For the Brits: an idiom question

 I'm trying to find just the correct way to explain the meaning of "hit someone for six." I know the technical cricket definition, but I'm struggling to put the idiom into words. "Devastate" seems too harsh, "inconvenience" is too mild.  I'm trying to get at the meaning of putting someone in an unfortunate position, but I'm not sure that's quite right either. I could use some suggestions, as it's a pretty important line in a story.

Thanks in advance.