The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) has delivered thrilling cricket since its inception, with explosive batting performances lighting up stadiums and electrifying fans. Among the standout feats in this T20 spectacle, hitting the most sixes in an innings remains one of the most celebrated achievements. Power hitters like Chris Gayle and Tamim Iqbal have redefined boundaries—both literally and figuratively—with their incredible six-hitting ability. This article dives deep into the top performances in BPL history, spotlighting the players who etched their names in the record books by smashing the most sixes in an innings.
Chris Gayle: The Undisputed King of Sixes
When it comes to T20 cricket, one name reigns supreme—Chris Gayle. The “Universe Boss” has not only dominated in leagues across the world but has also left an indelible mark in the BPL. His six-hitting prowess is second to none, and he holds the record for the most sixes in an innings in the BPL. On December 12, 2017, while playing for Rangpur Riders against Dhaka Dynamites in Mirpur, Gayle hammered a jaw-dropping 18 sixes, scoring 146 runs off just 69 balls. His strike rate of 211.59 that day tells the story of sheer brutality and unmatched power.
What made this innings extraordinary was the effortless way he cleared the boundaries. Every six was a statement, a thunderous roar echoing across the stands. It was a performance that turned the game on its head and ensured Gayle’s name remained synonymous with fireworks in T20 cricket.
A Second Masterclass: Gayle’s 126 Against Khulna Titans
Just four days before his historic 146-run knock, Gayle played another unforgettable innings. On December 8, 2017, once again at Mirpur, he smashed 126 runs off just 51 balls against Khulna Titans. This time, the left-handed giant sent the ball flying for 14 sixes, registering a surreal strike rate of 247.05.
The most remarkable aspect of Gayle’s innings was his ability to accelerate almost effortlessly. From singles to towering sixes, Gayle dismantled the Khulna bowling unit with clinical precision. His name began to echo in every corner of the cricketing world, as he now had back-to-back entries on the list for most sixes in an innings in the BPL.
A 2013 Classic: Gayle’s 114 for Dhaka Gladiators
The 2013 edition of the BPL also witnessed another Chris Gayle masterclass. Playing for Dhaka Gladiators against the Royals, Gayle once again took the center stage. In just 51 balls, he racked up 114 runs, which included 12 massive sixes. The ground at Mirpur became his playground, and the opposition bowlers looked clueless.
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This innings was a brilliant exhibition of controlled aggression. Gayle’s footwork, bat speed, and timing were all perfectly aligned. The crowd erupted every time he sent the ball sailing into the stands. Yet again, he carved a niche for himself in BPL folklore by making a strong case for being the greatest six-hitter in the league’s history.
Going Back to the Beginning: Gayle’s 116 in 2012
If we trace the origins of Chris Gayle’s love affair with the BPL, we land on February 14, 2012. Playing for Barisal Burners against Dhaka, Gayle introduced himself to the league in the most dramatic fashion. He scored 116 runs off 61 balls, including 11 sixes and six fours.
Back then, the BPL was still in its infancy, and Gayle’s innings gave the league its first true blockbuster moment. The combination of brute strength and calm demeanor made it evident that Gayle was not just a player—he was a phenomenon. This knock also laid the foundation for his future performances that would redefine the record for most sixes in an innings in subsequent seasons.
Tamim Iqbal’s Explosive 141 in 2019
While Chris Gayle dominates this list, one Bangladeshi batsman managed to break into this elite club with a sensational knock—Tamim Iqbal. On February 8, 2019, playing for Comilla Victorians against Dhaka Dynamites, Tamim showcased his full batting arsenal. He scored an unbeaten 141 off just 61 balls, featuring 11 sixes and 10 boundaries, achieving a strike rate of 231.14.
Tamim’s innings was special for many reasons. As a local hero, he gave fans a performance to cherish forever. His clean hitting and flawless timing were a treat to watch, and his innings ranks among the best ever played by a Bangladeshi in the BPL. He joined the elite club of players with the most sixes in an innings, cementing his place in league history.
Analyzing the Art of Six-Hitting
Hitting sixes is an art—a blend of timing, strength, and confidence. The ability to clear the ropes consistently requires immense talent and mental fortitude. Players like Chris Gayle and Tamim Iqbal have mastered this skill, turning pressure situations into opportunities for dominance.
What’s interesting to note is that all the top performances in this list occurred at Mirpur, indicating that the ground conditions and pitch at this venue are particularly conducive to big hitting. Another pattern is the significant role strike rate plays in these innings. All top players maintained a strike rate well above 190, showcasing not just power, but relentless aggression.
Table: Top Performances – Most Sixes in an Innings (BPL)
| Player | Runs Scored | Balls | 4s | 6s | Strike Rate | Team | Opposition | Ground | Match Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CH Gayle | 146 | 69 | 5 | 18 | 211.59 | Rangpur | v Dynamites | Mirpur | 12 Dec 2017 |
| CH Gayle | 126 | 51 | 6 | 14 | 247.05 | Rangpur | v Khulna | Mirpur | 08 Dec 2017 |
| CH Gayle | 114 | 51 | 5 | 12 | 223.52 | Dhaka | v Royals | Mirpur | 15 Feb 2013 |
| CH Gayle | 116 | 61 | 6 | 11 | 190.16 | Barisal | v Dhaka | Mirpur | 14 Feb 2012 |
| Tamim Iqbal | 141 | 61 | 10 | 11 | 231.14 | Victorians | v Dynamites | Mirpur | 08 Feb 2019 |
Conclusion: Celebrating Power and Precision
The BPL has been a platform where both international legends and local heroes have showcased their cricketing prowess. In a format that demands explosive batting, hitting the most sixes in an innings remains a benchmark for excellence and entertainment. Chris Gayle’s domination of this list is a testament to his unmatched ability to entertain and destroy in equal measure. Meanwhile, Tamim Iqbal’s inclusion reminds us that local talent too can rise to the occasion and shine just as brightly.
As future editions of the BPL unfold, fans will eagerly await more such towering performances. Until then, the record books will proudly display these historic knocks—each six a symbol of thrill, flair, and cricketing glory.