Top 3 players with most sixes in ODI cricket

One Day International (ODI) cricket is a limited-overs format that features two innings of 50 overs each, played between international teams. Designed to be completed in a single day, ODIs strike a balance between the strategic depth of Test cricket and the high-octane action of T20 matches. This format allows for a more dynamic style of play while still offering room for strategy, making it both entertaining and competitive. ODIs have grown immensely in popularity over the years and are now considered one of the most followed formats in world cricket. With matches typically lasting around eight hours, ODIs offer fans a full day of engaging cricket action. Stadiums are often packed during these matches, with passionate crowds and thrilling moments contributing to the format’s global appeal.

List of players with most sixes in ODIs

The ICC Cricket World Cup, the sport’s biggest and most prestigious tournament, is played in the ODI format. Held every four years, the World Cup draws massive international viewership and participation, becoming a cultural event in cricket-playing nations. With historical rivalries, iconic performances, and high stakes, the tournament showcases the very best of ODI cricket. As a result, ODIs remain an integral part of the game’s evolution and global reach.

Few moments in One Day International cricket ignite excitement quite like a towering six. Over the years, some of the game’s most explosive batters have thrilled fans with their raw power and fearless hitting. Among these giants, only a select few have consistently cleared the ropes to etch their names into the record books. Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi leads the all-time list with a staggering 351 sixes in ODIs, while England’s Eoin Morgan famously smashed 17 sixes in a single innings against Afghanistan during the 2019 World Cup — a record that still stands.

Recently, Indian captain Rohit Sharma added another milestone to his storied career by surpassing Chris Gayle to climb higher on the list of most ODI sixes. His powerful hitting display in the second ODI against England reminded fans of his unmatched timing and strength. Let’s take a closer look at the elite group of players who dominate this remarkable list.

1. Shahid Afridi

Between 1996 and 2015, Shahid Afridi emerged as one of the most electrifying figures in cricket, smashing a record 351 sixes in 398 One-Day Internationals. Renowned for his explosive batting, Afridi once held the record for the fastest ODI century, scoring it in just 37 balls—a feat that stood unmatched for over 18 years. He amassed 8,064 runs, including 39 fifties and six centuries, showcasing his fearless approach at the crease. Beyond his batting heroics, Afridi was also a highly effective leg-spinner, claiming over 350 wickets in ODIs. 

2. Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma, the current Indian captain, holds the distinction of being the first Indian batter to smash 300 or more sixes in ODI cricket. After being promoted to opener, he evolved from a middle-order player into one of the most destructive batters in the game. His 300th six came during the ICC ODI World Cup 2023, when he lofted Haris Rauf over the boundary against Pakistan. With 344 sixes in ODIs to date, Rohit also leads the charts for most sixes in international cricket and T20Is. Known for his fearless strokeplay, especially in the powerplay, Rohit’s aggressive style makes him a constant threat. Remarkably, he is also the only player to score three double centuries in ODI history.

3. Chris Gayle

Chris Gayle, who represented the West Indies from 1999 to 2019, scored an impressive 10,480 runs in 301 ODIs at a strike rate of 87.19. Renowned for his raw power, Gayle smashed 331 sixes in his ODI career, showcasing his dominance over bowlers across formats. He remains one of the few players to have scored a double century in One-Day Internationals, underlining his ability to play long, destructive innings. Gayle's fearless approach and effortless six-hitting made him a nightmare for bowlers and a fan favourite worldwide. For over two decades, his explosive batting style thrilled cricket lovers, earning him a place among the most feared and entertaining players in the history of ODI cricket.