Watching batters hit sixes escalates the level of excitement within the cricket fans. In modern-day cricket, players often attack the bowlers to hit them out of the park. The introduction of shorter formats like T20 cricket has witnessed a sudden increase in players trying to hit sixes and score as many runs as possible.

However, hitting sixes has not been kept specific to T20Is or ODIs, as players are not shying to clear the ropes in Test cricket as well.

Hitting six requires timing as well as power. As viewers, you must have seen some players swinging hard at the ball, while some time it to perfection. Sometimes, batsmen put so much power in the shot that it not only clears the rope but ends up landing on the roofs of the stadiums and even clears them.

On that note, let's have a look at the longest sixes ever hit in the history of international cricket.

10 players with longest sixes in international cricket

10. Chris Gayel (West Indies) - 116 meters vs India, 2010

Chris Gayle, who is also known as the "Universe Boss," is one of the most ruthless power hitters in cricket history. He makes even the biggest ground look smaller with his striking. During the 2010 ICC T20 World Cup, Gayle smacked India's Yusuf Pathan for a humongous 116 m six. 

9. Shahid Afridi (Pakistan) - 118 meters vs Australia, 2005

Pakistan's legendary all-rounder Shahid Afridi, also called Boom Boom Afridi by fans, used to have a wild swing at the bowlers. In a match against Australia in 2005, the player hit a massive six that sailed over the boundary and landed in the stands.

8. Mahendra Singh Dhoni (India) - 118 meters vs New Zealand, 2009

Former Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni is known to hit bowlers out of the park with his immense power. In 2009, Mahi launched the ball to a 118 m distance with a no-look shot over on the long-on boundary against New Zealand. With that six, he levelled Shahid Afridi's record.

7. Yuvraj Singh (India) - 119 meters vs Australia, 2007

It was Yuvraj Singh's prime when almost everything hitting on his blade was going over the ropes. The 119 m colossal hit came against the likes of Brett Lee in the semifinals of ICC T20 World Cup 2007. In the same tournament, he had hit six sixes in an over against England's Stuart Broad.

6. Mark Waugh (Australia) - 120 meters vs New Zealand, 1997

Mark Waugh, the former Aussie great, was famous for his unique batting style and taking on bowlers. In a test match in 1997 against his neighbours, the Kiwis, he smashed a 120 m six against the left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori at Perth.

5. Corey Anderson (New Zealand) - 122 meters vs India, 2014

Corey Anderson was one of the finest Kiwi all-rounders who used to make handy contributions with both bat and ball. In an ODI against India in 2014, the player cleared the front leg to smash India's leading pacer Mohammed Shami for a 122 m six at the deep wicket at the Napier Stadium. 

4. Liam Livingstone (Engaland) - 122 meters vs Pakistan, 2021

England's power-hitting sensation Liam Livingstone hammered Pakistan's leading pacer Haris Rauf for a 122 m six at Headingly in 2021. The ball was right in the slot and asked to get the treatment that it rightfully deserved in the end. With that hit, Livingstone stands in fourth position on the list.

3. Martin Guptill (New Zealand) - 127 meters vs South Aftica, 2012

New Zealand's stylish opening batter Martin Guptill was popular for his attacking batting style. In 2012, the player smashed South African bowler Lonwabo Tsotsobe for a gigantic hit of 127 m over the deep midwicket boundary. The powerful strike was hit on the rooftop of Westpac Stadium in Wellington.

2. Brett Lee (Australia) - 143 meters vs West Indies, 2005

Well, one might be wondering what a bowler is doing in the list of batters. Brett Lee, the Aussie speedster who used to clock 150 km/h with the ball, smashed Darren Powell for a monstrous hit of 143 m in the Gabba test.

1. Shahid Afridi (Pakistan) - 153 meters vs South Africa, 2013

The longest six in the history of international cricket has been hit by none other than Boom Boom Afridi. The ball travelled the distance of 153 m after getting smashed by Shahid Afridi. Ryan Mclaren, who initially celebrated after dismissing the batter off a no-ball, was shut down by this hit.