Who is the Best Finisher in the World? Top 5 Cricket Legends

In the world of cricket, the term “finisher” holds a special place. It refers to the player who steps up in the most crucial moments of a match and delivers the winning blow, often when the pressure is at its peak.

The best finishers are those who stay calm under pressure, adjust to different match situations, and lead their teams to win even in the toughest times.

But who is the best finisher in the world?

This question has sparked endless debates among fans and experts since many legendary cricketers have made a lasting impact with their finishing skills.

We’ll explore here their crucial knocks, impact, and why they are considered the best in the business.

Before we dive into the list of the Best finisher in cricket, it’s essential to understand what makes a finisher in cricket.

What is the Role of a Finisher in Cricket

The role of a finisher isn’t just about scoring runs; it’s about doing it under intense pressure, often in the final overs of a game. So, what makes someone the top finisher of cricket in the world? While each finisher has their own style, the best share some common traits:

1. Staying Calm Under Pressure: Great finishers stay cool even in high-pressure moments. They aren’t rattled by the big occasion and shine in tough situations.
2. Adaptability: who can adjust to any match situation. Whether they need to anchor the innings or hit big, they can switch their approach smoothly.
3. Game Awareness: These players have a sharp sense of the game. They know when to take risks, play it safe, and exploit the opposition’s weaknesses.
4. Technical Skills: While hitting big is important, being technically skilled is just as crucial. A good finisher can play a variety of shots and find gaps in the field.
5. Mental Toughness: Finishing a game is both a mental and physical challenge. They should have strong minds, stay focused, and make smart decisions.

Top 5 Best Finishers

While many cricketers have excelled in the role of a finisher, a select few stand out for their extraordinary contributions to the game.

Here, we present the top 5 best finishers in cricket history, each of whom has earned this title through their remarkable performances.

1. MS Dhoni – The Ultimate

MS Dhoni is often hailed as the best player, wicketkeeper, and finisher in the cricket fraternity. He has redefined the role of a finisher in modern cricket. His ability to stay calm under pressure, combined with his exceptional tactical acumen, has made him the go-to player for India in tight situations. 

Dhoni’s finishing skills were most evident in the 2011 ICC World Cup final, where he played a match-winning knock of 91* to guide India to victory. His unique style of absorbing pressure and then launching an assault in the final overs has inspired a generation of cricketers.

Dhoni’s success as a finisher is not just limited to international cricket. He has also been a key figure in the Indian Premier League (IPL), leading the Chennai Super Kings to numerous victories.

Batting Stats:

	M	Inn	NO	Runs	HS	Avg	BF	SR	100	200	50	4s	6s
Test	90	144	16	4876	224	38.09	8248	59.12	6	1	33	544	78
ODI	350	297	84	10773	183	50.58	12303	87.56	10	0	73	826	229
T20I	98	85	42	1617	56	37.6	1282	126.13	0	0	2	116	52
IPL	264	229	95	5243	84	39.13	3812	137.54	0	0	24	363	252

Bowling Stats:

	M	Inn	B	Runs	Wkts	BBI	BBM	Econ	Avg	SR	5W	10W
Test	90	7	96	67	0	0/1	0/1	4.19	0	0	0	0
ODI	350	2	36	31	1	1/14	1/14	5.17	31	36	0	0

Credit: FUN Peeps

2. Michael Bevan – The Real

Before MS Dhoni, there was Michael Bevan. He was the original world no 1 finisher. Bevan, an Australian legend, was known for his ability to anchor innings and take his team across the finish line.

His calm demeanor and precise shot selection made him the top batsman of his era. Bevan’s most famous innings came against the West Indies in 1996, where he single-handedly guided Australia to victory with an unbeaten 78 in a low-scoring thriller.

Batting Stats:

	Inn	NO	Runs	HS	Avg	BF	SR	100	200	50	4s	6s	6s
Test	18	30	3	785	91	29.07	1972	39.81	0	0	6	89	1
ODI	232	196	66	6912	108	53.17	9320	74.16	6	0	46	450	21

Bowling Stats:

	Inn	B	Runs	Wkts	BBI	BBM	Econ	Avg	SR	5W	10W	6s
Test	18	21	1285	703	29	6/82	10/113	3.28	24.24	44.31	1	1
ODI	232	67	1966	1655	36	3/36	3/36	5.05	45.97	54.61	0	0

3. AB de Villiers – Mr. 360 Degree

AB de Villiers, often referred to as “Mr. 360” for his ability to play shots all around the ground, is one of the most destructive and top finisher batsman. De Villiers’ versatility as a batsman allows him to adapt to any situation, making him a lethal player in the death overs.

