On January 4, the Melbourne Derby in the BBL featured a thrilling clash between the Melbourne-based teams, Melbourne Stars and Melbourne Renegades. During the match, Stars’ Hilton Cartwright smashed a massive 121-metre six, tying the record for the longest six in Big Bash League history. The record is shared with Chris Lynn, who hit a 121-metre six off Shaun Tait in 2016.
Cartwright’s six came at a crucial moment when the Melbourne Stars needed 8 runs off 4 balls to win. Tom Rogers delivered a half-volley, the kind of ball Cartwright had been waiting for. He timed it perfectly, launching it like a missile over long-on. The ball landed on the second tier of the Melbourne Cricket Ground. If it had been any other venue, it might have cleared the stadium entirely.
It is now the joint-longest six in Big Bash League history, but it is still far from the longest six ever recorded. Shahid Afridi holds the record for the longest six, a monstrous 153-metre hit against South Africa in 2013. In the IPL, South Africa’s Albie Morkel holds the record for the longest maximum, smashing a 125-metre six while playing for the Chennai Super Kings during the inaugural season in 2008.
Hilton Cartwright himself was surprised by the six, as he gave a jaw-dropping reaction. The massive six made the remaining task much easier for the Stars, leaving them needing just 2 runs from 3 balls. On the very next ball, the batter hit a four to seal the victory for the Stars.
Hilton Cartwright smashed 121M six in the BBL. 🤯🔥 pic.twitter.com/HYl5ZQl7wU
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 6, 2025
With this, the Marcus Stoinis-led side secured two valuable points. However, with just 2 wins in 7 games, the Stars remain alive in the tournament, though their chances of making the playoffs are slim. They have three more games left this season, each of them a must-win to keep their hopes alive.
