sports n scoop

Cricket, a game known for its blend of strategy and athleticism, often becomes electrified by one of its most thrilling aspects – the six. Over the years, numerous sixes have been etched into the sport’s folklore, but a few stand out for their sheer distance. The title of the "longest six in cricket history" is often debated, with several players claiming monumental hits.

One of the most famous sixes was struck by former Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi, who, during a 2013 ODI match against South Africa, launched a ball 158 meters into the crowd. This massive hit at Johannesburg's Wanderers Stadium is frequently cited as one of the longest-ever sixes in international cricket, cementing Afridi's reputation as a devastating power-hitter.

Before Afridi’s gigantic hit, Albert Trott, an English cricketer from the late 19th century, held an extraordinary record. In 1899, he hit a ball over the Lord's pavilion, one of the most famous venues in cricket. Though exact measurements are unavailable, it remains one of the most legendary and longest sixes of all time, even without modern technology to verify the distance.

Another contender for the longest six is Brett Lee, the Australian fast bowler, who in a Test match against the West Indies in 2005, launched a 130-meter six. Other prominent long-distance six-hitters include MS Dhoni, Chris Gayle, and Martin Guptill, who all had moments where their raw power sent the ball into stratospheric heights.

While modern technology and larger stadiums make it harder to conclusively determine the longest six, these incredible feats of strength and timing remain central to the appeal of cricket.