Few things in cricket are as thrilling and uncommon as smashing six sixes in a single over. One batter, six deliveries, and six balls smashed into the stands—it’s a moment of sheer dominance. A small number of cricket players have made history by reaching this significant professional cricket milestone.
This article explores the finest players who achieved this amazing achievement in international cricket and beyond by delving into the 6-ball 6-sixes record list. Read on to see the list of cricketing greats who made an over into a spectacular show if you’ve ever wondered who smashed six sixes in one over.
What Does “6 Sixes in an Over” Mean?
A batter who hits 6 sixes in an over smashes every legal delivery for a maximum of 36 runs in a single over. This uncommon feat calls for extraordinary strength, timing, and self-assurance; it is a bowler’s nightmare and every batter’s fantasy.
1. Herschelle Gibbs (South Africa) – 2007 ICC World Cup
In the 2007 ICC World Cup match against the Netherlands, Herschelle Gibbs became the first player in international cricket history to knock six sixes in a single over. When he hit Dutch leg-spinner Daan van Bunge for 36 runs in one over, he created history.
- Match: South Africa vs Netherlands
- Event: 2007 ICC World Cup
- Bowler: Daan van Bunge
- Significance: First player to hit 6 ball 6 sixes in ODI history
2. Yuvraj Singh (India) – 2007 T20 World Cup
Months after Gibbs’ momentous occasion, Yuvraj Singh pulled off an even more spectacular comeback at the 2007 T20 World Cup. Yuvraj began an unrelenting attack against Stuart Broad of England, smashing six balls and six sixes in one over.
- Match: India vs England
- Event: 2007 ICC T20 World Cup
- Bowler: Stuart Broad
- Significance: First to hit 6 sixes in an over in T20 internationals
3. Kieron Pollard (West Indies) – 2021 vs Sri Lanka
By striking six sixes in an over against Sri Lankan spinner Akila Dananjaya in March 2021—who, incidentally, had taken a hat-trick in the over before—Kieron Pollard became a member of the privileged club!
- Match: West Indies vs Sri Lanka
- Event: T20I
- Bowler: Akila Dananjaya
- Significance: Third player to hit 6 ball 6 sixes in international T20s
4. Jaskaran Malhotra (USA) – 2021 vs Papua New Guinea
Jaskaran Malhotra, who plays for the United States, is a surprising but significant name on the international cricket record list for six balls and six sixes. He smashed six consecutive sixes in the last over of an ODI against Papua New Guinea in 2021.
- Match: USA vs Papua New Guinea
- Event: ODI
- Bowler: Gaudi Toka
- Significance: First American player to achieve this feat in ODIs
Honorable Mentions – Domestic & Other Records
Sir Garfield Sobers, First Ever (1968)
- Team: Nottinghamshire
- Opponent: Glamorgan
- Bowler: Malcolm Nash
- Format: First-Class Cricket
In 1968, Sobers made history by becoming the first player in any professional cricket league to accomplish this feat, establishing the standard for following generations.
Ravi Shastri (1985 – Ranji Trophy)
- Team: Bombay
- Opponent: Baroda
- Bowler: Tilak Raj
- Format: First-Class
Ravi Shastri joined the elite domestic club by hitting six sixes in an over in the Ranji Trophy before going on to become a great coach and pundit.
Ross Whiteley (2017 – English T20 Blast)
- Team: Bombay
- Opponent: Baroda
- Bowler: Tilak Raj
Whiteley showed that the six-hitting craze is not just seen in international cricket by bringing fireworks to the T20 Blast.
Final Thoughts
One of the most exciting scenes in cricket is when a batsman hits six sixes in a single over. It’s an accomplishment that combines mental toughness, skill, and aggression. Cricket fans are always in wonder when the 6 ball 6 sixes phenomena occurs, and it has been ingrained in cricketing mythology.
From trailblazers like Jaskaran Malhotra to iconic figures like Yuvraj Singh and Herschelle Gibbs, these cricket players have produced moments that will be relived and remembered for many years to come. Who knows who will be the next name on the 6 ball 6 six record list as T20 cricket gains popularity?
These memorable knocks continue to rank among the most recognisable in the lengthy history of the game until that time.
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