Six Balls: Hitting six sixes in an over is one of the rarest and most exhilarating achievements in cricket. This feat requires not just exceptional power and precision but also the ability to handle immense pressure. Over the years, only a handful of players across various formats have achieved this milestone, making it one of the most celebrated moments in cricket history.
In this article, we explore the record of six sixes in an over, providing a detailed overview of the players who have achieved this remarkable feat, along with tables and key moments.
Six Balls: What Does It Mean to Hit Six Sixes in an Over?
Six sixes in an over occur when a batter scores 36 runs in a single over by hitting every ball out of the boundary for six. This achievement is rare due to the combination of skill, timing, and the bowler’s delivery.
List of Players Who Have Hit Six Sixes in an Over
Here is a comprehensive table of players who have achieved this milestone in international and domestic cricket:
International Cricket
| Player | Format | Opponent | Bowler | Year | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garry Sobers | First-Class | Glamorgan | Malcolm Nash | 1968 | Swansea, UK |
| Ravi Shastri | First-Class | Baroda | Tilak Raj | 1985 | Mumbai, India |
| Herschelle Gibbs | ODI | Netherlands | Daan van Bunge | 2007 | St Kitts, West Indies |
| Yuvraj Singh | T20I | England | Stuart Broad | 2007 | Durban, South Africa |
| Kieron Pollard | T20I | Sri Lanka | Akila Dananjaya | 2021 | Antigua, West Indies |
| Jaskaran Malhotra | ODI | Papua New Guinea | Gaudi Toka | 2021 | Oman |
Domestic and Franchise Cricket
| Player | Format | Team | Opponent | Bowler | Year | Venue |
| Alex Hales | T20 Blast | Nottinghamshire | Birmingham Bears | Josh Poysden | 2017 | Nottingham, UK |
| Ross Whiteley | T20 Blast | Worcestershire | Yorkshire | Karl Carver | 2017 | Headingley, UK |
| Leo Carter | Super Smash | Canterbury | Northern Districts | Anton Devcich | 2020 | Christchurch, NZ |
Key Moments of Six Sixes in an Over
1. Garry Sobers (1968)
Garry Sobers became the first cricketer in history to hit six sixes in a single over during a first-class match. Playing for Nottinghamshire, Sobers took on Malcolm Nash of Glamorgan in Swansea. This feat set the benchmark for future generations.
2. Yuvraj Singh (2007)
One of the most iconic moments in cricket history, Yuvraj Singh smashed Stuart Broad for six sixes in an over during the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup. This feat came in a high-pressure game against England in Durban, making it even more special. It also included Yuvraj scoring the fastest T20 fifty (12 balls).
3. Herschelle Gibbs (2007)
In the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup, Herschelle Gibbs became the first player to hit six sixes in an ODI. Facing Netherlands bowler Daan van Bunge, Gibbs achieved this feat in St. Kitts, helping South Africa post a massive total.
Six Sixes in an Over: Analysis and Trivia
- Formats:
- The achievement has been accomplished in all formats: Tests, ODIs, T20Is, and first-class matches.
- T20 cricket has seen a rise in this milestone due to its fast-paced and aggressive nature.
- Bowlers:
- Most bowlers on the receiving end were spinners or medium pacers.
- Stuart Broad’s name stands out as he remains a highly successful international bowler despite this record.
- Venues:
- These moments often happen at smaller grounds where hitting sixes is comparatively easier.
Impact of Hitting Six Sixes in an Over
- Psychological Impact on Bowlers:
- Fan Reactions:
- These moments create an electrifying atmosphere, with fans celebrating the rare achievement.
- Legacy:
- Players who achieve this milestone etch their names into cricketing folklore, earning accolades from fans and experts alike.
Conclusion
Hitting six sixes in an over is a testament to a batter’s skill, power, and mental strength. From Garry Sobers’s groundbreaking achievement in 1968 to modern-day heroes like Yuvraj Singh and Kieron Pollard, these moments continue to inspire cricket fans worldwide. As cricket evolves, we may witness more such feats, further enriching the game’s legacy.
This rare milestone is a reminder of the excitement and unpredictability that cricket offers, making it one of the most loved sports globally.
