Over the years, we’ve seen several big-hitting batsmen who have enthralled audiences with their explosive power and fearless approach. Among these cricketing giants, a select few have stood out with their extraordinary ability to clear the boundary consistently.
Topping this elite list of players with most sixes in ODI cricket is Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi, who smashed an astonishing 351 sixes in his ODI career.
Two Indians are also among the top ten players with the most sixes in ODI cricket history. Check out the complete list in this article.
List of 10 Players with Highest Number of Sixes in ODI
| Player | Span | Mat | Inns | Runs | Avg | SR | 100 | 50 | 6s |
| Shahid Afridi | 1996-2015 | 398 | 369 | 8064 | 23.57 | 117.00 | 6 | 39 | 351 |
| Chris Gayle | 1999-2019 | 301 | 294 | 10480 | 37.83 | 87.19 | 25 | 54 | 331 |
| Rohit Sharma | 2007-2023 | 262 | 254 | 10709 | 49.12 | 91.97 | 31 | 55 | 323 |
| Sanath Jayasuriya | 1989-2011 | 445 | 433 | 13430 | 32.36 | 91.20 | 28 | 68 | 270 |
| MS Dhoni | 2004-2019 | 350 | 297 | 10773 | 50.57 | 87.56 | 10 | 73 | 229 |
| Eoin Morgan | 2006-2022 | 248 | 230 | 7701 | 39.29 | 91.16 | 14 | 47 | 220 |
| AB de Villiers | 2005-2018 | 228 | 218 | 9577 | 53.50 | 101.09 | 25 | 53 | 204 |
| Brendon McCullum | 2002-2016 | 260 | 228 | 6083 | 30.41 | 96.37 | 5 | 32 | 200 |
| Sachin Tendulkar | 1989-2012 | 463 | 452 | 18426 | 44.83 | 86.23 | 49 | 96 | 195 |
| Sourav Ganguly | 1992-2007 | 311 | 300 | 11363 | 41.02 | 73.70 | 22 | 72 | 190 |
1. Shahid Afridi
Shahid Afridi, one of the most electrifying cricketers to have ever graced the game, played from 1996 to 2015, during which he hit a staggering 351 sixes in 398 matches. This makes him the player which the highest sixes in ODI cricket.
Afridi’s record for the fastest ODI century, which he achieved in just 37 balls, stood for nearly 18 years, exemplifying his explosive style. Beyond his batting prowess, Afridi was also a handy leg-spinner, claiming over 350 wickets in ODIs, which made him a valuable all-rounder for Pakistan.
Read More: Top 10 Batsmen with Most Sixes in Cricket
2. Chris Gayle
Representing the West Indies from 1999 to 2019, Gayle scored 10,480 runs in 301 ODIs at a strike rate of 87.19. He has amassed 331 sixes, reflecting his imposing presence at the crease and his ability to dominate bowlers.
He is one of the few players to have scored a double century in ODI cricket, a testament to his capacity to play marathon innings while maintaining a high strike rate. His ability to take on the best bowlers in the world and hit them out of the park is a spectacle that cricket fans have cherished for over two decades.
3. Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma is one of India’s most prolific ODI batsmen. From his debut in 2007 until 2024, Rohit has become a cornerstone of India’s batting lineup, scoring 10,709 runs in 262 matches with a strike rate of 91.97. He has accumulated 323 sixes, making him third on the list of batsmen with the highest number of sixes in ODI cricket.
Rohit holds the record for the highest individual score in ODI cricket, an astonishing 264 runs. His ability to pace an innings and accelerate when needed has made him one of the most reliable batsmen in the game. With three double centuries in ODIs, Rohit has redefined the art of opening the batting.
4. Sanath Jayasuriya
Sanath Jayasuriya, the Sri Lankan legend, revolutionized ODI cricket with his aggressive batting at the top of the order. Playing from 1989 to 2011, Jayasuriya scored 13,430 runs in 445 matches at a strike rate of 91.20, hitting 270 sixes. His explosive starts were a key factor in Sri Lanka’s success, including their 1996 World Cup triumph.
