Longest Six in Cricket History – 173 Meters

Okay, let’s get one thing straight right off the bat the phrase “Longest Six in Cricket History – 173 Meters” sounds absolutely insane, right? I mean, 173 meters? That’s longer than most football fields! But stick with me here this article is going to unpack not just the claim, but what’s real, what’s rumor, and why everyone loves talking about gigantic sixes like this one.

Whether you’re a cricket geek who tracks six distances like they’re stock prices, or just someone who loves hearing stories about balls flying into orbit you’re in the right place. So grab some chai, and let’s get into it!

What’s the Deal with “173 Meters”?

You’ve probably seen that 173 meters figure floating around all over social media, YouTube reels, and forums. It’s become a legendary number when people talk about the biggest six in cricket history. But here’s the kicker no official measurement system has ever registered a six that far.

Look, cricket measurement tech has gotten really good. We have Hawkeye, radar systems, ball tracking, and laser tech that accurately logs hit distances these days. And none of them have confirmed a six remotely close to 173 meters. Yet somehow, that number just … sticks.

As per the source of EspnCricinfo

So here’s our first lesson:

• 173 meters isn’t an official record it’s a myth. But it’s a really cool myth, and that’s why we’re talking about it.

The Real Longest Official Six Recorded

While we’re on the topic let’s talk actual verified records.

The longest officially recorded six in international cricket history belongs to Shahid Afridi, who smashed a monstrous 153 meters off Ryan McLaren back in 2013 in Johannesburg.

Yep, that’s a big number in itself and if you ask me, it’s way more impressive than 173 because:

• It was measured using solid systems.

• It actually happened in a big match.

• And Afridi was known for insane power hitting anyway.

This gets me thinking if Afridi could hit something astronomical like 153 m, how did 173 m come into the picture? Most likely video exaggerations or social clips badly edited to look bigger than reality.

Why the 173m Claim Spread Like Wildfire

You’ve seen those YouTube compilations or Instagram clips with titles like “Longest Six in Cricket History – 173 Meters!!!” right? Those get more clicks than a normal number because humans love the hyperbole of “biggest ever” things.

Most likely causes of this myth:

• Edited clips that stretch distances.

• Fans repeating numbers inaccurately on Reddit and forums.

• Legend building, because cricket stories are best when they’re outrageous.

• Social media algorithms packing dramatic numbers like 173 for more engagement.

So in a way, the “173-meter six” became more famous than any real six just because it sounded so insane. For some people it’s like talking about unicorns … but in cricket form.

Top Official Longest Sixes in Cricket (Not Myths)

Let’s shift to some measured reality the top recorded sixes that we can confidently point to:

 Top Big Hits (Measured Data)

• 153 meters – Shahid Afridi (Pakistan)
  Probably the most famous giant six in cricket history.

• 143 meters – Brett Lee (Australia)
  This was hit at the Gabba Test, and it’s widely accepted as one of the longest official sixes.

• 127 meters – Martin Guptill (New Zealand)
  A T20 blast that cleared quite literally everything at mid wicket.

• 122 meters – Liam Livingstone (England)
  One of the modern power hitters who’s consistently hitting bomb after bomb.

There are others like Corey Anderson, Yuvraj Singh, MS Dhoni, and Chris Gayle who have all hit massive sixes upwards of 115–120 m.

But check this none of these even come close to that mythical 173 m.

So What’s the Longest Six? Myth or Reality?

Let’s be blunt here:

✅ Reality:

• YouTube and social posts talk about 173m long sixes.

• But tracking tech and official match records never confirm anything beyond ~153 m.

❌ Myth:

• There’s no authenticated data validating that anyone hit 173 m.

So yeah, the idea of a 173 m six is pretty much a cricket urban legend at this point.

Why We Still Love Talking About Huge Sixes

Let’s be honest cricket fans are obsessed with distance.

We track strike rates, six counts, and distances like they’re fantasy cricket stats that determine our entire worth in life (LOL). Who hasn’t paused a replay thinking “Okay, that ball might’ve gone 150m!” at least once, right?

Huge sixes are like the roller coaster rides of cricket:

• They make crowds go nuts.

• Bowlers shake their heads in disbelief.

• Commentary gets dramatic AF.

• And social media vultures swoop in with titles like “Biggest Six Ever!!!”

No wonder something as wild as 173 meters became a legend even if it’s not technically true.

A Few Fun Six-Hitting Questions to Ponder

Let’s make this personal for a sec:

❓ If you were batting, what’s the longest six you think you could hit?
Most of us haven’t even hit one over the rope once without runners…

❓ Would you rather hit a 140 m official six or an official 173 m myth six?
Because in real life, that 140 m one is more impressive.

Conclusion

Here’s the bottom line, friend:

• “Longest Six in Cricket History – 173 Meters” is a cool Internet legend, not an official record.

• The real longest measured six comes from Shahid Afridi’s 153 m monster hit.

• Other big hitters have smashed sixes in the 120–143 m range still insane distances.

• The 173 m number lives on because cricket fans love spectacle more than precision.

So next time someone tells you they saw a 173 m six, just smile and say, “Yeah, that’s one heck of a legend.”