In the exciting realm of ODI cricket, hitting sixes showcases a batsman’s strength and boldness. Launching the ball over the boundary not only energizes the crowd but also adds pressure on the opposing team.
In contemporary cricket, teams adopt an aggressive approach, seeking to establish dominance over the bowlers. There was a period when a team relied on just one aggressive batter in the lineup.
However, nowadays, teams emphasize having several players who can independently change the course of a game in any circumstance. India’s powerful batting lineup, featuring numerous match-winners, recently set a big-hitting record in their 160-run win over the Netherlands.
With 16 sixes in the 2023 ODI World Cup clash, they now hold the record for the most ODI sixes in a calendar year, reaching a total of 215 sixes in 2023.
#1 South Africa has hit a remarkable 203 sixes in the year 2023
At the third spot are South Africa, who have smashed 203 ODI sixes in 2023. They possess a formidable middle-order with hard-hitting batters like Quinton de Kock, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, and Rassie van der Dussen.
With 15 wins in 21 ODIs this year, Klaasen leads the six-hitting chart with 42 sixes in 19 innings. Miller (34 sixes), De Kock (30 sixes), and Markram (29 sixes) have also contributed to South Africa’s impressive six-hitting tally under the leadership of Temba Bavuma.
#2 West Indies has hit a remarkable 209 sixes in 2019
West Indies claims its position on this list mainly due to one individual—Christopher Henry Gayle. In his farewell year in ODIs, the ‘Universe Boss’ made an impact by smashing 56 sixes alone.
Gayle, with 753 runs from 15 ODI innings in 2019, was a force to be reckoned with, supported by Nicholas Pooran (27 sixes) and Shimron Hetmyer (22 sixes). The West Indies, led by Jason Holder for most of the year, collectively hit 209 sixes in 2019.
#3 India hits a remarkable 215* sixes in 2023
India, led by Rohit Sharma, has smashed a record by hitting the most sixes in a calendar year, totalling 215 in just 30 ODI matches. Rohit Sharma leads the charge with a remarkable 60 sixes, setting a new individual record.
Opening partner Shubman Gill has contributed significantly with 38 sixes and is the leading run-scorer for the year. Other key contributors include Shreyas Iyer and Virat Kohli with 23 and 22 sixes, respectively.
KL Rahul, the No. 5 batsman, has added 16 sixes. This outstanding performance suggests India’s top five batters are in stellar form, making them formidable contenders in the upcoming semi-finals and final of the ODI World Cup.
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