In the high-octane and fast-paced format of T20I cricket, few moments are as electrifying as a player’s first delivery, especially when they make an instant impact with a six. Launching a career with a six is a rare and bold feat that sets a player apart, showcasing their confidence and skill from the beginning.
From cricket's debutant stars to seasoned campaigners making their T20I entries, this impressive list includes some of the most audacious first-ball sixes seen in international cricket.
From India’s Suryakumar Yadav to Pakistan’s Sohail Tanvir, a few select players have managed to pull off this incredible feat. Each of these cricketers faced challenging bowlers and responded with bold strokes. Whether a hook shot over midwicket or a straight hit down the ground, their audacious hits set them apart.
On that note, here is the complete list of cricketers who began their T20I career with a six.
Suryakumar Yadav (India)
Suryakumar Yadav made an unforgettable debut in T20I cricket for India against England at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad in March 2021. Facing England’s formidable pacer Jofra Archer, Yadav did not hold back.
On his very first ball, he played an audacious hook shot that sailed over the boundary, marking his arrival on the international stage with a six. His confident stroke against one of the world's most feared bowlers signaled his readiness for top-level cricket.
Ramandeep Singh (India)
On November 13, 2024, Ramandeep Singh of Kolkata Knight Riders followed in the footsteps of Suryakumar Yadav by hitting a six on his first T20I ball for India.
Facing South Africa’s Andile Simelane in Centurion, Ramandeep scored an impressive 15 runs off six balls, kicking off his international career with boldness and flair. This incredible start not only placed him in an elite club but also showcased his potential to play aggressive cricket.
Sohail Tanvir (Pakistan)
Pakistan’s left-arm pacer Sohail Tanvir created a memorable moment in the 2007 ICC World T20 Final against India in Johannesburg. Though he had made his T20I debut earlier in the tournament, it was only in the final that he got his chance to bat.
Facing Sreesanth, Tanvir hit a powerful six over long-on on the very first ball he faced, adding excitement to the tense match. His instant impact with the bat highlighted his versatility in Pakistan’s lineup.
Jerome Taylor (West Indies)
Jerome Taylor, primarily known for his fast bowling, made his T20I debut memorable with the bat against South Africa in Johannesburg in 2008. On the last ball of the 18th over, Taylor struck South African bowler Makhaya Ntini for a six over midwicket and ended his innings unbeaten on seven runs off five balls.
Taylor’s powerful shot was a thrilling moment on debut for the West Indies and demonstrated his ability to contribute with the bat.
Tino Best (West Indies)
Another West Indies fast bowler, Tino Best, made his debut unforgettable by hitting a six off his first T20I ball against Pakistan in 2013. West Indies were chasing a target of 136 and Best faced spinner Saeed Ajmal on his first delivery.
He did not hesitate to launch the ball over long-off for a six. Despite his brief but impactful knock of 17 runs off nine balls, Pakistan ultimately won the game by 11 runs.
Xavier Marshall (West Indies)
Xavier Marshall’s moment came in 2008 against Australia in a rain-shortened 11-over match at Bridgetown. Facing Brett Lee, one of cricket’s most fearsome bowlers, Marshall started with an aggressive pull shot that cleared the boundary.
He scored 36 runs off just 15 balls, leading West Indies to a victory and leaving a lasting impression with his fearless batting.
Kieron Pollard (West Indies)
In 2008, Kieron Pollard against New Zealand in Auckland began with a bang as he smashed Jeetan Patel for a six on his first delivery. Pollard’s bold stroke over midwicket highlighted his power-hitting ability and became a hallmark of his T20I career.
Although he was dismissed shortly after for seven runs off four balls, his aggressive start set the tone for his future in T20 cricket.
Mangaliso Mosehle (South Africa)
South Africa’s Mangaliso Mosehle introduced himself on the T20I stage in 2017 against Sri Lanka at Centurion with a six off Nuwan Kulasekara in a match shortened to 10 overs per side.
Mosehle’s flat swipe over deep point on his first delivery was a confident start and an indication of his potential in South Africa’s limited-overs setup.
Andile Simelane (South Africa)
In the opening T20I of the ongoing series between South Africa and India at Durban, Andile Simelane became one of the latest players to hit a six on his first ball in T20I cricket.
Facing Ravi Bishnoi, Simelane powered the ball over long-on, adding flair to his debut. Although he scored only six runs off four balls, his bold first shot marked a memorable start.
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