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You know that there are six legal deliveries in an over in any format of a cricket match. The highest purchase on a ball you can get is six. Whenever a batter hits the ball for the maximum, it excites the audience, increases batter’s confidence, and puts pressure on the bowler. But what if the batter keeps going for maximum on every ball of the over?
Thіs rаre аchіevement demаnds а perfect mіx of power, precіsіon, аnd unwаverіng confіdence. Only a handful of cricketers hаve reаched thіs mіlestone, cаrvіng theіr nаmes in the hіstory.
Top 06 Batsmen with Six Sixes in an Over in Cricket History
1. Sir Garfield Sobers: The Legendary Beginnings (1968)
You might think T20 cricket would have brought this larger-than-life achievement for the first time in international cricket. But, it was way earlier before even the concept of T20 cricket was thought of. It was the legendаry Sіr Gаrfіeld Sobers. Іn 1968, plаyіng for Nottіnghаmshіre аgаіnst Glаmorgаn, this West Indian all rounder became the fіrst cricketer in the hіstory to achieve thіs remаrkаble feаt.
Fаcіng left-аrm medіum pаcer Mаlcolm Nаsh, Sobers lаunched а serіes of huge hіts thаt left everyone іn аwe. Hіs аchіevement mаrked the begіnnіng of а new era in cricket, highlighting the power of hіttіng sіxes.
2. Herschelle Gibbs: The First in ODI World Cup (2007)
Let’s rewind to the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup — a day when Herschelle Gibbs etched his name in cricketing history. Facing the Netherlands, the South African batter did the unthinkable: he smashed six sixes in a single over. Poor Daan van Bunge, the Dutch leg-spinner, could only watch as each delivery disappeared into the stands.
What made this moment truly unforgettable wasn’t just the sheer power on display, but the stage itself — a World Cup match. Under immense pressure, Gibbs delivered a performance for the ages. His explosive over didn’t just lift South Africa’s score; it electrified fans worldwide and inspired a new generation of cricketers.
3. Yuvraj Singh: The T20 Maestro (2007)
Later that same year, Yuvraj Singh gave cricket fans a moment they’ll never forget — and it happened on one of the sport’s biggest new stages: the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup in 2007. Up against England’s Stuart Broad, Yuvraj went on a rampage, launching six consecutive deliveries into the crowd. It wasn’t just power; it was poetry in motion.
But there was more to the story. Just moments before that legendary over, Yuvraj had a fiery exchange with Andrew Flintoff. Fueled by adrenaline and a point to prove, he turned that fire into a spectacular performance. His blitz not only turned the match around for India but also became a defining spark in their journey to winning the title.
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4. Kieron Pollard: The Powerhouse (2021)
In 2021, West Indies’ powerhouse Kieron Pollard added his name to this extravagant list. Playing against Sri Lanka in a T20 International, Pollard hammered six sixes off an over bowled by Akila Dananjaya.
What made Pollard’s achievement even more special was the context — Dananjaya had taken a hat-trick earlier in the match. Yet, Pollard showed no signs of pressure. His incredible counterattack reflected his fearlessness, raw power, and ability to turn games around in a matter of minutes.
5. Jaskaran Malhotra: The Trailblazer for the USA (2021)
In the same year, Jaskaran Malhotra achieved the feat while playing for the United States against Papua New Guinea. He became the first American cricketer to hit six sixes in an over in an international match.
Malhotra’s accomplishments were significant not just in his career but also in cricket in the USA. It highlighted the growing talent pool in associate nations and showcased how cricket spreads to new frontiers.
6. Dipendra Singh Airee: Nepal’s Proud Moment (2024)
The most recent addition to this rare club is Nepal’s Dipendra Singh Airee. In April 2024, during the ACC Men’s Premier Cup, Airee lit up the stage by smashing six sixes in an over, creating a historic moment for Nepalese cricket.
Airee’s feat was a testament to his skill, courage, and belief. His heroics not only elevated his personal stature but also put Nepal firmly on the global cricketing map, symbolising the growing competitiveness among emerging cricket nations.