His record-breaking innings, such as the fastest ODI century against the West Indies in 2015, highlight his extraordinary ability to change the course of a game in a matter of overs.

Batting Stats:

	M	Inn	NO	Runs	HS	Avg	BF	SR	100	200	50	4s	6s
Test	114	191	18	8765	278	50.66	16076	54.52	22	2	46	1024	64
ODI	228	218	39	9577	176	53.5	9473	101.1	25	0	53	840	204
T20I	78	75	11	1672	79	26.12	1237	135.17	0	0	10	140	60
IPL	184	170	40	5162	133	39.71	3403	151.69	3	0	40	413	251

Bowling Stats:

	M	Inn	B	Runs	Wkts	BBI	BBM	Econ	Avg	SR	5W	10W
Test	114	5	204	104	2	2/49	2/49	3.06	52	102	0	0
ODI	228	9	192	202	7	2/15	2/15	6.31	28.86	27.43	0	0

4. Michael Hussey – Mr. Cricket

Michael Hussey, known as “Mr. Cricket,” was another Australian cricketer who excelled in the role of a finisher. Hussey’s consistency and ability to stay calm under pressure made him one of the top finishers of all time.

His memorable innings in the 2010 ICC World T20 semi-final against Pakistan, where he scored an unbeaten 60 off 24 balls, is proof to his finishing skills. Michael Hussey’s technical soundness and mental toughness made him a reliable finisher in both ODIs and T20s.

Batting Stats:

	M	Inn	NO	Runs	HS	Avg	BF	SR	100	200	50	4s	6s
Test	79	137	16	6235	195	51.53	12439	50.12	19	0	29	685	39
ODI	185	157	44	5442	109	48.16	6243	87.17	3	0	39	383	80
T20I	38	30	11	721	60	37.95	529	136.29	0	0	4	58	25
IPL	59	58	7	1977	116	38.76	1612	122.64	1	0	15	198	52

Bowling Stats:

	M	Inn	B	Runs	Wkts	BBI	BBM	Econ	Avg	SR	5W	10W
Test	79	32	588	306	7	1/0	2/2	3.12	43.71	84	0	0
ODI	185	13	240	235	2	1/22	1/22	5.88	117.5	120	0	0
T20I	38	1	6	5	0	0/5	0/5	5	0	0	0	0

5. Jos Buttler – The Modern-Day Finisher

Jos Buttler has emerged as one of the best players in cricket in recent years. His explosive batting and ability to clear the boundaries at will have made him a key player for England in limited-overs cricket.

Buttler’s match-winning century in the 2019 ICC World Cup final against New Zealand is a prime example of his finishing capabilities. His knock of 110* against Sri Lanka in the 2021 T20 World Cup further solidified his reputation as one of the best current finishers.

Batting Stats:

	M	Inn	NO	Runs	HS	Avg	BF	SR	100	200	50	4s	6s
Test	57	100	9	2907	152	31.95	5365	54.18	2	0	18	339	33
ODI	181	154	27	5022	162	39.54	4289	117.09	11	0	26	407	170
T20I	124	114	23	3264	101	35.87	2231	146.3	1	0	24	300	137
IPL	107	106	12	3582	124	38.11	2428	147.53	7	0	19	355	161

As the game of cricket continues to evolve, the importance of a finisher remains unchanged. The best finishers batsmen are the ones who can make the impossible possible. Whether it’s the calmness of MS Dhoni, the calculated approach of Michael Bevan, or the explosive power of AB de Villiers, each of these players has left a great mark on the game.

Overall, the best in cricket history are those who have consistently delivered in the most challenging circumstances.

They are the ones who have redefined the art of finishing, turning it into a science that requires a unique blend of skills, mental toughness, and game awareness. As we look back at the history of cricket, these finishers stand out as the true masters of their craft, earning the title of world no 1 crusher in the process.

Now, who’s according to you the best in the world of cricket”? Tell us in the comment section below.

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