Who was the first player to hit six sixes in the 2007 World Cup?
Introduction
The ICC Cricket World Cup has always been a platform for unforgettable moments, remarkable performances, and record-breaking feats. Among the most iconic achievements in the tournament’s history is Herschelle Gibbs’ six sixes in one over, a rare cricketing phenomenon. This landmark event occurred during the 2007 Cricket World Cup, held in the West Indies, and it etched Gibbs’ name permanently in the annals of cricket history.
The Historic Day: March 16, 2007
Match Overview
- Match: South Africa vs. Netherlands
- Venue: Warner Park, St. Kitts
- Occasion: Group A match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007
South Africa was playing against a relatively weaker side, the Netherlands, in a group-stage fixture. It seemed like a routine match until the world witnessed something extraordinary — Herschelle Gibbs hitting six consecutive sixes in a single over, becoming the first player to achieve this in a World Cup match.
The Bowler: Daan van Bunge
The unfortunate bowler on the receiving end was Daan van Bunge, a Dutch leg-spinner. In the 30th over of the innings, van Bunge came on to bowl to Gibbs. What followed was a cricketing masterclass of clean hitting and impeccable timing.
The Sequence: Ball-by-Ball Breakdown
Let’s relive each delivery of that historic over:
- 1st Ball: Gibbs steps down the pitch and lofts it over long-on for a six.
- 2nd Ball: Another big swing sends the ball sailing over long-off.
- 3rd Ball: Clean hit over mid-wicket – six again!
- 4th Ball: Full toss hammered over long-on – number four.
- 5th Ball: Slightly outside off, but dispatched over wide long-off.
- 6th Ball: The historic sixth – straight down the ground for another massive six.
Total runs from the over: 36
World Cup Record
- Achievement: First cricketer to hit six sixes in an over in a World Cup match
- Batsman: Herschelle Gibbs (South Africa)
- Bowler: Daan van Bunge (Netherlands)
- Venue: Warner Park, St. Kitts
- Date: March 16, 2007
This performance made Gibbs the first player in the history of the Cricket World Cup to achieve this feat. It was also the first time in One Day Internationals (ODIs) that a player hit six sixes in a single over.
The Significance of the Feat
1. A Rare Achievement
At the time, only Sir Garfield Sobers (1968) and Ravi Shastri (1985) had achieved this in first-class cricket. In international cricket, Gibbs was the first.
2. World Cup Milestone
No player before Gibbs had hit six sixes in a single over in the prestigious World Cup tournament, making it a historical milestone.
3. Boost for South Africa
The over not only electrified the crowd but also propelled South Africa to a massive total of 353/3. The Netherlands could not recover and were bowled out for 132, giving South Africa a thumping victory by 221 runs.
The Reactions
Gibbs’ Reaction:
“It was just one of those days where everything went my way. You try to hit every ball for six, but it rarely happens that it comes off.”
Commentators & Fans:
Commentators were left in disbelief, and cricket fans around the globe celebrated the iconic moment. Gibbs’ achievement was widely praised as one of the most entertaining moments in World Cup history.
Special Recognition by the ICC
The International Cricket Council (ICC) recognized the significance of the feat. Herschelle Gibbs was awarded a $1 million prize by the tournament sponsor, Johnnie Walker, as part of a pre-announced contest offering the reward to any player who hit six sixes in an over during the World Cup.
Other Players Who Have Hit Six Sixes in an Over (for context)
Although Gibbs was the first to do it in the World Cup, others have matched this rare feat in various formats:
| Player | Format | Year | Bowler Faced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sir Garfield Sobers | First-Class | 1968 | Malcolm Nash |
| Ravi Shastri | First-Class | 1985 | Tilak Raj |
| Herschelle Gibbs | ODI (World Cup) | 2007 | Daan van Bunge |
| Yuvraj Singh | T20I | 2007 | Stuart Broad |
| Kieron Pollard | T20I | 2021 | Akila Dananjaya |
| Jaskaran Malhotra | ODI | 2021 | Gaudi Toka |
Legacy and Impact
- Herschelle Gibbs’ innings became part of cricket folklore.
- Inspired young cricketers to believe in achieving the seemingly impossible.
- Cemented Gibbs’ legacy as one of the most dangerous hitters of his generation.
- Boosted the popularity of aggressive batting and T20-style hitting in ODIs.
Final Thoughts
Herschelle Gibbs’ six sixes in the 2007 World Cup wasn’t just a statistical achievement — it was a moment that changed the narrative of power-hitting in international cricket. It showcased the thrill of the game, the unpredictability of sport, and the brilliance of a player in peak form.
As cricket continues to evolve, fans will always look back on March 16, 2007, as the day when Gibbs made history with his bat — six balls, six sixes, and eternal glory.