Domestic Achievements: The Rising Stars
1. Ravi Shastri: The Second to Do It (1985)
Before international cricket regularly witnessed the thrill of six sixes, India’s Ravi Shastri had already accomplished the feat. In 1985, during a Ranji Trophy match for Bombay (now Mumbai), Shastri smashed left-arm spinner Tilak Raj for six consecutive sixes in an over.
This milestone became a defining moment for Indian cricket, showcasing the arrival of fearless power-hitters and inspiring a generation of future stars.
2. Vamshhi Krrishna
Vamshhi Krrishna added his name to this rare list by hitting six sixes in an over during a domestic tournament. His display of brutal hitting highlighted the depth of talent brewing within Indian cricket’s grassroots system.
3. Priyansh Arya
In 2024, Priyansh Arya made headlines by smashing six sixes in an over during the Delhi Premier League. Arya’s power-packed performance reflected the aggressive mindset shaping the new wave of Indian domestic cricket.
The Semi-Mythical Status of Six Sixes
Hitting six sixes in an over remains one of cricket’s most awe-inspiring achievements. It’s not just about brute force, it demands immaculate timing, rock-solid confidence, and nerves of steel.
Achieving it on the international stage, under intense pressure, reflects a cricketer’s mastery of both technique and temperament.
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Conclusion
When a batter hits six sixes in an over, it completely demolishes the confidence of the bowler as well as the entire team. However, this ferocious action is often associated with power-hitting. But cricket is a game of power and elegance. It’s about timing, confidence, and staying calm in the moment. From Garry Sobers’ first-ever six-sixes to Dipendra Singh Airee’s recent heroics, each one feels different, but equally unforgettable.
These moments stick with fans. They remind us why we love the game — because anything can happen. And for young players watching, it’s proof that big dreams do come true.
Cricket is growing fast, reaching new places and new people. So who knows? The next member of this rare club might be just around the corner. Until then, the legends who’ve already done it will keep reminding us how magical cricket can be.
FAQs
Hitting six sixes in an over means a batter strikes six consecutive deliveries in a single over for six runs each, totalling 36 runs. It’s one of cricket’s rarest and most celebrated feats.
During a domestic match in England, Sir Garfield Sobers was the first cricketer to achieve this feat in 1968. He set the benchmark for power-hitting in cricket’s history.
As of April 2024, six cricketers, including Sir Garfield Sobers, Herschelle Gibbs, Yuvraj Singh, Kieron Pollard, Jaskaran Malhotra, and Dipendra Singh Airee, have achieved this milestone in international cricket.
Ravi Shastri was the first Indian to achieve this feat in 1985 during a Ranji Trophy match. Yuvraj Singh later became the first Indian to do it in international cricket during the 2007 T20 World Cup.
Yuvraj Singh hit six sixes off Stuart Broad in the 2007 T20 World Cup. This iconic moment remains one of the most celebrated performances in T20 cricket history.
Yes, Herschelle Gibbs of South Africa achieved this in the 2007 ICC ODI World Cup, smashing six consecutive sixes off Netherlands bowler Daan van Bunge.
Nepal’s Dipendra Singh Airee achieved this feat in April 2024 during the ACC Men’s Premier Cup, becoming a historic figure in Nepalese cricket.
The feat is rare due to the precision, power, and mental strength required to execute it under high-pressure game scenarios, making it a celebrated achievement in cricket.
Four Indians, including Ravi Shastri, Yuvraj Singh, Vamshhi Krrishna, and Priyansh Arya, have achieved this milestone across different formats and tournaments.
Stuart Broad was the unfortunate bowler who conceded six consecutive sixes to Yuvraj Singh during the 2007 T20 World Cup, cementing Yuvraj’s place in cricketing history.
Priyansh Arya achieved this feat during the Delhi Premier League in 2024, showcasing his exceptional hitting skills and placing him among cricket’s elite.
Herschelle Gibbs smashed six consecutive sixes against Daan van Bunge of the Netherlands during the 2007 ICC ODI World Cup.
Dipendra Singh Airee’s achievement brought global attention to Nepalese cricket, highlighting the region’s growing talent in associate nations and inspiring aspiring cricketers.
