The Ultimate List of the 6 Ball 6 Six Record in Cricket
Cricket is a sport that thrives on stats, records, and memorable moments. One such iconic record that continues to thrill audiences is the achievement of hitting six consecutive sixes in a single over. It’s a rare feat that has only been accomplished by a handful of batters, and it remains one of the most electrifying moments in the game.
While hitting sixes has become increasingly common in modern cricket, hitting six in one over is an extraordinary display of power and skill.
The first recorded instance of six sixes in an over occurred in 1968, but it was not until 2007 that international cricket witnessed its first player achieve the feat on a global stage.
Since then, many players have made their mark, both in international and domestic cricket. This article will explore the history of this incredible achievement, break down the players who have accomplished it, and analyze its impact on the game of cricket.
The First International 6 Ball 6 Sixes - Herschelle Gibbs (2007)
The first player to hit six sixes in an over in international cricket was South African batsman Herschelle Gibbs. He achieved this remarkable feat during the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup, in a match against the Netherlands.
The over in question was bowled by Dutch spinner Daan van Bunge. Gibbs made history by smashing six consecutive sixes in the over, turning a routine match into an unforgettable moment. He finished with 72 runs off 40 balls, helping South Africa to post an imposing total of 353/3. The South Africans went on to win the match by a huge margin of 221 runs.
Gibbs' accomplishment was significant not only because it was the first in international cricket but also because it came on the world stage of the ICC World Cup. His performance added to his reputation as one of South Africa's finest batters of the era.
Yuvraj Singh's Iconic Six Sixes (2007 T20 World Cup)
Just months after Gibbs’ feat, India’s Yuvraj Singh etched his name into cricketing history in even more dramatic fashion. In the 2007 ICC T20 World Cup, Yuvraj faced England’s Stuart Broad in a must-win match. Following an altercation with England's Andrew Flintoff, Yuvraj channeled his frustration into his batting.
He hit Broad for six sixes in an over, achieving this rare feat in a high-pressure match, and in the process, set the record for the fastest T20I fifty (12 balls). Yuvraj's stunning display of power and control propelled India to a total of 218/4, and India won the match by 18 runs. His performance became legendary, and it remains one of the most talked-about moments in T20 cricket history.
Kieron Pollard's Six Sixes Against Sri Lanka (2021)
In 2021, West Indian all-rounder Kieron Pollard joined the elite group of players who have hit six sixes in an over. This moment came during a T20 match between West Indies and Sri Lanka. After Sri Lanka had set a modest target of 132, the West Indies had lost a few quick wickets.
When Pollard came to the crease, the match was still in the balance. Pollard took it upon himself to turn the game around and did so spectacularly by hitting Sri Lanka’s Akila Dananjaya for six consecutive sixes in the very next over.
Pollard finished with 38 runs off 11 balls, and the West Indies won the game with ease, making 134/6 in just 13.1 overs. Pollard's remarkable display of hitting power ensured that his name would be remembered alongside cricket’s most destructive batters.
Jaskaran Malhotra’s Historic Six Sixes (2021)
Jaskaran Malhotra of the USA made cricket history in September 2021 when he hit six sixes in an over during an ODI match against Papua New Guinea (PNG). Malhotra's performance was historic not only because of the six sixes but also because it was achieved by a player from an associate nation, making the feat even more special.
Malhotra was already in the middle of a remarkable innings, having scored an unbeaten 173 runs off 124 balls. In the final over of the innings, Malhotra smashed six sixes off PNG bowler Gaudi Toka.
This blitz helped the USA post a competitive total of 271/9. The USA won the match by a massive margin of 134 runs. Malhotra’s achievement was celebrated globally and marked a new chapter for cricket in non-Test playing nations.
Dipendra Singh Airee’s Recent Achievement (2024)
In 2024, Nepal’s Dipendra Singh Airee made history by hitting six sixes in an over during the ACC Men's T20I Premier Cup. Airee achieved the feat in a game against Qatar, where he blasted six sixes in the 20th over off Kamran Khan. Airee finished the match with a blistering 64* off just 21 balls, including three fours and seven sixes.
Nepal won the match by 32 runs, with Qatar managing to score only 178/9 in their chase of 210. Airee’s all-round performance, which also included two wickets, earned him the Man of the Match award. His achievement adds to the growing list of cricketers who have achieved the six-six feat in modern cricket.
Domestic Records: The Rare Feat Beyond International Cricket
While hitting six sixes in an over may be rare in international cricket, domestic cricket has witnessed this remarkable feat more frequently. Sir Gary Sobers, one of the greatest cricketers of all time, was the first player to hit six consecutive sixes, doing so during a County Championship match in 1968.
He hit Malcolm Nash of Glamorgan for six sixes in an over while playing for Nottinghamshire. This was the first time anyone had ever achieved this feat at any level of cricket.
Other notable domestic instances include Ravi Shastri’s six sixes in the 1985 Ranji Trophy for Mumbai against Baroda, and Ross Whitley’s incredible performance in the 2017 T20 Blast, where he smashed six sixes in an over for Worcestershire against Yorkshire Vikings.
Similarly, Hazratullah Zazai and Leo Carter made headlines with their extraordinary hitting abilities in the Afghanistan Premier League (2018) and the New Zealand Super Smash (2020), respectively. These performances demonstrate that the feat is not limited to international players but also a thrilling highlight in domestic cricket.
The Significance of the 6 Ball 6 Sixes Feat
The significance of hitting six sixes in an over goes beyond the boundary ropes. It is an embodiment of a batter’s power, skill, and composure under pressure. Achieving this feat requires perfect timing, technique, and the ability to read the bowler’s delivery.
Whether it's the fast-paced action of T20 cricket or the methodical nature of ODIs, the pressure of hitting six consecutive sixes can be overwhelming, yet these players have shown the world that cricket is as much about mental strength as it is about physical prowess.
For the fans, watching six sixes in an over is a spectacle that transcends borders and brings a sense of excitement that few other records can match. It’s the kind of achievement that generates unforgettable moments in cricketing history and continues to be a source of inspiration for aspiring cricketers.
Conclusion
Hitting six consecutive sixes in an over remains one of the most exhilarating records in cricket. From Herschelle Gibbs in 2007 to Dipendra Singh Airee in 2024, the feat has been achieved by only a select few in international and domestic cricket. The players who have accomplished this remarkable feat are remembered not just for their ability to hit massive sixes but for their ability to perform under pressure and make history in the process.
As cricket continues to evolve, with newer formats like T20 cricket gaining popularity, the frequency of such feats may increase. But one thing is for sure: hitting six sixes in an over will always remain a rare and exciting moment in the sport, forever etched in the memories of fans worldwide.