Top Cricketers With the Most Sixes in ODI History

Cricket has become from a tactical, patient’s game to an explosive game wherein six-hitting has become a skill. One Day Internationals (ODIs) witness a six completely turn around a game in the blink of an eye, with power hitters proving priceless to a team. Cricketers have learned the skill of clearing the boundary so well that record books have been re-written by their bold stroke play. Here, we see the leading performers who have delivered the most sixes in the history of ODI cricket, their contribution to the game, and how six-hitting has developed over the years.

What Makes a Great Six-Hitter in ODI Cricket?

A successful six-hitter in ODIs requires:

Raw Power: Strength to clear boundaries with ease.
Timing & Technique: A perfect balance of power and precision.
Hand-Eye Coordination: Ability to pick the length early.
Fearlessness: confidence to take on bowlers in any situation.

The greatest six-hitters possess a mix of these qualities, making them a nightmare for bowlers.

Top 5 Players with the Most Sixes in ODI History

1. Shahid Afridi: Boom Boom’s Legacy

Shahid Afridi, or “Boom Boom Afridi,” was one of the most exciting power hitters in ODI history. His aggressive batting style made him a fan favorite worldwide.

Afridi’s ODI Six-Hitting Stats:

Most Sixes in ODIs: 351
Fastest ODI Century (at the time): 37 balls
Strike Rate: 115+

2. Rohit Sharma (India)

When it comes to stylish six-hitting, few players compete with India’s “Hitman,” Rohit Sharma. Rohit combines elegance with brute force, delivering jaw-dropping performances time and again.

Rohit Sharma ODI Six-Hitting Stats:

Most Sixes in ODIs: 330 +
Strike Rate: 92+
Most Sixes in Inning: 16 Sixes (vs Australia, 2013)

Career Highlight: During his famous 264-run innings against Sri Lanka in 2014 (the highest individual ODI score), Sharma hit 9 sixes, captivating fans worldwide.

3. Chris Gayle (West Indies)

Chris Gayle, the Universal Boss is the third on the list with the highest number of sixes in ODI cricket. His sheer power and aggressive style have earned him a place among the most feared batsmen ever.

Gayle’s ODI Six-Hitting Stats:

Most Sixes in ODIs: 331
Highest ODI Score: 215
Strike Rate: 85+

Career Highlight: One cannot overlook his 215-run scorer during the 2015 Cricket World Cup, where Gayle fired 16 sixes into oblivion against Zimbabwe.

4. Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka)

Sanath Jayasuriya can be credited with revolutionizing batting in ODIs during the 1990s. Openers at the time usually took their time building an innings, but Jayasuriya stormed onto the field with an aggressive mindset that turned powerplays into run-fests.

Sanath Jayasuriya ODI Six-Hitting Stats:

Most Sixes in ODIs: 270
Highest ODI Score: 189
Strike Rate: 91+

Career Highlight: His explosive 48-ball century against Pakistan in the 1996 Singer Cup, featuring 11 sixes, still stands as one of the greatest ODI knocks.

5. MS Dhoni (India)

Considered one of cricket’s finest finishers, MS Dhoni mastered the art of constructing innings under pressure. Leading India to many nail-biting wins, Dhoni employed six to seal games with dominance.

MS Dhoni ODI Six-Hitting Stats:

Most Sixes in ODIs: 229
Highest ODI Score: 189
Strike Rate: 87+

Career Highlight: Perhaps the most iconic six of Dhoni’s career was the 2011 World Cup Final against Sri Lanka, where he smashed Nuwan Kulasekara into the stands to seal India’s championship victory.

Honorable Mentions

While only five players make the all-time list, a few others are worth mentioning:

Brendon McCullum (New Zealand) Famous for his fearless opening style, McCullum hit 200 sixes in ODIs.
Eoin Morgan (England), England’s 2019 World Cup-winning captain, with 211 ODI sixes, had a special love for clearing boundaries.
AB de Villiers (South Africa) Averaging 220 sixes in his ODI career, de Villiers redefined versatility and innovation.

These figures highlight just how impactful these players have been in shaping ODI cricket into the high-energy spectacle it is today.