One Day International cricket has always been known for producing thrilling batting performances, but nothing excites cricket fans more than massive sixes. Every time a batter sends the ball over the boundary rope, the crowd erupts with excitement. Over the years, several legendary players have rewritten batting records by producing unforgettable innings filled with powerful sixes. The record for the Most Sixes in an Innings in ODI Cricket celebrates those incredible knocks where batters completely dominated the opposition with fearless stroke play.
The modern ODI format has changed significantly compared to its early years. Batters now play with more confidence, use innovative shots, and attack bowlers from the beginning of the innings. Improved bats, better fitness levels, and aggressive team strategies have also helped players score runs at a much faster pace. As a result, the record for the Most Sixes in an Innings in ODI Cricket has become one of the most exciting achievements in international cricket.
List of 10 Batsmen with the Most Sixes in an Innings in ODI Cricket
10. Thisara Perera
Sri Lanka’s explosive all-rounder, Thisara Perera, produced one of the greatest counter-attacking innings in ODI cricket against New Zealand at Mount Maunganui. Chasing a huge target, Sri Lanka appeared to have little chance of winning the match. However, Perera had other plans as he walked to the crease with an attacking mindset and immediately started hitting boundaries.
This unforgettable knock included 13 massive sixes, making Perera one of the players with the Most Sixes in an Innings in ODI Cricket. His clean hitting, fearless approach, and ability to score quickly under pressure continue to make this innings one of the best examples of aggressive batting in the 50-over format. Even years later, cricket fans still remember this remarkable performance whenever discussions about the Most Sixes in an Innings in ODI Cricket take place.
| Stat | Record |
|---|---|
| Runs in Innings | 140 |
| Balls | 74 |
| Sixes | 13 |
| Strike Rate | 189.18 |
9. Jos Buttler
England wicketkeeper-batter Jos Buttler delivered one of the most destructive ODI innings ever played when England faced the Netherlands. Coming to the crease after England had already made a strong start, Buttler completely took control of the innings with his fearless batting.
Buttler finished with a breathtaking 162 runs from only 70 deliveries, including 14 huge sixes. His innings helped England register one of the highest team totals ever recorded in ODI cricket. It remains one of the finest performances associated with the Most Sixes in an Innings in ODI Cricket. The combination of power, timing, and fearless intent made this innings one of the greatest examples of modern white-ball batting and secured Buttler’s place among the elite players with the Most Sixes in an Innings in ODI Cricket.
| Stat | Record |
|---|---|
| Runs in Innings | 162 |
| Balls | 70 |
| Sixes | 14 |
| Strike Rate | 231.42 |
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8. Chris Gayle
Chris Gayle appears more than once on the list of the Most Sixes in an Innings in ODI Cricket, which perfectly reflects his reputation as one of the greatest power hitters the sport has ever produced. Against England, the West Indies opener delivered another unforgettable innings filled with massive sixes and effortless stroke play.
He eventually scored 162 runs from 97 deliveries while smashing 14 sixes. His outstanding knock once again proved why he is regarded as one of cricket’s greatest entertainers. This innings remains an important part of the history of the Most Sixes in an Innings in ODI Cricket and highlights Gayle’s unmatched ability to dominate bowling attacks. Whenever fans discuss the Most Sixes in an Innings in ODI Cricket, Chris Gayle’s name is always among the first to be mentioned.
| Stat | Record |
|---|---|
| Runs in Innings | 162 |
| Balls | 97 |
| Sixes | 14 |
| Strike Rate | 167.01 |
7. Corey Anderson
New Zealand all-rounder Corey Anderson announced himself on the international stage with an incredible innings against the West Indies. Batting with complete freedom, Anderson attacked the bowlers from the first ball and never allowed them to settle into a rhythm.
