Most sixes in ODIs – Rohit Sharma 14 away from breaking Shahid Afridi’s record

Jonhenry Wilson 16 Feb 2025

Rohit Sharma is among the most prolific six-hitters in ODI cricket.

As the cricket world prepares for the return of the Champions Trophy, which is set to start in Pakistan next week, fans are looking forward to plenty of action and lots of big hitting.

The advent of T20 cricket has seen sixes become increasingly common in white-ball cricket, but which batsmen have cleared the rope the most often?

Let’s look at the names at the top of the big hitters list.

7. AB de Villiers (South Africa) – 204 ODI sixes

AB de Villiers, widely regarded as one of the most innovative and destructive batsmen of his generation, thrilled cricket fans worldwide with his ability to hit the ball to all corners of the ground for South Africa.

His exceptional hand-eye coordination and 360-degree stroke play made him a nightmare for bowlers in ODIs. Whether it was a delicate scoop over fine leg or a monstrous hit over long-on, De Villiers had every shot in the book. With 204 sixes in ODI cricket, his ability to turn games on their head with power hitting cemented his legacy as one of South Africa’s greatest batters.

6. Eoin Morgan (England and Ireland) – 220 ODI sixes

A pioneer of England’s white-ball revolution, Eoin Morgan led the team to their maiden ICC Cricket World Cup triumph in 2019. Originally playing for Ireland before switching allegiance to England, Morgan was a fearless middle-order batsman with an uncanny ability to clear the ropes. His aggressive approach transformed England into a formidable limited-overs side.

Known for his powerful flicks and lofted cover drives, Morgan’s tally of 220 ODI makes him (and not Kevin Pietersen or Ben Stokes) the answer to the question – which batsman has hit the most ODI sixes for England?

5. MS Dhoni (India) – 229 ODI sixes

One of the most successful captains in cricket history, MS Dhoni was known for his composure under pressure and his ability to finish matches with a flourish. The former India skipper revolutionized the role of the finisher in ODIs, often sealing games with towering sixes in the final overs.

Whether it was the iconic World Cup-winning six in 2011 or his famous helicopter shot, Dhoni’s power-hitting was a sight to behold. His 229 sixes in ODIs make him one of the greatest limited-overs batsmen India has ever produced.

Also read: Which captain has the best bowling figures in Test cricket?

4. Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka) – 270 ODI sixes

Sanath Jayasuriya was a trailblazer in ODI cricket, redefining the role of an opener with his explosive batting. His ability to take the attack to the opposition from ball one made him one of the most feared batsmen of his era.

Jayasuriya’s powerful cuts, pulls, and lofted drives helped him amass 270 sixes in ODIs. A key player in Sri Lanka’s 1996 World Cup-winning campaign, his aggressive style laid the foundation for modern-day limited-overs batting.

3. Chris Gayle (West Indies) – 331 ODI sixes

Chris Gayle, known as the ‘Universe Boss,’ is one of the most dominant power-hitters the game has ever seen. His sheer strength and effortless hitting ability allowed him to send balls deep into the stands with ease.

Gayle’s dominance in ODI cricket was characterized by his ability to decimate bowling attacks, and he made a habit of clearing the boundary at will. With 331 sixes to his name, the West Indian legend remains one of the most entertaining batsmen in cricket history.

2. Rohit Sharma (India) – 338 ODI sixes

Rohit Sharma, often referred to as the ‘Hitman,’ has redefined batting in ODIs with his elegant yet brutal stroke play. The only player to score three double centuries in ODIs, Rohit’s ability to accelerate and clear the ropes in the later overs makes him one of the most dangerous batsmen in white-ball cricket.

His effortless six-hitting, particularly against spinners, has helped him amass 338 sixes in ODIs. With the Champions Trophy on the horizon, Rohit’s power-hitting will be crucial for India’s success. If India’s captain has a couple of big innings, he could well be top of this list by the time the Champions Trophy comes to an end.

1. Shahid Afridi (Pakistan) – 351 ODI sixes

At the top of the six-hitting charts stands Pakistan’s enigmatic all-rounder Shahid Afridi. Nicknamed ‘Boom Boom’ for his explosive batting style, Afridi’s aggressive approach made him a fan favourite throughout his career.

From his record-breaking 37-ball century in 1996 to his numerous match-winning knocks, Afridi’s ability to hit sixes was unparalleled. When he middled the ball it went miles, but even when he miss-hit it, he could easily clear the fence. His 351 sixes in ODIs remain the highest by any batsman in the format, a record that speaks volumes about his fearless and entertaining style of play.