Longest Six in Cricket History – Top 10 Biggest Sixes Ever Recorded
Longest Six in Cricket History is one of the most searched and debated records in the sport. There is no sound more electrifying than the crack of the bat sending the ball soaring beyond the stadium roof. From Shahid Afridi’s explosive power to Liam Livingstone’s modern-day monsters, fans constantly ask: who truly hit the longest six in cricket history?
Over the years, several distances have gone viral — 158 meters, 160 meters, even 170 meters. But not all of them are officially verified. In this detailed guide, we rank the officially recorded longest six in cricket history, separate myths from confirmed data, and explain how six distances are actually measured.
1. Shahid Afridi (Pakistan) – 153 Meters*
- Match: Pakistan vs South Africa (2013, Johannesburg)
- Official Distance: ~153 meters
Shahid Afridi is widely credited with hitting the longest six in cricket history. While some sources mention 158 meters, official records place it closer to 153 meters. Regardless of the exact number, the ball cleared the stadium and landed outside the boundary perimeter.
The controversy around the “Shahid Afridi 158m six official” measurement continues, but his hit remains the benchmark in discussions about the longest six in cricket history.
2. Brett Lee (Australia) – 130 Meters
In 2005 at The Gabba, Brett Lee stunned fans by smashing a 130-meter six against the West Indies. It remains the longest six in cricket history recorded in Test cricket.
For a fast bowler to produce one of the longest sixes in cricket history is remarkable, proving that timing matters as much as brute strength.
3. Tim David (Australia) – 129 Meters
Tim David’s 129-meter strike against India in Hobart became one of the most talked-about modern entries in the longest six in cricket history debate. Advanced broadcast radar confirmed the distance, making it one of the most reliably measured long sixes.
4. Martin Guptill (New Zealand) – 127 Meters
Guptill’s monstrous hit in Wellington cleared the mid-wicket boundary and hit the stadium roof. Even if played at one of the largest cricket stadiums in the world, it would still have cleared the ropes comfortably.
5. Liam Livingstone (England) – 122 Meters
Liam Livingstone represents the new era of power hitting. His 122-meter six at Headingley earned a place in the longest six in cricket history rankings and showcased how modern training and bat technology have changed the game.
Longest Six in IPL History
| Rank | Player | Distance | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Albie Morkel | 125m | 2008 |
| 2 | Praveen Kumar | 124m | 2011 |
| 3 | Adam Gilchrist | 122m | 2011 |
| 4 | Chris Gayle | 119m | 2013 |
| 5 | Ravindra Jadeja | 109m | 2025 |
Albie Morkel’s 125-meter hit remains the official longest six in IPL history. However, new-generation hitters continue pushing the limits each season.
How Is the Longest Six in Cricket History Measured?
Six distance is typically measured using broadcast tracking technology and stadium camera triangulation. The calculation considers:
- Launch angle
- Ball speed off the bat
- Trajectory arc
- Landing point coordinates
Because of slight technological differences between venues, small variations may occur in reported distances. For official verification, platforms like ESPNcricinfo Records are considered reliable references.
Physics Behind the Longest Six in Cricket History
To hit the longest six in cricket history, a batter must combine:
- High bat swing speed
- Perfect sweet spot contact
- Optimal launch angle (around 30–35 degrees)
- Strong core rotation
- Fast hand-eye coordination
Modern lightweight bats with thicker edges also contribute to longer distances compared to earlier eras.
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- How to Read a Cricket Pitch Report
Frequently Asked Questions
Who hit the longest six in cricket history?
Shahid Afridi is widely credited with hitting the longest six in cricket history at approximately 153 meters.
Was Afridi’s 158m six official?
The 158-meter measurement is unofficial. Most reliable records list the distance around 153 meters.
Who hit the longest six in IPL history?
Albie Morkel holds the IPL record at 125 meters.
How is six distance measured in cricket?
Six distance is measured using radar and camera tracking systems that calculate trajectory and landing coordinates.
Conclusion
The record for the longest six in cricket history continues to inspire power hitters across generations. While Afridi’s 153-meter hit still stands tall, modern athletes and improved bat technology suggest that an even bigger six may eventually be recorded.
Until then, the debate around the longest six in cricket history remains one of the most exciting conversations in cricket.
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