Anderson finished with 131 runs from only 47 deliveries, including 14 towering sixes. His outstanding performance became one of the greatest innings by a New Zealand batter and secured his place among the players with the Most Sixes in an Innings in ODI Cricket. The innings is still remembered as one of the fastest and most entertaining displays of power hitting in ODI history, making Anderson a deserving member of the Most Sixes in an Innings in ODI Cricket rankings.
| Stat | Record |
|---|---|
| Runs in Innings | 131 |
| Balls | 47 |
| Sixes | 14 |
| Strike Rate | 278.72 |
6. Shane Watson
Australian all-rounder Shane Watson produced one of the greatest individual batting performances in ODI cricket against Bangladesh. Opening the innings, Watson looked confident from the beginning and quickly took control of the match with his aggressive batting style.
Watson remained unbeaten on 185 from just 96 deliveries and smashed 15 huge sixes during his incredible knock. It remains one of Australia’s finest ODI innings and one of the greatest examples of the Most Sixes in an Innings in ODI Cricket. His unbeaten innings demonstrated how controlled aggression can completely change the outcome of a match. Even today, cricket fans remember this remarkable performance whenever discussions focus on the Most Sixes in an Innings in ODI Cricket.
| Stat | Record |
|---|---|
| Runs in Innings | 185* |
| Balls | 96 |
| Sixes | 15 |
| Strike Rate | 192.70 |
5. Jaskaran Malhotra
USA batter Jaskaran Malhotra created one of the biggest surprises in ODI cricket with his outstanding innings against Papua New Guinea at Al Amerat. Representing an Associate Nation, Malhotra showed that world-class power hitting is not limited to the traditional cricketing countries. From the moment he settled at the crease, he played with confidence and attacked every loose delivery.
He remained unbeaten on 173 from 124 balls, including 16 massive sixes. This historic knock became one of the greatest innings ever played by an Associate Nation batter and secured his place among the players with the Most Sixes in an Innings in ODI Cricket. His performance proved that talent and fearless batting can shine on any stage, making his innings one of the most memorable in the history of the Most Sixes in an Innings in ODI Cricket.
| Stat | Record |
|---|---|
| Runs in Innings | 173* |
| Balls | 124 |
| Sixes | 16 |
| Strike Rate | 139.51 |
4. Chris Gayle
Chris Gayle makes another appearance on this list thanks to his unforgettable double century against Zimbabwe during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup. The West Indies opener produced one of the greatest innings ever seen in ODI cricket, combining patience early in his innings with devastating power as the match progressed.
He finished with a magnificent 215 runs from 147 deliveries, including 16 towering sixes. It was the first double century ever scored in the Cricket World Cup and remains one of the greatest batting performances in the tournament’s history. This remarkable innings is one of the finest examples of the Most Sixes in an Innings in ODI Cricket, and it further strengthened Gayle’s legacy as one of the greatest six-hitters the game has ever seen. His name will always be remembered whenever people discuss the Most Sixes in an Innings in ODI Cricket.
| Stat | Record |
|---|---|
| Runs in Innings | 215 |
| Balls | 147 |
| Sixes | 16 |
| Strike Rate | 146.25 |
3. AB de Villiers
South African legend AB de Villiers produced one of the most unbelievable innings in ODI cricket when he faced the West Indies in Johannesburg. His breathtaking knock was filled with innovative shots, incredible power, and fearless batting that completely stunned both fans and opponents.
He scored an astonishing 149 runs from only 44 balls while smashing 16 huge sixes. His strike rate of over 338 remains one of the highest for a major ODI innings. This unforgettable performance comfortably ranks among the greatest displays of the Most Sixes in an Innings in ODI Cricket. Cricket fans still regard this innings as one of the finest examples of attacking batting, and it continues to hold a special place in the history of the Most Sixes in an Innings in ODI Cricket.
| Stat | Record |
|---|---|
| Runs in Innings | 149 |
| Balls | 44 |
| Sixes | 16 |
| Strike Rate | 338.63 |
READ MORE: Top 5 Players with the Most Fours in ODI Cricket History
2. Rohit Sharma
Indian captain Rohit Sharma produced one of the greatest innings ever played in One Day International cricket when he scored a brilliant double century against Australia in Bengaluru. His innings showcased the perfect combination of elegant stroke play, excellent timing, patience, and explosive power.