Suggested Read: Fastest 50 in ODI: 10 Fastest Fifty in ODI International
5. MS Dhoni
MS Dhoni is renowned not only for his calm demeanour under pressure but also for his ability to hit towering sixes. Dhoni played from 2004 to 2019, scoring 10,773 runs in 350 ODIs at a strike rate of 87.56, with 229 sixes.
His finishing abilities were legendary, often steering India to victory with his composed yet powerful batting. His helicopter shot, a unique stroke that sends the ball sailing over the boundary, became his trademark. Dhoni’s leadership skills were instrumental in India winning major ICC tournaments, including the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup.
6. Eoin Morgan
From his debut in 2006 to his retirement in 2022, England’s Eoin Morgan scored 7,701 runs in 248 ODIs at a strike rate of 91.16, hitting 220 sixes. Morgan was not just a prolific batsman but also a great leader. His leadership was pivotal in England’s first ODI World Cup win in 2019.
7. AB de Villiers
AB de Villiers, often referred to as “Mr. 360” for his ability to play shots all around the wicket, is one of the most versatile and explosive batsmen in cricket history. Playing from 2005 to 2018, he scored 9,577 runs in 228 ODIs at an impressive strike rate of 101.09, hitting 204 sixes.
His innovative and unorthodox batting style made him a unique batsman. De Villiers holds the record for the fastest ODI century, reaching the milestone in just 31 balls.
Suggested Read: List of Most Sixes in ODI and T20 World Cup
8. Brendon McCullum
Brendon McCullum, the former New Zealand captain, was renowned for his aggressive batting and fearless approach.
From 2002 to 2016, McCullum scored 6,083 runs in 260 ODIs at a strike rate of 96.37, hitting 200 sixes. His leadership and attacking mindset were crucial in New Zealand’s resurgence in international cricket. His ability to take on the bowlers from the first ball made him a dangerous player in any match situation.
9. Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar is arguably the greatest batsman in the history of cricket. Playing from 1989 to 2012, Tendulkar scored an unparalleled 18,426 runs in 463 ODIs at a strike rate of 86.23, hitting 195 sixes. His longevity and consistency are unmatched, and he holds numerous records, including being the highest run-scorer in ODIs.
10. Sourav Ganguly
Sourav Ganguly played a crucial role in transforming Indian cricket. From 1992 to 2007, Ganguly scored 11,363 runs in 311 ODIs at a strike rate of 73.70, hitting 190 sixes. His aggressive batting and leadership were instrumental in India becoming a powerhouse in international cricket.
Further Read: Top 10 Longest Sixes in Cricket History
Conclusion
In conclusion, the contributions of these players have not only entertained millions of fans worldwide but have also shaped the way modern cricket is played. From Afridi’s explosive batting to Tendulkar’s technical brilliance, each of these players has brought something unique to the game.
These players have been proper match-winners for their respective sides and hence, have created a lot of impact even in fantasy cricket. Download WinZO Fantasy Cricket app and win big by taking part in fantasy cricket.
FAQs about Highest Sixes in ODI Cricket
Q) Who has hit the most sixes in ODI cricket?
A) Shahid Afridi holds the record for hitting the most sixes in ODI cricket. The explosive Pakistani all-rounder smashed a total of 351 sixes in his ODI career spanning from 1996 to 2015.
Q) Which Indian has hit the most sixes in ODI cricket?
A) Among Indian cricketers, Rohit Sharma leads with the most sixes in ODI cricket. The elegant opener has struck 323 sixes in his career as of 2023,
Q) Who has hit the highest sixes in ODI match?
A) The record for the most sixes hit by a player in a single ODI match is held by Eoin Morgan of England. He smashed 17 sixes during his innings of 148 runs against Afghanistan in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup.
