resistance which added extra carry.
That single shot has stood for over a decade. Nobody in international cricket has officially surpassed it.
Top 10 Longest Sixes in Cricket History
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#10How Are Six Distances Measured in Cricket
Modern cricket uses Hawk-Eye ball-tracking technology to measure six distances accurately. High-speed cameras positioned around the stadium track the ball in three-dimensional space from bat contact to landing point.
The key measurements involved are exit velocity at point of impact which ranges from 120 to 160 km/h for powerful hits and launch angle which for maximum distance sits between 25 and 35 degrees.
Stadium mapping software accounts for elevation changes boundary dimensions and obstacles like roofs or stands. Altitude humidity and wind speed are also factored in.
The final distance reflects projected flight path to landing not actual bounce distance. This ensures consistent comparison across venues and formats.
FAQ
Who hit the longest six in cricket history? Shahid Afridi with 153 meters against South Africa at Wanderers Johannesburg in 2013. Hawk-Eye verified. The record has stood for over a decade.
Is the 173-meter six real? No. The 173-meter six is not a verified international record. Claims of distances beyond 153 meters circulate online but none are officially confirmed by Hawk-Eye or ICC-recognised tracking in international cricket.
What is the longest six in IPL history? Several IPL sixes have been measured beyond 100 meters. Albie Morkel and Chris Gayle have both hit sixes reported at over 110 meters in IPL matches. IPL tracking has evolved over seasons so earlier figures may be less precise than current Hawk-Eye data.
What is the longest six in PSL history? PSL has produced several big sixes from players like Shahid Afridi and Liam Livingstone. Official PSL tracking data is available on the official PSL website for verified distances by season.
What is the longest six of Rohit Sharma? Rohit Sharma has hit sixes reported at around 100 to 107 meters in international cricket. He is not in the official top 10 longest list but is known for clean hitting over long-on and long-off.
What is the longest six of Virat Kohli? Kohli is primarily a gap-finding and timing batter. His biggest sixes sit in the 95 to 105 meter range. Power hitting is not his signature but his strike rate in T20 cricket remains elite.
Sabse lamba six kisne mara hai? Shahid Afridi ne 2013 mein South Africa ke khilaf 153 meter ka six mara jo abhi tak ka sabse lamba verified international six hai.
What is the longest six in women’s cricket? Women’s cricket tracking data for maximum six distances is limited compared to the men’s game. Deandra Dottin and Harmanpreet Kaur are among the biggest hitters in the women’s game but an officially verified longest six equivalent to Hawk-Eye men’s data is not yet publicly recorded.
Has anyone hit a longer six than Afridi? Not officially in international cricket. Some estimates and fan measurements suggest longer hits but none have been independently verified by Hawk-Eye technology in an international match.
How long is Dhoni’s longest six? MS Dhoni’s longest recorded six is 118 meters against New Zealand in Christchurch in 2009.
Who hit 158 meter six in cricket history? No player has an officially verified 158-meter six in international cricket. This figure appears in unverified online content. The official record remains Afridi at 153 meters.
What type of cricket bat is best for hitting big sixes? Bats with a higher middle and thicker edges generate more power on mistimed shots. Willow grade and bat weight between 1.1 and 1.3 kg suit most power hitters. However bat speed matters more than bat weight for distance hitting.
