IPL 2024: A Season of Record-Breaking Sixes
IPL 2024 has seen an unprecedented dominance of bat over ball, with record-breaking run-rates, high totals, and explosive powerplays. This season’s standout feature is the sheer number of sixes hit, shattering previous records and setting new benchmarks.
Record-Breaking Sixes
In Match 64, Arshad Khan’s six off Rasikh Salam marked the 1125th six of the season, surpassing the 1124 sixes hit in 2023. This is only the third season with over 1000 sixes, with 1062 in 2022 and 1124 in 2023. Impressively, 1133 sixes have been hit in just 65 matches in 2024, compared to the 70 matches needed in 2022 and 67 in 2023 to reach the 1000 mark.
Frequency and Powerplay Sixes
This season averages a staggering 17.7 sixes per match, breaking the previous high of 15.2 in 2023. A six is hit approximately every 13 balls, an improvement from every 15.3 balls last year. Powerplays have seen the highest number of sixes ever, with 299 sixes already hit, surpassing the previous record of 245 in 2023.
High Sixes Matches
There have been 13 matches with over 25 sixes each, compared to just four in 2023. Additionally, there have been four instances of over 20 sixes in a single innings this season, a feat achieved only thrice in all previous editions combined.
Sunrisers’ Batting Revolution
The Sunrisers have been the most aggressive batting unit, hitting 146 sixes, leading in powerplay sixes (49). RCB follows with 141 sixes, then Delhi Capitals (135) and KKR (125). Gujarat Titans lag with just 67 sixes. Despite Sunrisers’ dominance in powerplays, CSK leads in death overs with 37 sixes.
Top Six Hitters
Abhishek Sharma tops the list with 35 sixes, forming a potent opening pair with Travis Head. He has scored 401 runs in 12 innings at a strike rate of 205.6. Virat Kohli follows with 33 sixes, showing an uncharacteristic penchant for aerial shots this season. Other top hitters include Sunil Narine (32), Travis Head, Riyan Parag, and Heinrich Klaasen (31 each).
Best Venues for Sixes
Eden Gardens has seen the most sixes (154) this season. However, Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi boasts the best frequency, with a six every 8.95 deliveries. Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Hyderabad, Eden Gardens, and Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru follow with 10.3, 10.32, and 10.79 deliveries per six, respectively.
IPL 2024 has truly become the season of wallops, redefining the boundaries of T20 cricket with its record-breaking six-hitting spree.
