100 sixes in 4,918 balls, unique world record with Pant's bat

Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant achieved a remarkable feat in the Galle Test against Sri Lanka. He became the fastest batsman to hit 100 sixes in Test cricket by hitting a six over fine leg off Lahiru Kumara.

Pant reached his half-century in 53 balls in the second innings of the first Test of the series. The same six also marked the 100th six of his Test career. Pant played just 4,918 balls to reach this milestone.

Adam Gilchrist, Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes have previously hit 100 or more sixes in Tests. However, none of them have been able to hit a six century in such a short span of time as Pant. Gilchrist needed 6,578 balls. McCullum and Stokes played 9,756 and 9,042 balls respectively.

Ben Stokes has the most sixes in Test cricket so far. The English all-rounder has hit 138 sixes. However, Pant is at the top of the list in terms of the speed of hitting sixes. He has hit an average of one six every 49.2 balls in Tests.

Gilchrist is second in this list. His six rate is one six every 67.92 balls. In the case of McCullum and Stokes, the rates are 93.39 and 90.05 balls respectively.

Pant is now also the sole leader in the list of highest sixes in Tests for India. With 100 sixes, he has left behind Virender Sehwag (90), Rohit Sharma (88) and Ravindra Jadeja (82).

However, after setting the record, Pant could not make his innings much bigger. He returned for 66 runs off 69 balls. His innings had the impression of a very aggressive batting.

Despite Pant's dismissal, India is in a strong position against Sri Lanka. India's lead over the hosts has crossed 350 runs in the second session of the fourth day.