A big six can change the momentum of an ODI in seconds, but consistently clearing the boundary across a long career is what separates the game’s greatest power hitters from the rest. The race for the most sixes in ODI cricket has produced some remarkable names, with players building huge totals through aggressive batting, fearless stroke play, and the ability to dominate both pace and spin.
The story of the most sixes in ODI cricket has also changed over time. Shahid Afridi’s long-standing mark of 351 most sixes in ODI cricket was eventually surpassed by Rohit Sharma, who moved to the top of the all-time ODI sixes list in 2025.
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Rohit Sharma most sixes in ODI cricket Record
Rohit Sharma has built one of the most impressive six-hitting records in ODI cricket. Known worldwide as the Rohit Sharma Hitman, the right-handed India ODI batsman has made boundary hitting a defining part of his game. His Rohit Sharma sixes tally reflects his ability to attack from the opening overs while also maintaining power deep into an innings.
What makes the Rohit Sharma ODI sixes record particularly impressive is the consistency behind it. As an India opening batsman, he has regularly used his timing, strong base and exceptional hand-eye coordination to clear the boundary against both fast bowlers and spinners. The ICC has highlighted his effortless ability to clear the ropes and previously recorded him as India’s leading ODI six-hitter.
Rohit’s Rohit Sharma most sixes in ODI cricket achievement is also part of a wider batting legacy. His Rohit Sharma batting record includes the highest individual score in men’s ODI cricket, 264 against Sri Lanka in 2014, while he remains the only batter to have scored three ODI double-centuries.
Shahid Afridi ODI Sixes Record
Shahid Afridi was one of the most destructive power hitters in most sixes in ODI cricket, and his Shahid Afridi sixes became a defining feature of his career. The former Pakistan ODI batsman, famously known as Boom Boom Afridi, finished his ODI career with 351 sixes, a record that stood for many years. Rohit Sharma eventually surpassed the mark with his 352nd ODI six in November 2025.
Afridi’s 351 sixes came across 398 ODIs, alongside 8,064 runs and 395 wickets, highlighting his impact as an all-rounder. His aggressive approach made him one of Pakistan’s greatest power hitters, while his Afridi six-hitting record became one of the most recognizable Pakistan cricket records.
For a long period, Afridi was the former ODI sixes record holder and had the most sixes in ODI cricket before Rohit Sharma. His 351 ODI maximums showcased the extraordinary hitting power that earned him the nickname “Boom Boom.” Although the record has now been surpassed, his Shahid Afridi batting statistics and six-hitting legacy remain an important part of ODI history. His record stood for roughly 15 years, making it a genuine 15-year ODI record before Rohit finally moved ahead.
ODI cricket has produced some extraordinary power hitters, and the career sixes table shows just how consistently these batters attacked international bowling. Chris Gayle leads the group below with 331 ODI sixes, followed by Sanath Jayasuriya with 270 and MS Dhoni with 229.
Rank
Player
ODI Sixes
1
Chris Gayle
331
2
Sanath Jayasuriya
270
3
MS Dhoni
229
4
Eoin Morgan
220
5
AB de Villiers
204
6
Brendon McCullum
200
Chris Gayle most sixes in ODI cricket highlight his reputation as one of cricket’s most destructive hitters, while Sanath Jayasuriya ODI sixes reflect the aggressive opening style that helped revolutionize ODI batting. MS Dhoni ODI sixes came through his powerful finishing style, whereas Eoin Morgan ODI sixes were central to England’s attacking approach. AB de Villiers and Brendon McCullum also became famous for innovative stroke play and exceptional boundary-hitting ability.
These numbers demonstrate why 331 ODI sixes, 270 ODI sixes, 229 ODI sixes, and 220 ODI sixes remain significant milestones among the game’s greatest ODI power hitters. Note that career rankings can change when active players add more matches or sixes.
Most Sixes in a Single ODI Innings
The record for the most sixes in one ODI innings has become one of the clearest measures of explosive batting. Rohit Sharma once held the most sixes by a batsman in an ODI innings when he smashed 16 sixes during his remarkable 209 against Australia in the 2013 Bengaluru ODI. His innings of 209 runs from 158 balls included 12 fours and 16 sixes, setting a new single-innings sixes record at the time.
The Rohit Sharma 16 sixes performance came in the deciding Australia vs India ODI, where India scored 383/6 and won by 57 runs. The Bangalore ODI also made Rohit’s knock historic because his 209 became only the third ODI double century at that point.
Rohit’s 209 against Australia was therefore much more than an ODI double century. His 16 maximums represented the highest individual six tally in an ODI innings at that time and established a major power-hitting record. The record has since been surpassed, but the 16 ODI sixes in one innings remain an important milestone in the history of explosive ODI batting.
ODI Power Hitting and Six-Hitting Ability
Power hitting in most sixes in ODI cricket is about much more than simply swinging hard. The best big hitting combines timing, balance, bat speed and controlled aggression to turn scoring opportunities into boundaries and maximum sixes. Research into cricket batting shows that faster bat speed and clean contact can produce greater ball speed and carry distance.
