Top 10 World Best Finisher in Cricket 2025
Cricket, a game of glorious uncertainties as it has been referred to at times, thrives on moments of brilliance that can transform the fate of a game within a fraction of a second. Of such moments, the finisher’s task is one of the most critical and exhilarating aspects of the game.
A finisher is not just a run-scorer; they are the ones who absorb pressure, think tactically under pressure, and deliver when it matters the most. Their ability to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat has made them legends of the game.
From the street-fighting attitude of Javed Miandad to the ice-cool calmness of MS Dhoni, finishers have transformed the art of closing out matches. They are the men who perform under pressure, frequently converting impossible situations into match-winning victories. Their heroics have inspired generations of cricketers and kept fans at the edge of their seats.
Here, we pay tribute to the greatness of the finishing trade with a glimpse into the careers of cricket’s all-time best finisher in cricket. These men haven’t just left an imprint on the record books but also redefined what it takes to be a finisher.
What Does a Cricket Finisher Do?
Middle-order batsmen who are strong-hitting are known as finishers. Their job is to score runs at the end of an innings so that they can either help their team reach a high total or pass a target when chasing. They are thus literally “finishing” a game or innings by using the bat to contribute quickly and heavily to the score.
Top 10 World Best Finisher in Cricket
Only a select handful make an impression and often complete games for their nation, even though many players are excellent openers and long-ball hitters.
In cricket, people frequently ask who the best finisher in cricket. We’ve put together this list of players who have been the finest in the business at batting lower in the order and routinely ending games with ease for those who are looking for an answer to this topic.
1. MS Dhoni: The Epitome of Calmness and Precision
Mahendra Singh Dhoni, or “Captain Cool,” is arguably the best finisher in cricket has ever seen. His knack for keeping his cool under pressure and the incredible game Sense he possesses have turned him into a match-winning player of the same ilk. Dhoni’s finishing is perhaps best illustrated through his iconic helicopter shot, which has come to be equated with his scoring prowess in the most demanding situations.
Dhoni’s career is marked with memories that he will not forget, like six to win his game against Sri Lanka in the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup final. Their game-smartness works to their advantage to match situations, and their accuracy in executing plans has set them apart from their colleagues. Whether it is chasing goals in limited-over cricket or guiding India to win in tight situations, Dhoni’s calm performance and strategic talent have strengthened their legacy as the final finishers.
2. Michael Bevan: The Original Finisher
Then there was Michael Bevan, the Australian batsman, who had been earlier to Dhoni. Bevan was credited with creating the template for finishers of today’s generation. Nicknamed “The Original Finisher,” Bevan was a one-man finishing act, with the knack of timing his innings to the letter and guiding his team home in tight-run chases. His technique of spinning the strike, choosing gaps, and charging forward in times of trouble made him a vital Australian team member in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Bevan’s most memorable performance was in 1996 vs. the West Indies when he played 78 runs not out and led Australia to a nail-biting win. His skill to keep calm in emergency situations and score under pressure created a reputation for him as one of the best finishers in cricket.
3. AB de Villiers: The 360-Degree Genius
AB de Villiers, the South African genius, is quite possibly one of the greatest and most talented batsmen in the sport’s history. Dubbed the “360-degree player,” de Villiers was able to score in all directions, confusing fielders and bowlers alike. His ability to adapt to any spot in the game and his attacking mindset when batting made him a formidable finisher.
De Villiers’ finishing was on full view in his 133 not out off 59 balls against the Mumbai Indians during the Indian Premier League (IPL), stealing the game from his opponents all by himself. His aggressive strokeplay, as well as his pressure performance ability, has rendered him an all-time great finisher.
4. Lance Klusener: The South African Powerhouse
Ex-South African all-rounder Lance Klusener was match-winning material on the field at that time. He was one of the best finisher in cricket in his era, thanks to his attacking approach and big shots. Klusener’s capacity to strike at a whirlwind pace and nail those pressure plugs at key moments made him a match-winner for South Africa.
Klusener’s 281 runs at 140.50 in the 1999 ICC Cricket World Cup batting clinic are also the best one-man game performances in World Cup history. Klusener is a game legend, and he is well known for his attacking cricket and capability to haunt rival bowlers.
5. Viv Richards: The Master Blaster
West Indian great Sir Vivian Richards revolutionized the game of intimidating batting in his era. “The Master Blaster” was a temerarious batsman who employed his gigantic strokeplay to shatter any bowling line-up. Richards’s ability to play big shots at crucial moments and win West Indies games gave him the authority to be regarded as one of the best finisher in cricket of his era.
Richards’ run-scoring and ability to win the game alone for his team distinguished him from his peers. His persona as a finisher fascinates cricketers all over the world, even today.
6. Shahid Afridi: Boom Boom Afridi
Shahid Afridi, also referred to as the “Boom Boom Afridi,” was perhaps the most explosive of all-time cricket batsmen. The way he batted like a madman and the ability to hit such massive sixes made him a favorite of the people. Afridi’s match-winning show and game-changing ability paved the way for him to find his spot in Cricket’s top finishes list.
