Cricket News

5 Best Finishers in Cricket (Updated List 2025)

December 31, 2024

In the glorious game of cricket, finishers hold a unique place, transforming matches with their ability to handle pressure, read situations, and deliver stunning performances. Here, we provide an exhaustive analysis of the best finishers in cricket history, highlighting their skills, achievements, and contributions.

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5 Best Finishers in Cricket

Player Name	Country	Key Skills	Notable Performances	Key Stats
MS Dhoni	India	Calm under pressure, Helicopter shot	91* in 2011 World Cup Final	10,773 ODI runs at an average of 50.57
Michael Bevan	Australia	Precise chasing, Tactical hitting	78* in 1996 Tri-Series Final	6,912 ODI runs at an average of 53.58
Jos Buttler	England	Explosive hitting, Versatility	2019 World Cup Final heroics	4,894 ODI runs at a strike rate of 118.66
Abdul Razzaq	Pakistan	Explosive power, Last-over heroics	109* vs South Africa in 2010	5,080 ODI runs at a strike rate of 81.25
Lance Klusener	South Africa	Power hitting, Pressure handling	57 off 31 balls in 1999 World Cup Semi-Final	3,576 ODI runs at a strike rate of 89.91

1. MS Dhoni: The Master of Calm

MS Dhoni, often hailed as the greatest finisher in cricket history, revolutionized the art of finishing games. Known for his ice-cold demeanor, Dhoni’s unmatched ability to chase down daunting targets made him an icon.

Key Stats:
ODIs: 10,773 runs at an average of 50.57.
Not Outs: 84 times in ODIs – a testament to his ability to see games through.
Notable Performances:
2011 World Cup Final: Dhoni’s unbeaten 91 guided India to a historic victory.
Common Traits: Helicopter shots, calculated risks, and clinical finishes.

2. Michael Bevan: The Original Finisher

Michael Bevan was the pioneer of finishing games in modern cricket. His ability to manage chases with surgical precision remains unparalleled.

Key Stats:
ODIs: 6,912 runs at an average of 53.58.
Strike Rate: 74.16 in an era dominated by bowlers.
Notable Performances:
1996 Tri-Series Final: Bevan’s unbeaten 78 against the West Indies is iconic.
Traits: Exceptional running between wickets and ability to target specific bowlers.

3. Abdul Razzaq: The Underrated Gem

The Pakistan all-rounder Abdul Razzaq was a force to reckon with in crunch situations. His explosive power-hitting and knack for last-over heroics have etched his name among the finest.

Key Stats:
ODIs: 5,080 runs at a strike rate of 81.25.
Famous Knock: A stunning 109* off 72 balls against South Africa in 2010.

4. Jos Buttler: The Modern-Day Maestro

Jos Buttler exemplifies the qualities of a contemporary finisher. His versatility and ability to accelerate at will have made him a cornerstone for England’s white-ball resurgence.

Key Stats:
ODIs: 4,894 runs at a strike rate of 118.66.
T20Is: Over 2,700 runs with a strike rate of 144.13.
Notable Performances:
2019 World Cup Final: Buttler’s calm knock and Super Over heroics secured England’s first title.

5. Lance Klusener: South Africa’s Dynamic Powerhouse

Lance Klusener redefined finishing with his brutal hitting in the late 1990s. Known for delivering in pressure-packed situations, Klusener was a standout performer during the 1999 Cricket World Cup.

Key Stats:
ODIs: 3,576 runs at an impressive strike rate of 89.91.
Notable Performance:
1999 World Cup Semi-Final: Despite a heartbreak for South Africa, Klusener’s 31-ball 57 was memorable.

What Defines a Great Finisher?

A great finisher possesses a unique blend of qualities:

Composure under pressure: Ability to stay calm and execute plans even in high-stakes moments.
Explosive hitting ability: Delivering quick runs when the situation demands it.
Situational awareness: Understanding when to consolidate and when to attack.

Emerging Finishers to Watch

1. Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya is the backbone of India’s middle order in white-ball cricket. With his clean hitting and tactical awareness, he has shown immense potential.

2. Glenn Maxwell

Australia’s Glenn Maxwell is known for his innovative shots and ability to finish matches with flair.

Key Attributes of Top Finishers

Mental Strength

Ability to handle high-pressure scenarios.
Staying calm in must-win situations.

Technical Mastery

Wide range of strokes to target all parts of the ground.
Consistent ability to clear boundaries in the death overs.

Fitness and Running

Agile running between wickets ensures that singles and doubles are maximized.

FAQs

MS Dhoni is widely regarded as the best finisher in cricket history due to his exceptional ability to win matches under pressure and his numerous iconic performances.

A great finisher possesses mental strength, situational awareness, explosive hitting ability, and the skill to stay calm under pressure.

Michael Bevan was a pioneer in modern cricket, known for his precise chases, tactical shot selection, and the ability to stay unbeaten till the end of matches.

Emerging finishers include Hardik Pandya from India and Glenn Maxwell from Australia, both known for their dynamic performances in white-ball cricket.

Finishers are crucial as they control the game’s outcome in tight situations, ensuring teams successfully chase targets or set competitive scores in the final overs.

Conclusion

The role of a finisher in cricket is a fine balance of skill, strategy, and resilience. Legends like MS Dhoni and Michael Bevan have set the benchmark, while contemporary stars like Jos Buttler continue to redefine the craft. Aspiring players and fans alike can draw inspiration from the thrilling exploits of these finishing maestros.