Elite batters use a wide range of shots, including lofted shots, aerial shots, lofted drives, pull shots and hook shots, depending on the bowler’s line and length. Against spin, a well-timed slog sweep can clear the boundary, while a powerful slog can be effective when the batter identifies the right delivery. The straight six remains one of the clearest examples of clean hitting, particularly when a batter gets underneath a full delivery.
Some players have also developed signature strokes. The helicopter shot, for example, combines wrist movement, timing and bat speed to generate remarkable boundary hitting power.
The history of most sixes in ODI cricket reflects a major shift from cautious, old-school ODI batting to aggressive modern ODI batting. In the early days of 50-over cricket, batsmen focused more on rotating the strike and building innings, while sixes were less common. As part of the ODI cricket evolution, improved bats, attacking techniques and changing tactics encouraged more big hitting in one-day international cricket.
The introduction of powerplay rules and fielding restrictions created greater opportunities for aggressive batting, especially during the opening overs. Combined with improved pitches and batting-friendly conditions, these changes have helped make six-hitting a much bigger part of modern ODI cricket.
Rohit Sharma vs Shahid Afridi
The Rohit Sharma vs Shahid Afridi comparison is one of the most fascinating power-hitting battles in most sixes in ODI cricket. Afridi’s 351 sixes stood as the all-time record for around 15 years before Rohit Sharma hit his 352nd six against South Africa in November 2025, becoming the new ODI sixes record holder.
Statistic
Rohit Sharma
Shahid Afridi
ODI sixes
352+
351
ODI matches
277*
398
ODI innings
269*
369
ODI runs
11,427*
8,064
Highest score
264
124
Batting average
49.25*
23.57
Strike rate
92.74*
117.00
The ODI sixes comparison shows two very different styles of dominance. Rohit, the Indian six hitter, built his record through exceptional batting longevity, opening the innings and combining timing with sustained six-hitting consistency. Afridi, the legendary Pakistani six hitter, was renowned for explosive attacking batting and an extraordinary strike rate. Their career sixes comparison, ODI innings comparison, and most sixes in ODI cricket matches comparison therefore provide useful context when evaluating their career statistics comparison.
Six Sixes in One ODI Over
The six sixes in one over feat is one of the rarest power-hitting achievements and most sixes in ODI cricket. Herschelle Gibbs became the first batter to hit six maximums in one over in an ODI when he smashed Netherlands spinner Daan van Bunge for six consecutive sixes during the South Africa vs Netherlands match at the 2007 Cricket World Cup.
Gibbs achieved this remarkable six-ball six-hitting feat in the 30th over at Warner Park, Basseterre, on March 16, 2007. The achievement became an international cricket record and a major power hitting milestone, while also establishing a memorable ODI World Cup record. It remains one of the most spectacular examples of six-hitting in ODI history.
Who has hit the most sixes in ODI cricket?
Rohit Sharma holds the men’s ODI record for the most sixes in ODI crickett, with 352 sixes, surpassing Shahid Afridi’s previous record of 351.
How many sixes has Rohit Sharma hit in ODI cricket?
Rohit Sharma has hit 352 sixes in ODI cricket, making him the leading most sixes in ODI cricket history. His record surpassed Shahid Afridi in November 2025.
Who is second on the list of most sixes in ODI cricket?
Shahid Afridi is second with 351 ODI sixes. He held the ODI career most sixes in ODI cricket record for around 15 years before Rohit Sharma overtook him.
Who has hit the most sixes in a single ODI innings?
Rohit Sharma holds the men’s record for most sixes in a single ODI innings, hitting 16 sixes during his 209 against Australia in 2013.
Who hit six sixes in one over in ODI cricket?
South Africa’s Herschelle Gibbs became the first player to hit six sixes in a single ODI over. He achieved the feat against the Netherlands during the 2007 Cricket World Cup.
Why Sixes Matter in ODI Cricket
The importance of sixes goes beyond the six runs added to the scoreboard. Powerful hitting allows batters to focus on scoring runs quickly, increasing run rate, and creating batting acceleration when an innings needs momentum. Research on ODI performance also identifies run rate and boundary frequency as important factors associated with winning outcomes.
Sixes can be especially valuable during powerplay scoring, middle-over acceleration, and death-over hitting, when batters look to maximize scoring opportunities. A higher boundary percentage can support strike rate improvement, while repeated sixes can put immediate pressure on bowlers and force changes in bowling strategy. When timed correctly, this six-hitting impact can turn an ordinary innings into a match-winning innings, particularly during difficult run chases.
Bilal Ahmad
Bilal Ahmad is the Founder and Editor of GlobalNewsHubz. He writes about technology, world news, government schemes, and digital trends. His goal is to provide readers with accurate, well-researched, and easy-to-understand information using trusted and official sources.
