This year was the year of the ODI World Cup!
Hitting sixes in a World Cup is undeniably crowd-pleasing at the highest level. Despite heavy hitting becoming more common, the pressure in the World Cup is on another level. With that in mind, let's explore the records of the most sixes in an inning in the history of the ODI World Cup!
Eoin Morgan, the accomplished English cricketer, wrote his name in the pages of cricket history by smashing remarkable 17 sixes in a single inning during the 2019 ODI World Cup. This extraordinary feat not only set a record for the ODI World Cup but also marked the highest number of sixes hit by a player in the entire history of ODI cricket. The stage for Morgan's dazzling display of power-hitting was set in a match against Afghanistan during the 2019 ODI World Cup. With an insatiable appetite for boundaries, Morgan went on a relentless assault against the Afghan bowlers, amassing a total of 148 runs in just 71 balls. This extraordinary innings boasted a strike rate of 208.45, leaving the opposition in awe. Among his 21 boundaries, a staggering 17 were dispatched over the ropes for maximums, showcasing Morgan's prowess in clearing the boundaries.
The flamboyant West Indies batsman Chris Gayle secured the second spot in the list of most sixes in an ODI World Cup inning with a formidable tally of 16 sixes. This monumental achievement unfolded during the 2015 ODI World Cup when Gayle showcased his unparalleled batting prowess by recording the first-ever double-century in World Cup history.
In a clash against Zimbabwe, Gayle's innings was nothing short of spectacular. He notched up an impressive 215 runs off just 147 balls, featuring a total of 26 boundaries. Out of these boundaries, 16 were colossal sixes, complemented by 10 well-executed fours. Gayle's innings not only solidified his reputation as a destructive opener but also established a new benchmark for World Cup innings.
Following in the footsteps of Chris Gayle, Martin Guptill made a significant impact during the 2015 ODI World Cup, contributing 11 sixes to his name. Guptill's defining moment occurred in the quarterfinals against the West Indies, where he unleashed a breathtaking double century. Guptill's monumental innings saw him amass a staggering 237 runs in just 163 balls, leaving spectators in awe of his stroke play. The inning comprised 35 boundaries, including 24 fours and 11 towering sixes. Guptill's remarkable display of power-hitting played a pivotal role in propelling New Zealand to victory and cemented his status as a batting powerhouse.
David Miller made a significant impact during the 2015 ODI World Cup, showcasing his explosive batting skills. In a memorable inning against Zimbabwe, he hit a total of nine sixes! Miller's scintillating knock saw him score 138 runs off 92 balls. During this prolific inning, Miller exhibited his aggressive intent, smashing a total of 16 boundaries. Among these boundaries, nine were dispatched over the ropes for sixes, showcasing Miller's ability to clear the boundaries with ease. His innings played a crucial role in South Africa's campaign in the tournament.
The Australian cricket legend Ricky Ponting, holds the fifth position on the list, having struck eight sixes in a defining inning during the 2003 ODI World Cup finals against India. Ponting's stellar performance not only contributed to Australia's triumph in the final but also earned him the coveted title of Man of the Match. In a high-pressure final, Ponting showcased his batting prowess by scoring an impressive 140 runs off 121 balls. His innings featured a total of 12 boundaries, including eight majestic sixes. Ponting's leadership and batting excellence played a pivotal role in Australia clinching the 2003 ODI World Cup title.
The ODI World Cup has been witness to awe-inspiring innings featuring a barrage of sixes from players of immense stature. These cricketers not only created history with their extraordinary power-hitting displays but also entertained fans immensely with their remarkable performances on the global stage.
