It is often said that to engage the attention of the viewers, ODIs must be entertaining. The most common way of ODIs being entertaining is when the batsmen hit the big sixes. The maximums are necessary, as they often ease up the pressure on the batting side. If connected properly, then a positive result is up for grabs. In this edition of the World Cup, there were several stadiums in New Zealand, which had short boundaries. When these short boundaries came into the fray, the batsmen were licking their lips. In the fourth quarter final between New Zealand and West Indies, as many as 31 sixes were hit, a world record. There were several batsmen who went for the full-monty and were successful. In this article, we have a look at the top 5 six hitters of the World Cup.
5. Glenn Maxwell (14 sixes):
The Victorian is fifth in the list of the top 5 six hitters. His shots were way too innovative and unorthodox. But nonetheless, they were all clean. In the game against Afghanistan, the “Big Show” cleared the ropes 7 times during his 39 ball endeavor. The lightening quick bat speed which he generates makes his sixes travel a long way. During the tournament, he tormented several bowlers with his big sixes.
4. Martin Guptill (16 sixes):
The Kiwi opener is fourth on the list of the top 5 six hitters. His sixes were clean and monstrous. Against the men from Caribbean, during his epic knock of 237*, Guptill cleared the boundary on 11 occasions. That is some phenomenal record! 11 sixes within an innings! The one technical positivity in Guptill’s batting is that he has a high back-lift. As a result, he is able to get the full swing of the bat, just like a golfer. The full swing then ensures that the ball is deposited into the stands.
3. Brendon McCullum (17 sixes):
The New Zealand captain was simply brutal in the World Cup. McCullum achieved a rare feat in this World Cup. Dale Steyn, Lasith Malinga, Mitchell Johnson, Steven Finn were belted for more than 20 runs in an over when McCullum hit them. These bowlers send shivers down the spines of the opposing batsmen, who look to just survive against them. But McCullum just bossed them.
2. AB De Villiers (21 sixes):
The South African captain, known as Mr 360*, because of his ability to hit anywhere across the ground, was lethal. De Villiers was at his destructive best during the World Cup. Against the West Indies, during his mind boggling knock of 162 off 66, De Villiers hit 8 maximums. A few of these sixes came on deliveries, which were pitched way outside the off stump, but which ended up over fine leg! Creativity while hitting sixes cannot get any better!
1. Chris Gayle (26 sixes):
When the big hits are mentioned, it’s the Jamaican swagger who wins each and every battle. Chris Gayle, ruled over the sixes chart in the 2015 World Cup. His ability to hit sixes is unparalleled. No one can even think of having the audacity to match the Gayle force. His bat, heavier than 5 lbs, is his ultimate weapon. On an average, Gayle hit 4.5 sixes in an inning. During his double ton versus the Zimbabweans, Gayle hit 16 sixes, equaling the world record held by Rohit Sharma. Like the IPL, in the 2015 World Cup as well, there was no shortage of sixes due to Chris Gayle!
The batsmen did really well, to clear the ropes, and hit the big ones! This was a World Cup which is bound to be remembered for its sheer power hitting.