যিনি ক্রিকেটের ইতিহাসে দীর্ঘতম ছয়টি হিট করেছেন
Cricket is more than just a sport for most people, especially in countries like India, Pakistan, England, and Australia. It’s a part of their life and tradition. The adrenaline rush that cricket brings to its fans is unparalleled compared to other sports. This intensifying feeling accentuates when we talk about the sixes in cricket as it can change the entire scenario of the game within seconds. One such record-breaking moment was achieved by Shahid Afridi who hit the longest ever recorded six in Cricket history.
Understanding Sixes in Cricket
For those unfamiliar with cricket terminology, a ‘six’ occurs when the batsman hits the ball without it touching the ground, resulting in an immediate 6 points or runs added to his team’s score. It is considered an exciting event during a match, providing an electrifying experience for both players and spectators. Hitting a ball this clean requires precision, perfect timing, strength, and adequate skills from the player. Some compare it to baseball’s home run but doing so underestimates the exceptional nature of hitting a six due to the larger field size and differing pitching styles in cricket.
The Record-Breaking Six by Shahid Afridi
One man stands out among all cricketers when talking about impressive sixes: Pakistan’s retired captain – Shahid Afridi. In 2013, during a one-day international match against South Africa in Johannesburg, Afridi managed to hit what is believed to be the longest six on record at an astonishing distance of approximately 158 meters.
This wasn’t an accident; Afridi was renowned for playing fiercely which earned him nicknames like “Boom Boom” and “Lala.” During his batting period, he maintained an aggressive approach often focusing on hitting boundaries rather than running between wickets. He was indeed one of those fearsome hard hitters that bowlers feared facing.
Insight to Shahid Afridi’s Career
Shahid Afridi was a gift that Pakistani cricket team had received undoubtedly, throughout his career, he displayed skills and superiority not only as a batsman but also as a bowler. Being an all-rounder, Afridi contributed significantly to the Pakistani cricket team’s success over many years.
His unorthodox technique combined with perfect hand-eye coordination created magic on the field. He made his international debut in 1996 against Kenya in Nairobi and quickly gained fame when he scored the fastest ODI century in just 37 balls in his first inning at bat. Though this record was surpassed later, it reflects the sheer strength of this exceptional player.
Full Video in Youtube
Other Longest Sixes In Cricket History
While Afridi holds the title for the longest six till date, there are other noteworthy contributions in this batting realm. Other hard-hitters like Chris Gayle, Corey Anderson, Yuvraj Singh, MS Dhoni have recorded some of the most significant sixes in cricketing history rivalling those of Afridi.
Chris Gayle is well known for his powerful hitting skills which he has demonstrated in multiple T20 Leagues globally. His personal best is believed to be around 120 meters during an IPL match in Bangalore.
Corey Anderson from New Zealand claimed a place on this list with one of his sixes stretching up to 122 meters during a match held against India.
Yuvraj Singh and MS Dhoni are celebrated Indian cricketers who hold their entries too by striking big hits crossing over 110m distance.
The Final Say
Cricket presents intense moments that evoke suspense among its fans worldwide – and sixes play an integral part in shaping these moments. While several players have managed to score incredible long-distance sixes challenging boundaries, Shahid Afridi stands out as having achieved the longest ever six in cricket history. By leaving this remarkable achievement, he indeed imprinted his name eternally on the cricketing records.
Fun Fact:
While you are here, it’s worth mentioning an amusing bit of trivia: Shahid Afridi used Sachin Tendulkar’s bat for his record-breaking fastest ODI century. It seemed like everything he touched turned into gold!
