Rohit Sharma becomes the highest six-hitter against New Zealand in ODIs

At the Hnry Stadium in Wellington on November 7, Rohit Sharma rewrote the record books during the second ODI between India and New Zealand. The 39-year-old opener cleared the boundary twice in his knock of 23 off 28 balls, which included two fours as well, to push his career tally of sixes against New Zealand in ODIs to 51.

That total moved him past the previous best of 50, which had been held by Pakistan's Shahid Afridi. Rohit's record-breaking innings came while India were batting in a chase, with New Zealand pacer Kyle Jamieson among the bowlers in the attack. India went into the match leading the series 2-0.

Across 36 ODIs against New Zealand, Rohit has batted in 34 innings to accumulate those 51 maximums. He also holds the record for the most sixes in ODI cricket overall, having struck 383 sixes across 293 matches.

Where do the other big-hitters stand on this list?

With Rohit now at the top, the list of highest six-hitters against New Zealand in ODIs features some of the most destructive batters the game has seen. West Indies opener Chris Gayle occupies third place on that list with 45 sixes against the Kiwis.

Former Sri Lanka captain Sanath Jayasuriya is placed fourth with 41 sixes against New Zealand in ODIs. Jayasuriya was one of the most feared hitters of his era, and his presence on this list alongside Gayle and Afridi underlines just how select the company Rohit now leads.

Player

Team

Sixes

Rohit Sharma

India

51

Shahid Afridi

Pakistan

50

Chris Gayle

West Indies

45

Sanath Jayasuriya

Sri Lanka

41

What happened in the second ODI at Wellington?

Rohit's contribution of 23 off 28 balls came during India's chase in the second ODI at Wellington. He struck two sixes and two fours in that knock before being dismissed by Kyle Jamieson. Despite the relatively modest personal score, the innings was enough to carry the historic milestone over the line.

India entered the match having already sealed the series lead at 2-0, meaning the Wellington contest was an opportunity to extend their dominance. The record arrival in this match adds a notable individual chapter to what has been a strong tour for the Indian side against New Zealand.