Cricket is not just a game, it’s an emotion that keeps us going and religion that doesn’t differentiate. It is basically a game of strategy, good technique, as well as luck.
Cricket fans will always find it exciting to watch and thrilling because of the fact cricket is unpredictable most of the time.
The game has been popular for ages regardless of gender, age, race, or anything else. But what makes it more special? The best finishers in the world, for us, make this popular game more famous.
Today, I am going to compile a list of the best finishers in the world – Stay tuned to find out more!
Best Finishers In The World: The Tactics That Changed Cricket Forever!
The evolution of cricket has witnessed the emergence of some extraordinary finishers who have redefined the game with their tactical brilliance. These players possess a unique ability to seize control of matches during the dying stages.
Cricket fans are looking for Best Finisher in the world. Read on to find out World No 1 Best Finisher In Cricket. Here’s our pick for the best finishers in the world of all time…
1. M.S.Dhoni (India)
Mahendra Singh Dhoni, fondly known as MSD, is widely considered the best finisher in the world in cricket history. With his remarkable ability to absorb pressure, read match situations, and deliver when it mattered the most, While his leadership skills are second to none, his ability to finish off games time and again is what made him a legend of the game Dhoni has earned a special place in the hearts of cricket fans worldwide.
What sets Dhoni apart as a finisher is his calm and composed demeanor, even in the most high-pressure situations. He has a remarkable knack for assessing the game, understanding the required run rate, and pacing his innings accordingly. Whether it’s a limited-overs match or a Test match, Dhoni has displayed his finishing skills across formats.
One of Dhoni’s most memorable finishes came in the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup final against Sri Lanka. Chasing a target of 275, Dhoni promoted himself up the batting order and played a captain’s knock, scoring an unbeaten 91 off just 79 balls. He finished the game in style with a massive six, etching his name in the history books as India lifted the World Cup after 28 years.
Another iconic finish was witnessed in the semifinals of the 2016 ICC World Twenty20 against Bangladesh. With India needing two runs off the last ball, Dhoni showcased nerves of steel and smashed a dramatic six to seal the victory. His ability to stay calm under pressure and deliver the winning shot in such a crucial moment showcased his unmatched finishing skills.
Dhoni’s finishing prowess was not limited to international cricket; he displayed his abilities in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as well. Leading the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), he played numerous match-winning innings, often finishing games with his trademark helicopter shots and calculated hitting.
What makes Dhoni’s finishes even more remarkable is his ability to adapt to different roles in the batting order. He has batted in various positions, from opening the innings to coming in lower down the order, and has excelled in every role. His understanding of the game and the ability to adjust his game plan according to the situation is what sets him apart from other finishers.
While there have been other exceptional finishers in the game of cricket, Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s consistency, composure, and sheer brilliance in finishing matches make him one of the best the world has ever seen. His contributions to the sport and his unparalleled ability to deliver in high-pressure situations have cemented his legacy as a true master of the art of finishing.
2. Ab de Villiers (South Africa)
Dhoni is not the only best finisher in the world of all time.
Ab de Villiers, often referred to as Mr. 360, is undoubtedly one of the best finishers in the world of cricket. With his extraordinary batting skills, innovative shot-making, and ability to accelerate the scoring rate, de Villiers has earned a reputation as a game-changer who can single-handedly win matches.
What sets de Villiers apart as a finisher is his sheer versatility and adaptability. Whether it’s Test cricket, One Day Internationals (ODIs), or Twenty20 matches, he has consistently displayed his ability to finish games in style. His ability to assess match situations and adjust his game accordingly is simply remarkable.
De Villiers has a wide range of shots in his arsenal and can effortlessly clear boundaries from any part of the ground. His ability to read bowlers and manipulate the field with his shot selection makes him a nightmare for opposing teams in crunch situations. Whether it’s finding gaps, playing audacious ramp shots, or launching massive sixes, de Villiers has the ability to score runs quickly and effectively.
One of his most memorable finishes came in an ODI against the West Indies in 2015. Chasing a daunting target, de Villiers played an astonishing innings, scoring an unbeaten 149 off just 44 balls, which included 16 sixes. He reached his century off a mere 31 balls, the fastest in ODI history, leaving spectators and pundits in awe of his incredible batting prowess.
De Villiers’ finishing abilities are not limited to international cricket. In the Indian Premier League (IPL), he has been a key figure for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Time and again, he has played crucial innings, often snatching victory from the jaws of defeat with his explosive batting.
In conclusion, Ab de Villiers is undoubtedly one of the finest finishers in the world of cricket. His ability to adapt to different formats, his innovative shot-making, and his ability to turn the game on its head make him a true match-winner. His extraordinary skill set and the impact he has had on numerous matches have solidified his status as one of the all-time great finishers in the game.
