Who holds the record for the most sixes in a single World Cup?
If there’s one thing that gets cricket fans hyped up, it’s seeing a cricket ball fly across the park surpassing all boundaries. In the 2023 World Cup, South Africa made sure there was no shortage of such fireworks.
In their 7th match of the 2023 ICC World Cup, the unstoppable Proteas struck 15 sixes against New Zealand. Subsequently, they took their overall tally in that particular World Cup to an astounding 82 sixes, establishing brand new history.
This number swelled in subsequent matches and reached a legendary 99 sixes, making history in the world of cricket.
While establishing their victory against New Zealand, the South African cricket team smashed England’s record of 76 sixes set during the 2019 championship run.
They didn’t just break records! They obliterated them, setting a new benchmark for the most sixes in a single World Cup.
A Chain of Records
As cricket and cricketers evolve, each World Cup witnesses some unthinkable, awe-inspiring, and terrific feats. Every game brings a record that has never been seen before.
South Africa’s performance served this purpose by becoming the only team to club the most sixes in a single World Cup edition of men’s cricket. This is far from a regular occurrence.
While England needed 11 matches to hit their 76 sixes, South Africa managed to shatter that record in merely seven matches, with four games to spare—talk about efficiency!
This feat is even more impressive considering the previous records.
Before England’s 2019 spree, the West Indies held the title with 68 sixes in the 2015 World Cup. South Africa not only surpassed these numbers but did so in a way that has left cricket fans around the world in awe.
| Team | No. of Sixes in a single World Cup |
| South Africa | 82 sixes and more in 2023 |
| England | 76 sixes in 2019 |
| West Indies | 68 sixes in 2015 |
| Australia | 67 sixes in 2007 |
The Six-Hitting Heroes: Men Behind the Most Sixes in a Single World Cup
South Africa’s star-studded batting lineup powered their journey to the most sixes in a single World Cup.
At the forefront of their six-hitting supremacy was Quinton de Kock, who seemed to be in the form of his life. The man was hellbent, scoring four centuries with his destructive game plan.
De Kock’s sensational batting and remarkable centuries enthralled cricket fans. Additionally, he managed to momentarily shift the country’s dutiful focus from rugby to cricket. Only a few in history have been able to do that!
Quinton is only the third batter who has scored four or more centuries in a One Day International Cricket World Cup. Sri Lanks’s Kumar Sangakkara scored four centuries in 2015. He stands second to India’s Rohit Sharma who became the first cricketer in 2019 to score five centuries in a single ODI cricket World Cup.
De Kock’s explosive batting at the top of the order set the tone for the rest of the team.
Carrying four ruthless centuries to his name and the highest individual score of 174 in the tournament, Quinton was a nightmare for bowlers trying to contain the boundary count.
Fellow players Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, and Heinrich Klaasen supported Quinton exceptionally well. They played crucial roles in achieving such a historic feat.
The Proteas: A Combination of Excitement and Aggression
The 2023 South Africa team wasn’t just about experience. The team brought excitement and aggressive energy to the game.
Marco Jansen, primarily known for his fast bowling, also contributed with the bat, smashing sixes when it mattered most. This combination of young talent and seasoned campaigners made South Africa a formidable opponent and a thrill to watch.
Looking Ahead
Which team will break South Africa’s record of the most sixes in a single World Cup?
South Africa assumed an explosive form to give record-breaking performances. As a result, fans couldn’t help but wonder how far they can push the boundaries—quite literally.
As the tournament progressed, the Proteas extended their record even further, making each game a gripping, exciting, must-watch event.
For young cricket fans, the South African team proved to be the embodiment of the fearless spirit of cricket. They show that records are meant to be broken, and boundaries are there to be conquered.
In the world of cricket, fans cherish and celebrate records. Therefore, South Africa’s six-hitting spree in the 2023 World Cup will forever be a lasting memory.
Let us play a game of prediction! which cricket team do you think has the potential to break this record in the next World Cup?
