Rohit Sharma creates history with record-breaking sixes against New Zealand in 2nd ODI

Rohit Sharma creates history with record-breaking sixes against New Zealand in 2nd ODI

Rohit Sharma Sets New ODI Sixes Record Against New Zealand

Rohit Sharma has added another landmark to an already remarkable career, becoming the batter with the most sixes against New Zealand in men’s One Day International cricket. The former India captain reached the milestone during the second ODI in Wellington on Saturday, November 7, striking twice over the boundary in a brief innings.

Chasing a target of 135, Rohit scored 23 from 28 deliveries. Although his stay at the crease was short, two powerful shots against New Zealand fast bowler Kyle Jamieson were enough to move him past former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi on the all-time list. Rohit’s record now stands at 51 ODI sixes against the Black Caps.

Two sixes take Rohit past Shahid Afridi

Rohit began the match needing two maximums to surpass Afridi’s previous mark of 50 sixes against New Zealand. He reached the target in quick succession: his first six came off the second ball of the seventh over, and he followed it with another on the second delivery of the ninth.

The achievement reflects more than one memorable innings. Rohit has built his record over years of facing New Zealand across different conditions and bowling attacks. He has hit 51 sixes in 34 innings across 36 ODIs against the side, giving him the highest total in the format among all batters.

Afridi finished his ODI career with 50 sixes against New Zealand, accumulated in 35 innings across 38 matches. West Indies great Chris Gayle is third with 45, while Sri Lanka’s Sanath Jayasuriya sits fourth with 41. The list also features several modern stars, including Jos Buttler and Virat Kohli, who have each hit 29 ODI sixes against the Black Caps.

Most ODI sixes against New Zealand

Rohit Sharma leads the standings with 51 sixes, followed by Shahid Afridi with 50, Chris Gayle with 45 and Sanath Jayasuriya with 41. Jos Buttler and Virat Kohli have 29 apiece, while Fakhar Zaman and Adam Gilchrist have each recorded 28. Eoin Morgan has 27, and Sachin Tendulkar has 26. Abdul Razzaq and Shubman Gill are level on 25.

Rohit’s position at the top is especially notable given the quality of the company he has joined. The list spans generations of international cricket, from Tendulkar and Gilchrist to current players such as Gill and Kohli. It also highlights how Rohit’s aggressive approach has made six-hitting a defining part of his batting identity.

International sixes record against New Zealand within reach

The ODI milestone could be followed by another significant achievement. Across all three international formats, Rohit has hit 85 sixes against New Zealand. That leaves him just three short of Gayle’s overall record of 87, set in 57 innings across 51 matches between 2002 and 2019.

Rohit has played 62 matches against New Zealand and scored 2,183 runs in 68 innings. With three ODIs remaining in the series, he has an immediate opportunity to move ahead of Gayle in the international sixes standings. The chase gives the upcoming matches an additional point of interest for fans, alongside the teams’ battle for the series.

There is an even bigger round-number milestone on the horizon. If Rohit clears the boundary 15 times during the remaining three ODIs, he will become the first player to reach 100 international sixes against New Zealand. He has already passed that mark against Australia and the West Indies, underlining his long-term impact against leading international opponents.

Most international sixes against New Zealand

Gayle remains first with 87 international sixes, while Rohit is second with 85. Afridi follows with 64, ahead of Eoin Morgan on 53 and Fakhar Zaman on 52. Harry Brook and Adam Gilchrist have 49 each. Mohammad Hafeez has 48, while Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler and Jayasuriya are tied on 46. Mitchell Marsh completes the listed top group with 45.

What the record means for India’s ODI campaign

Rohit’s latest record adds a compelling subplot to India’s ongoing ODI campaign. His 23-run contribution did not turn into a long innings, but the landmark showed how quickly he can influence a match. In a chase, a pair of sixes can shift momentum, put pressure on the bowlers and energize the batting side—even when the batter does not remain at the crease for long.

The record also offers a useful prediction point for the rest of the series: Rohit is close enough to Gayle’s international mark that each appearance could bring a new milestone. Whether he reaches 100 sixes will depend on his opportunities and the conditions, but the possibility gives supporters another reason to watch closely.

For New Zealand, containing Rohit will remain a key challenge. His ability to attack pace, clear the boundary and score quickly means that even a short spell can reshape the tempo of an innings. For India, his record is a reminder of the value of experience and power at the top of the order.

By moving past Afridi in ODI cricket, Rohit has secured a place at the summit of a notable statistical list. With Gayle’s all-format record now in sight, the Wellington achievement may prove to be more than a standalone milestone—it could be the first step toward another chapter in Rohit Sharma’s record-breaking career.

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