Afridi’s finest performance came in 2010 when he scored 109 of 76 balls without losing a single wicket to guide Pakistan to victory in a nail-biting match against Sri Lanka. He is such a pressure-taker and crunch-producer that he is a clean power plant to win matches.
7. Michael Hussey: Mr. Cricket
Michael Hussey, or “Mr. Cricket,” was the very picture of calmness and dependability. His pressure cricket ability and match-winning knocks rendered him the most valuable Australian player. Hussey’s calmness and the feel of driving, whenever required, did make him a finisher for the Australian cricket team.
One of Hussey’s best innings on the field was when he was not dismissed for 60 from 24 balls in the 2010 ICC T20 World Cup semi-final game against Pakistan and led Australia to the winning side. His ability to lead his team to victory in tight run-chases is the world’s best finisher in cricket.
8. Abdul Razzaq: The Pakistani Match-Winner
Abdul Razzaq, the ex-Pakistani all-rounder, was a consistent finisher and could turn a game around with his explosive hitting. His level head in difficult moments and pressure-hitting rendered him an asset to the Pakistani team.
His 72-ball unbeaten 109 in 2010 against South Africa is proof of his finishing skills. His clean hitting and pressure-match-winning ability make him a real match-winner.
9. Jos Buttler: The Modern-Day Finisher
English wicket-keeper batsman Jos Buttler has been one of the best finisher in cricket in recent times in cricket. With his aggressive game and innovative stroke, Buttler’s pressure games are tough for the bowlers to handle.
Buttler’s match-winning efforts in the IPL and international cricket have turned him into a contemporary finisher. His skill to hit boundaries with comfort and his talent to close matches with a stroke of runs make him an entertainer.
10. Javed Miandad: The Street Fighter
Former Pakistani cricketer Javed Miandad was also famous for his fighting spirit and competitive attitude. His pressure play and match situation reading skills enabled him to become the best finisher in cricket. His last-ball six against India in 1986 is one of the most enduring images in the history of cricket.
Miandad’s never-say-die attitude and his capacity to play under intense pressure make him the ultimate great finisher.
Conclusion
The art of finishing cricket is a priceless and rare quality that requires technical proficiency, strength of mind, and the ability to perform when the chips are down. All these cricketers discussed here not only understood this art form but also recreated it in accordance with their individuality and winning exploits. While MS Dhoni had the serenity, there was Viv Richards, who had sheer aggression. Both, along with other finishers discussed here, left an irrevocable mark on the game.
Most people would think that England’s Jos Buttler is the best finisher in cricket history. Buttler bats in the latter overs of ODI matches, wherein the finisher typically enters, while he typically opens the batting in T20 matches.
From this point, Buttler can make a huge impact on the score. He has scored ODI hundreds even after coming in late, and at his best, his strike rate will be in the late 100s.
As cricket fans, we have been privileged to see their heroics and be motivated by their incredible talent. Their legacy will keep inspiring generations of cricketers to come up with the challenge of completing matches and performing when it counts the most.
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FAQs
1. Who is the world’s best finisher?
MS Dhoni is referred to as the world’s best finisher because he is so calm in times of pressure, thinks immensely strategically about the game, and is just magical when it comes to finishing off games.
2. Why is MS Dhoni known as the best finisher?
Dhoni’s ability to remain composed under pressure, his tactical brilliance, and his knack for delivering in high-stakes situations have earned him the title of the best finisher.
3. What makes a good cricket finisher?
A good finisher possesses the ability to handle high-pressure situations, maintain a high strike rate, and guide their team to victory from precarious positions.
4. Who is known as the chase master in cricket?
Virat Kohli is also referred to as the chase master because of his excellent ability to chase challenging scores in limited-overs cricket.
5. Who are some of the all-time greatest finishers in T20 cricket?
Some of the all-time greatest finishers in T20 cricket include MS Dhoni, AB de Villiers, Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, and Kieron Pollard.
6. What does a finisher do in a cricket team?
A finisher is required to get the team out of winning games, normally through quick runs and absorbing pressure at the end stages of a game.
7. Is a good finisher necessarily a good captain?
Yes, most finishers, such as MS Dhoni, have also been good captains because they are good readers of the game and can make appropriate tactical decisions while under pressure.
8. How do finishers deal with pressure in tight spots?
Finishers rely on their experience, mental strength, and ability to stay calm under pressure to deliver match-winning performances.
9. What are some of the most memorable finishes in cricket history?
Some memorable finishes include MS Dhoni’s World Cup-winning six in 2011, Javed Miandad’s last-ball six in 1986, and Michael Bevan’s match-winning innings in 1996.
10. Can a finisher be effective in Test cricket?
While finishers are usually more prevalent in limited-overs cricket, there have been instances of players like Ben Stokes proving that finishers can also do their job in Test cricket by delivering match-winning scores in tough situations.
