 "KKR's Andre Russell on Saturday hit the longest six of IPL 2024 so far. Sportzpics")
Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) Andre Russell enthralled fans at the Eden Gardens on Saturday with a quickfire fifty in their IPL 2024 season opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Russell, known for his finishing capabilities in T20 cricket, a massed 64 off just 25 deliveries at a strike rate of 256 . He got to his fifty in just 20 deliveries, and amassed three fours and as many as seven sixes during his knock. One of those maximums, went as long as a distance of 102m, the first time the 100-metre barrier was breached this IPL season as far as the distance of the six is concerned.
But, who holds the record of the longest six in IPL history?
Longest six in IPL history
Former South Africa cricketer Albie Morkel holds the record of the longest six in Indian Premier League history. Morkel, who played for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the inuagural IPL season back in 2008, had unleashed a 124m six during a game against Delhi Daredevils (now Capitals) that same season. Morkel has also represented Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and the now defunct Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) in the IPL. Morkel finished his IPL career with 85 wickets from 91 matches, and having scored 974 runs.
Interestingly, Morkel is on level with Praveen Kumar for the longest six. Praveen had also hit a 124m six for RCB against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the IPL 2008 season. Adam Gilchrist (122m), Robin Uthappa (120m) and Chris Gayle (119m) complete the top five for this list.
Meanwhile, Russell’s knock helped Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) post 208/7 from 20 overs, a total that they successfully defended as they clinched a four-run win over SRH in a last-over thriller.