Cricket, often referred to as a game of glorious uncertainties, has witnessed some extraordinary feats over the years. While a bowler's hat-trick can change the course of a game, batsmen, too, can leave an indelible mark with their remarkable performances. One such astonishing accomplishment is the '6 ball 6 six' over. Just as a hat-trick is a rarity in cricket, achieving this feat is even rarer. In fact, it has only happened four times in international cricket. In this article, we delve into the 6 ball 6 six record list, sharing the fascinating stories behind this exceptional achievement.

1. Herschelle Gibbs vs the Netherlands (2007 ODI World Cup)

In 2007, Herschelle Gibbs became the first player to achieve the 6 ball 6 six feat in international cricket. During the 2007 ODI World Cup, Gibbs left a lasting impression when he faced the Netherlands. Bowler Daan van Bunge bore the brunt of Gibbs's onslaught. The over saw Gibbs dancing down the pitch, smashing six after six. In the end, Gibbs hit a remarkable 6 sixes in a single over, etching his name in cricket history.

2. Yuvraj Singh vs England (2007 T20I World Cup)

Yuvraj Singh, inspired by Gibbs's incredible feat, achieved the 6 ball 6 six record during the inaugural 2007 T20 World Cup in a match against England. Stuart Broad, one of England's premier fast bowlers, was the unfortunate bowler. What followed was nothing short of breathtaking, as Yuvraj struck six consecutive sixes off Broad, propelling India to victory in a crucial T20 World Cup match.

3. Kieron Pollard vs Sri Lanka (2021 Sri Lanka Tour of West Indies)

After a 14-year gap, Kieron Pollard became the third cricketer to join the exclusive 6 ball 6 six club in 2021. In a match against Sri Lanka, Pollard showcased his hard-hitting prowess, steering West Indies to a thrilling win. Facing a hat-trick situation, Pollard decided to take charge and blasted six maximums off Akila Dananjaya, creating history in the process.

4. Jaskaran Malhotra vs Papua New Guinea (2021 ODI Series)

Jaskaran Malhotra, representing the USA, achieved the 6 ball 6 six feat in a match against Papua New Guinea in 2021. Hitting Gaudi Toka for 36 runs in a single over, Malhotra showcased his batting prowess by smashing the ball all over the park, reaching an impressive 173 runs in the process.

While these are the four instances in international cricket, there have been additional achievements in domestic and T20 leagues. Nevertheless, the pressure and the high caliber of international cricket make hitting 6 sixes in an over an extraordinary accomplishment.

The Best Entry on the 6 Ball 6 Six Record List

In assessing these remarkable feats, one innings stands out as the best entry on the 6 ball 6 six record list - Yuvraj Singh vs. England. Yuvraj's remarkable performance against a cricketing giant like England, and against a world-class bowler in Stuart Broad, in a World Cup match, is a testament to his phenomenal batting skills. The added drama of a heated exchange with Andrew Flintoff made this achievement all the more legendary.

IPL and the 6 Ball 6 Six Record List

Despite the power-packed action in the Indian Premier League (IPL), no batsman has managed to achieve the elusive 6 ball 6 six feat. However, several players have come close, hitting five sixes in an over, including Chris Gayle, Rahul Tewatia, Ravi Jadeja, Rinku Singh, and the partnership of Jason Holder and Marcus Stoinis.

Indian Batsmen on the 6 Ball 6 Six Record List

Yuvraj Singh is the sole Indian cricketer on the international 6 ball 6 six record list. However, there have been several instances of Indian batsmen achieving this feat in first-class cricket, including Ravi Shastri in 1985 and Ruturaj Gaikwad in 2022, who also holds the record for hitting seven sixes in a single over.

All-Time 6 Ball 6 Six Record List

In addition to international cricket, several remarkable performances have occurred in first-class and T20 cricket, although they are not officially recognized. Some of the notable instances include Sir Garfield Sobers in 1968, Ross Whitely in 2017, Hazratullah Zazai in 2018, Leo Carter in 2020, and Thisara Perera in 2021.

These extraordinary feats have left cricket enthusiasts in awe and continue to inspire batsmen to strive for excellence. The '6 ball 6 six' record is a testament to the audacity and brilliance of these cricketers, showcasing their ability to change the game's dynamics in a matter of six deliveries.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people hit 6 sixes in 6 balls?

Only four cricket players have ever hit six sixes in six balls in international cricket. These are Yuvraj Singh, Herschelle Gibbs, Kieron Pollard, and Jaskaran Malhotra.

2. Who hit 6 sixes in 6 balls in IPL?

Three players have hit 6 ball 6 sixes in the IPL. These are Yuvraj Singh, Chris Gayle, and Kieron Pollard.

3. Who scored 6 balls 6 sixes in IPL 2023?

While the Royal Challenge Bangalore's Faf Du Plessis struck a whopping 36 sixes in the IPL 2023, no player was able to join the 6 ball 6 six record list in 2023.

4. Has anyone taken 6 wickets in 6 balls?

Never have six wickets been taken in six balls in international cricket. However, there are two recorded instances of this occurring in first-class cricket.

5. Which player hit 7 sixes in an over?

Ruturaj Gaikwad holds the record for the most sixes hit in an over, crushing 7 sixes in an over for Maharashtra against Uttar Pradesh in the 2022 Vijay Hazare Trophy. The record was possible courtesy of a no-ball by Shiva Singh, conceding 43 runs total in the over.

These remarkable feats in the world of cricket continue to enthrall fans and remain a testament to the exceptional talent and audacity of the cricketers who achieved them.