Eoin Morgan breaks MS Dhoni’s world record in less than half number of matches

England vs Ireland: Morgan, who has 328 international sixes to his name, went past Dhoni’s tally of most sixes as a captain when he hit his 212th six in the 3rd ODI against Ireland

England captain Eoin Morgan broke India wicket-keeper batsman MS Dhoni’s long-standing international record for most sixes as a captain on Tuesday during the third ODI against Ireland at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton.

England's Eoin Morgan celebrates his century (REUTERS)

Morgan, who has 328 international sixes to his name, went past Dhoni’s tally of most sixes as a captain when he hit his 212th six.

Dhoni has 211 sixes as captain in 332 matches. Morgan, on the other hand, reached 212 sixes in less than half number of matches (163).

Dhoni, however, is still ahead of Morgan in terms career sixes in all three formats combined. Dhoni has 359 sixex, compared to Morgan’s 328.

Australia captain Ricky Ponting is third on the list with 171 sixes as captain followed by New Zealand’s Brendon McCullum who has 170.

This was also the first instance when captains of both sides hit centuries in the same match in an ODI in England.

“Paul Stirling had a day out and he’s the ability to do that,” Morgan told reporters after the match.

“But we play against world class players all the time and you know when you do, you need to take those opportunities because they will hurt you.

“Ireland played really well and thoroughly deserved to win.”

England, however won the series 2-1. They will now take on Pakistan in a three-match Test series starting Wednesday.