The One Day International (ODI) format, featuring 50 overs per inning, bridges the gap between Test and T20 cricket. ODI cricket is widely popular, with the ICC Cricket World Cup being its grand showcase, set to return soon.
The Cricket World Cup has witnessed thrilling moments like 400+ scores, double centuries, and daring chases. Players often forget the format’s constraints and go for big shots, hitting memorable sixes. In this article, we explore the top players who have sent the ball soaring over the boundary ropes in the ICC Cricket World Cup.
Top 10 Six Hitters in ICC ODI World Cup
1. Chris Gayle, West Indies
Chris Gayle, the remarkable West Indian cricketer, holds the record for the most sixes in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. Between 2003 and 2019, he blasted an impressive 49 sixes in just 34 innings. Gayle is renowned for his boundary-hitting prowess, often opting for big shots over singles. While he’s celebrated as one of the best T20 batsmen, his ODI performance is equally remarkable.
2. Rohit Sharma, India
In the 2023 World Cup, Indian captain Rohit Sharma rapidly climbed from the top 20 to the top 3 rankings in just two matches. From 2015 to 2023, he smashed an astonishing 45 sixes in only 25 innings. Additionally, he has secured his place in cricket history by hitting the most international sixes, cementing his position as the ultimate six-hitting player in the game.
3. Glenn Maxwell, Australia
In the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, Australia’s Glenn Maxwell made history by smashing the record for the fastest century, leaving cricket enthusiasts worldwide in awe. His extraordinary batting skills earned him the fifth spot in the list of top six hitters during the tournament, demonstrating his power-packed performances. During the period from 2015 to 2023, he launched an astounding 43 sixes in a mere 23 innings. Maxwell’s explosive batting style and consistent boundary-clearing abilities showcased his pivotal role in the Australian team’s success.
4. AB De Villiers, South Africa
AB de Villiers, a beloved South African cricketer, is renowned for his unorthodox shots and ranks second in six-hitting after Chris Gayle. De Villiers accumulated 37 sixes in 22 innings between 2007 and 2015. Nicknamed “Mr. 360 Degree” for his ability to strike the ball to all parts of the field, he possesses unmatched power-hitting skills and holds records for the fastest ODI century, quickest 50, and fastest 150.
5. David Warner, Australia
David Warner, the dynamic Australian opener, has earned a reputation as a prolific six-hitter in cricket. Known for his aggressive approach and exceptional hand-eye coordination, Warner has smashed 36 sixes in a mere 24 innings. He has delivered unforgettable performances that will leave a lasting impact.
6. Ricky Ponting, Australia
Ricky Ponting, the iconic Australian batsman and former captain, claims the sixth spot with 31 sixes in 42 innings from 1996 to 2011. Renowned for his composure and technical batting, Ponting also displayed his ability to go for big shots when needed. He notably led the Australian team to back-to-back World Cup victories in 2003 and 2007, solidifying his place in cricketing history.
7. Brendon McCullum, New Zealand
Brendon McCullum, representing New Zealand, left a remarkable impression with his explosive batting in World Cup matches. He secured a significant number of sixes throughout his World Cup career, thrilling fans with his aggressive style of play. From 2003 to 2015, he smashed an astonishing 29 sixes in 27 innings. McCullum’s fearless approach and ability to clear the boundary made him one of the top six hitters in the history of the tournament. His memorable performances include a breathtaking 77 off 25 balls in the 2015 World Cup opener, setting the tone for an incredible campaign that led New Zealand to the final.
8. Herschelle Gibbs, South Africa
Herschelle Gibbs, representing South Africa, left his mark in World Cup matches with his powerful six-hitting abilities. He ranks among the top six hitters in World Cup history, securing numerous maximums during his international career. From 1999 to 2007, he smashed a remarkable 28 sixes in only 23 innings. His aggressive batting style and remarkable hand-eye coordination allowed him to consistently clear the boundary ropes. Gibbs’ memorable performances included several remarkable innings with a multitude of sixes, establishing his reputation as one of the most prolific six hitters in World Cup history.
9. Sanath Jayasuriya, Sri Lanka
Sanath Jayasuriya, a legendary cricketer from Sri Lanka, made a significant impact in World Cup matches with his exceptional six-hitting prowess. In the span of 1992 to 2007, he hammered 27 sixes in a mere 37 innings. He holds a prominent place among the top six hitters in World Cup history, consistently launching the ball into the stands. Jayasuriya’s aggressive batting style and innovative strokeplay allowed him to accumulate a substantial number of sixes during his World Cup career.
10. Sachin Tendulkar, India
Sachin Tendulkar, an iconic Indian cricketer, showcased his remarkable batting skills by hitting numerous sixes in World Cup matches. From 1992 to 2011, he smashed a remarkable 27 sixes in only 44 innings. Tendulkar’s ability to clear the boundary with elegant and powerful strokes set him apart as a six-hitting maestro. His World Cup journey featured memorable innings with extraordinary sixes, contributing to his status as one of the top six hitters in World Cup history. Tendulkar’s consistency and sheer talent allowed him to secure an impressive tally of sixes, leaving an indelible mark on the tournament’s history.
| Most Sixes in World Cup |
| Photo | Ranking | Player Name | Sixes | Innings | Span |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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1 | Chris Gayle (WI) | 49 | 34 | 2003-2019 |
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2 | Rohit Sharma (IND) | 45* | 25 | 2015-2023 |
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3 | Glenn Maxwell (AUS) | 43* | 23 | 2015-2023 |
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4 | AB de Villiers (SA) | 37 | 22 | 2007-2015 |
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5 | David Warner (AUS) | 37* | 26 | 2011-2023 |
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6 | Ricky Ponting (AUS) | 31 | 42 | 1996-2011 |
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7 | Bredon McCullum (NZ) | 29 | 27 | 2003-2015 |
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8 | Herschelle Gibbs (SA) | 28 | 23 | 1999-2007 |
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9 | Sanath Jayasuriya (SL) | 27 | 37 | 1992-2007 |
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10 | Sachin Tendulkar (IND) | 27 | 44 | 1992-2011 |
