Top 10 Powerful Innings with the Most Sixes in Test Cricket

Test cricket is often associated with patience, discipline, and technical mastery. Yet, over the years, there have been unforgettable moments where batsmen chose to dominate rather than just survive, producing breathtaking displays of power hitting. These innings have etched themselves into cricket history for their sheer aggression and record-breaking six counts.

In this list, we go from rank 10 to rank 1, revisiting the Innings with the Most Sixes in Test cricket and the extraordinary stories behind them.

List Top 10 Powerful Innings with the Most Sixes in Test Cricket

10. Chris Cairns – 9 Sixes vs Zimbabwe (1996)

In January 1996 at Eden Park, Chris Cairns gave the fans a spectacle. Known as one of New Zealand’s finest all-rounders, Cairns was capable of changing the course of a match in just a few overs. Against Zimbabwe, he decided to unleash his attacking game, smashing bowlers to all parts of the ground. His 120-run knock was filled with crisp stroke-making and sheer brute force, which included 10 boundaries and 9 massive sixes. This innings perfectly captures the spirit of the Innings with the Most Sixes in Test cricket.

Player	Country	Opponent	Runs	4s	6s
Chris Cairns	New Zealand	Zimbabwe	120	10	9

9. Wally Hammond – 10 Sixes vs New Zealand (1933)

Back in 1933, England’s Wally Hammond played an innings for the ages at Eden Park. Known for his elegance and timing, Hammond showed that power hitting was not just a modern-day skill. His 336 runs* included 34 fours and 10 sixes, making it one of the most iconic performances in cricket history. Despite the era’s slower pitches and heavier bats, Hammond’s feat still ranks among the Innings with the Most Sixes in Test matches even after nearly a century.

Player	Country	Opponent	Runs	4s	6s
Wally Hammond	England	New Zealand	336*	34	10

8. Kusal Mendis – 11 Sixes vs Ireland (2023)

In April 2023, Kusal Mendis delivered a modern-day batting masterclass in Galle. Against Ireland’s bowling attack, Mendis mixed technical skill with fearless aggression, scoring 245 runs with 18 fours and 11 sixes. The way he dismantled the bowlers was a testament to his form and confidence. This match will always be remembered as one of the Innings with the Most Sixes in Test cricket played by a Sri Lankan batsman.

Player	Country	Opponent	Runs	4s	6s
Kusal Mendis	Sri Lanka	Ireland	245	18	11

7. Ben Stokes – 11 Sixes vs South Africa (2016)

England’s Ben Stokes produced a once-in-a-lifetime performance in January 2016 at Newlands. Facing South Africa, Stokes scored 258 runs in just 198 balls, combining brutal hitting with unbelievable timing. His 30 boundaries and 11 sixes tore apart the Proteas’ bowling attack. This was not just an innings; it was a demolition that still stands as one of the most destructive Innings with the Most Sixes in Test history.

Player	Country	Opponent	Runs	4s	6s
Ben Stokes	England	South Africa	258	30	11

6. Brendon McCullum – 11 Sixes vs Sri Lanka (2014)

In December 2014, Brendon McCullum showcased his fearless approach once again, this time at Hagley Oval against Sri Lanka. His 195-run innings came off just 134 balls and included 18 fours and 11 sixes. McCullum’s intent was clear from the first ball attack and dominate. It was another classic example of the Innings with the Most Sixes in Test that left the opposition with no answers.

Player	Country	Opponent	Runs	4s	6s
Brendon McCullum	New Zealand	Sri Lanka	195	18	11

5. Brendon McCullum – 11 Sixes vs Sri Lanka (2014)

Just a month earlier in November 2014, McCullum had destroyed Pakistan’s bowling attack in Sharjah. His 202-run innings was filled with attacking shots, featuring 21 boundaries and 11 sixes. This back-to-back brilliance cemented McCullum’s reputation as one of the greatest attacking batsmen in the history of the Innings with the Most Sixes in Test cricket.

Player	Country	Opponent	Runs	4s	6s
Brendon McCullum	New Zealand	Pakistan	202	21	11

4. Matthew Hayden – 11 Sixes vs Zimbabwe (2003)

In October 2003, Matthew Hayden produced a batting marathon at the WACA Ground, scoring 380 runs against Zimbabwe. His innings included 38 fours and 11 sixes, making it one of the highest individual scores in Test cricket. Hayden’s dominating presence at the crease was a textbook example of how an opener can control the game, and it remains one of the most memorable Innings with the Most Sixes in Test history.

Player	Country	Opponent	Runs	4s	6s
Matthew Hayden	Australia	Zimbabwe	380	38	11

3. Nathan Astle – 11 Sixes vs England (2002)

March 2002 saw Nathan Astle produce one of the most entertaining knocks in Test cricket at AMI Stadium. Chasing a mammoth target, Astle hammered 222 runs, smashing 28 fours and 11 sixes. Although New Zealand lost, his fearless counter-attack turned the game into an unforgettable contest and placed it among the elite Innings with the Most Sixes in Test matches.

Player	Country	Opponent	Runs	4s	6s
Nathan Astle	New Zealand	England	222	28	11

2. Yashasvi Jaiswal – 12 Sixes vs England (2024)

In February 2024, Yashasvi Jaiswal lit up the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium with an unbeaten 214 runs against England. The young opener’s fearless approach saw him strike 14 boundaries and a record-equalling 12 sixes. His innings instantly entered the record books and showed the cricketing world that he belongs in the greatest Innings with the Most Sixes in Test performances ever played.

Player	Country	Opponent	Runs	4s	6s
Yashasvi Jaiswal	India	England	214*	14	1

1. Wasim Akram

At the top of our list is a true shocker. Known primarily as a fast bowler, Wasim Akram stunned the cricket world in October 1996 at Sheikhupura Stadium. His unbeaten 257 runs against Zimbabwe included 22 boundaries and 12 towering sixes. This innings was an unbelievable display of power and endurance, sealing its place forever as one of the most legendary Innings with the Most Sixes in Test cricket.

Player	Country	Opponent	Runs	4s	6s
Wasim Akram	Pakistan	Zimbabwe	257*	22	12

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