Rohit finished with an incredible 209 runs from 158 balls, including 16 sixes. This historic innings made him the first player in ODI history to score a double century and remains one of the greatest batting performances ever produced. His outstanding knock is one of the finest examples of the Most Sixes in an Innings in ODI Cricket. It demonstrated that patience and controlled aggression can work together perfectly, helping Rohit secure his place among the greatest batters in the history of the Most Sixes in an Innings in ODI Cricket.
| Stat | Record |
|---|---|
| Runs in Innings | 209 |
| Balls | 158 |
| Sixes | 16 |
| Strike Rate | 132.27 |
1. Eoin Morgan
Former England captain Eoin Morgan holds the world record for the Most Sixes in an Innings in ODI Cricket. His unforgettable innings came against Afghanistan during the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup at Old Trafford, where he produced one of the greatest displays of power hitting ever witnessed in international cricket.
The England captain smashed 148 runs from just 71 deliveries while hitting a world-record 17 sixes. His innings helped England post a huge total and eventually secure a comfortable victory. The record of Most Sixes in an Innings in ODI Cricket still belongs to Morgan, and his incredible knock remains one of the greatest achievements in ODI history.
| Stat | Record |
|---|---|
| Runs in Innings | 148 |
| Balls | 71 |
| Sixes | 17 |
| Strike Rate | 208.45 |
As ODI cricket continues to evolve, batters are becoming more aggressive and innovative, making it possible for new records to be set in the future. However, these legendary innings remain benchmarks for power hitting and continue to inspire the next generation of cricketers. Whether it is Chris Gayle’s historic double century, Rohit Sharma’s elegant masterpiece, or AB de Villiers’ explosive 44-ball innings, every knock on this list represents the very best of the Most Sixes in an Innings in ODI Cricket. These remarkable performances remind cricket fans why six-hitting remains one of the most exciting aspects of the modern ODI game.
FAQs
1. Who holds the record for the Most Sixes in an Innings in ODI Cricket?
Former England captain Eoin Morgan holds the record for the Most Sixes in an Innings in ODI Cricket. He smashed 17 sixes during his incredible innings of 148 runs off 71 balls against Afghanistan in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup at Old Trafford, Manchester.
2. Which player was the first to hit 16 sixes in an ODI innings?
Rohit Sharma became the first player to hit 16 sixes in an ODI innings. He achieved this milestone while scoring 209 runs against Australia in Bengaluru in 2013, becoming the first batter in ODI history to score a double century.
3. How many players have hit 16 or more sixes in an ODI innings?
A total of five players have hit 16 or more sixes in an ODI innings:
Eoin Morgan – 17 sixes
Rohit Sharma – 16 sixes
AB de Villiers – 16 sixes
Chris Gayle – 16 sixes
Jaskaran Malhotra – 16 sixes
4. Which player has appeared twice in the list of the Most Sixes in an Innings in ODI Cricket?
Chris Gayle is the only player to appear twice in the top 10 list of the Most Sixes in an Innings in ODI Cricket. He hit 14 sixes against England in 2019 and 16 sixes during his historic double century against Zimbabwe in the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup.
5. Which innings with the Most Sixes in an Innings in ODI Cricket came in a Cricket World Cup?
Several record-breaking innings in the Most Sixes in an Innings in ODI Cricket list came during the ICC Cricket World Cup. These include Eoin Morgan’s 17 sixes against Afghanistan in 2019 and Chris Gayle’s 16 sixes while scoring 215 against Zimbabwe in the 2015 World Cup. Both innings remain among the greatest World Cup batting performances ever played.