Jos Buttler achieved a historic milestone in The Hundred on Saturday, surpassing Chris Gayle's record for the most sixes in a single season of the tournament. The England wicketkeeper-batter reached the feat during a rain-affected match against the Welsh Fire, though his personal score of 27 off 22 balls was below his usual standards.
Record-Breaking Six
Buttler's landmark moment came in the 10th over of the Manchester Originals' innings when he launched a delivery from David Payne over deep mid-wicket for his 42nd six of the season. This took him past Gayle's previous record of 41 sixes, set in the 2021 edition of The Hundred. Despite the achievement, Buttler struggled for fluency on a slow pitch, managing only two boundaries in total.
"It's a special feeling to be mentioned alongside a legend like Chris Gayle," Buttler said after the innings. "But I would have preferred to score more runs and help the team to a bigger total."
Team Performance and Impact
The Manchester Originals posted 158 for 6 in their 100 balls, largely thanks to a late cameo from Jamie Overton, who smashed 45 off 28 balls. Welsh Fire's chase was interrupted by rain, and under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method, they were set a revised target of 96 runs from 50 balls. They reached the target with four balls to spare, winning by five wickets.
Buttler's individual performance did little to mask his recent dip in form. The 34-year-old has managed only 189 runs in nine innings this season at an average of 21.00, with a highest score of 54. However, his six-hitting prowess has been a bright spot, with a strike rate of 151.2.
Elite Company
Buttler now leads the list for most sixes in a single Hundred season, followed by Chris Gayle (41 sixes in 2021), Liam Livingstone (37 in 2021), and James Vince (34 in 2022). The record for most sixes in the tournament overall is held by Livingstone with 96, but Buttler's 42 in a single season is a new benchmark.
"He has been striking the ball well, and even on a difficult track, he managed to get that record," said Manchester Originals coach Simon Katich. "It's a testament to his ability to clear the ropes consistently."
Buttler's achievement comes as the Hundred enters its fifth edition, with the tournament gaining recognition for its explosive batting. His record adds to the legacy of England's white-ball captain, who already holds the record for the fastest century by an Englishman in ODIs.
Looking Ahead
With the group stages winding down, Buttler will aim to carry his six-hitting form into the knockout rounds. The Originals currently sit third in the table, needing a win in their final league match to secure a playoff spot. "We are focused on the next game," Buttler added. "Records are nice, but we want to win the title."
