Four players have accomplished the remarkable feat of hitting 6 Sixes in 6 Balls in international cricket. This rare achievement reflects a batter’s extraordinary skill, power, and focus. While domestic cricket has witnessed six consecutive sixes on occasion, only a few players have reached this milestone at the international level. Let’s explore these players’ achievements, along with the tournaments and opponents they faced when they secured their place in cricket history.
Six Balls, Six Sixes: A Record-Breaking Club
The record of six consecutive sixes has only been achieved by four players in international cricket. Herschelle Gibbs and Yuvraj Singh first set the bar high, both accomplishing the feat during the 2007 World Cup. More recently, Kieron Pollard and Jaskaran Malhotra joined this elite group during an international series in 2021.
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| Serial No. | Player | Team | Opponent | Tournament | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Herschelle Gibbs | South Africa | Netherlands | ODI World Cup | 2007 |
| 2 | Yuvraj Singh | India | England | T20 World Cup | 2007 |
| 3 | Kieron Pollard | West Indies | Sri Lanka | T20I Series | 2021 |
| 4 | Jaskaran Malhotra | USA | Papua New Guinea | ODI Series | 2021 |
Herschelle Gibbs vs. Netherlands (2007)
Herschelle Gibbs made history in 2007 as the first player to hit six sixes in a single over in an international match. The powerful South African batsman achieved this during an ODI World Cup match against the Netherlands. Facing Dutch bowler Daan van Bunge, Gibbs, already set at the crease, decided to target the 30th over. He struck the first ball for a six-over long-on and continued with his onslaught. Van Bunge’s deliveries lost direction as Gibbs consistently sent each one flying over the boundary.
The rain-shortened match saw Gibbs complete a rapid 70 runs from 40 balls, contributing to South Africa’s imposing total of 353/3. This record-breaking over secured Gibbs a place in cricket lore as the first player to hit six sixes in an ODI over, a feat unchallenged for over a decade.
Yuvraj Singh vs. England (2007)
Later in 2007, Indian batsman Yuvraj Singh mirrored Gibbs’ feat in the T20 World Cup, only this time in a high-stakes match against England. The over came from young England bowler Stuart Broad, and Yuvraj, infuriated by a verbal exchange with Andrew Flintoff, unleashed a relentless series of sixes. Broad’s first delivery was launched over mid-wicket, and the next five went over square leg, long-off, deep point, and square leg once again. The crowd at Durban erupted as Yuvraj scored the final six over long-on, making him the first player to achieve this feat in a T20 international.
Yuvraj’s fiery 12-ball 50 set a world record for the fastest T20I half-century. His six-sixes secured his place in cricket history and helped propel India toward an eventual World Cup title.
Kieron Pollard vs. Sri Lanka (2021)
In 2021, West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard became the third player to achieve the six-sixes feat in international cricket. Playing against Sri Lanka in a T20I, Pollard’s blistering overcome in the sixth, just after Sri Lankan bowler Akila Dananjaya had taken a hat-trick.
Dananjaya, still on a high from his earlier success, was quickly humbled as Pollard dispatched his deliveries one after the other. Using his incredible strength and skill, Pollard sent the first ball over long-on and the second toward the sight screen. The third through sixth balls went over deep mid-wicket, long-off, and straight over the bowler’s head. Pollard’s rapid-fire 38 off 11 balls helped West Indies chase down Sri Lanka’s modest total in just 14 overs, adding his name to this exclusive list of cricketing feats.
Jaskaran Malhotra vs. Papua New Guinea (2021)
In 2021, Jaskaran Malhotra, a USA cricketer originally from India, became the fourth international player to hit six sixes in an over. The USA was up against Papua New Guinea when Malhotra took on bowler Gaudi Toka in the final stages of the innings. Already at a century, Malhotra showcased his power by striking the first delivery over long-on and then placing the subsequent balls over various sections of the field. His incredible sequence brought his score to 150, and he eventually reached 173 in 124 balls. Malhotra’s feat, which helped the USA set a formidable target, resulted in a 135-run victory.
Malhotra’s achievement marked the second instance of six sixes in an ODI, following Herschelle Gibbs’ original milestone in 2007.
Six-Sixes in Modern Cricket: More Common, Still Exceptional
With the increasing intensity and big-hitting style of modern T20 leagues like the IPL, reaching this milestone could become less rare. The rapid evolution of T20 cricket has pushed the boundaries, as seen when Kolkata Knight Riders’ Rinku Singh famously hit five sixes in the final over to win a match in IPL 2024. Yet, despite these developments, the original six-sixes record-holders—Gibbs, Yuvraj, Pollard, and Malhotra—remain legendary figures who showcased the ultimate display of power, timing, and determination on the international stage.
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