3. Michael Bevan (Australia)
Michael Bevan, an Australian cricketer, is widely regarded as one of the best finishers in the history of the sport.
His calm temperament and astute decision-making under pressure allowed him to craft match-winning innings time and again. Bevan was known for his skillful manipulation of the field, finding gaps with precision, and running between the wickets swiftly.
One of his most iconic finishes came in the 1996 World Cup semifinal against the West Indies. Chasing a modest target, Australia found themselves in trouble at 38/6. However, Bevan exhibited exceptional composure, scoring an unbeaten 69 and guiding his team to victory with just two balls to spare. This innings not only demonstrated his batting prowess but also his ability to handle pressure and rescue his team from dire situations.
Bevan’s remarkable finishing skills extended to the domestic arena as well, particularly in the Australian domestic competition, the Sheffield Shield. He played crucial roles in numerous victories for his state team, South Australia, showcasing his ability to close out matches in any format.
Overall, Michael Bevan’s ability to assess match situations, his exceptional batting technique, and his composure under pressure make him one of the greatest finishers in cricket history. His performances in critical moments and his knack for delivering when it mattered the most have left an indelible mark on the sport. Bevan’s legacy as a master finisher remains unrivaled, and he will always be remembered as one of the game’s finest closers.
4. Shahid Afridi (Pakistan)
Shahid Afridi, commonly known as “Boom Boom Afridi,” is widely regarded as one of the most explosive and entertaining finishers in the world of cricket. Afridi’s ability to turn the game on its head with his power-hitting and aggressive batting style has made him a fan favorite and a feared opponent.
One of his most memorable finishes came in the 2009 ICC World Twenty20 tournament. In the semifinal against South Africa, Afridi smashed a blistering 51 off just 34 balls, including two sixes in the final over, to guide Pakistan to a thrilling victory. His fearless approach and ability to take on the best bowlers in the world made him a nightmare for the opposition.
Afridi’s finishing prowess was not limited to international cricket. He also made significant contributions in various domestic T20 leagues around the world. His ability to hit massive sixes and score quick runs at the end of innings made him a sought-after player in T20 tournaments.
While Afridi’s approach could sometimes be high-risk, his aggressive style of play often paid off and provided match-winning performances. His ability to change the course of a game with his explosive hitting and finish matches in dramatic fashion have cemented his status as one of the best finishers in cricket history.
In conclusion, Shahid Afridi’s power-hitting, aggressive batting style, and ability to finish matches in thrilling fashion make him one of the most captivating finishers in the world of cricket. His ability to single-handedly turn the tide of a game with his explosive strokeplay has left a lasting impact on the sport. Afridi will always be remembered as a crowd-pleaser and a true entertainer, showcasing the art of finishing in its most exhilarating form.
5. Michael Hussey (Australia)
So, you know who is the best finisher in the world cricket – but writing about just four name is not enough. Here’s some more names! How could you forget Michael Hussey?
Michael Hussey, also known as “Mr. Cricket,” is widely regarded as one of the best finishers in the history of cricket. His ability to remain calm under pressure, play calculated innings, and steer his team to victory in challenging situations made him a highly reliable batsman in the latter stages of a match.
Hussey’s proficiency in limited-overs cricket, especially in One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 matches, earned him a reputation as a master finisher. He possessed exceptional skills in rotating the strike, finding gaps in the field, and keeping the scoreboard ticking even in tight run chases.
One of his most remarkable finishes came in the 2010 ICC World Twenty20 semifinal against Pakistan. Chasing a moderate total, Hussey played a composed inning, remaining unbeaten on 60 off just 24 balls. He showed exceptional timing and innovative shot-making, guiding Australia to a thrilling victory with an over to spare. His ability to read the game and execute his strokes with precision made him a vital asset to his team.
Hussey’s finishing prowess extended beyond the international arena. In the Indian Premier League (IPL), he played a crucial role for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as a finisher. He consistently delivered match-winning performances, showcasing his ability to handle pressure and guide his team to victory.
Overall, Michael Hussey’s ability to control run chases, anchor the innings, and finish matches with finesse make him one of the finest finishers in cricket history. His determination, adaptability, and calm temperament allowed him to thrive in challenging situations. Hussey’s contributions as a finisher will always be cherished, and he will be remembered as a player who consistently delivered when it mattered the most.
6. Abdul Razzaq (Pakistan)
Abdul Razzaq, the former Pakistani cricketer, is widely regarded as one of the best finishers in the world of cricket. Known for his powerful hitting and ability to deliver under pressure, Razzaq played several memorable innings that turned matches in his team’s favor.
Razzaq’s finishing skills were particularly prominent in One Day Internationals (ODIs), where his aggressive batting style made him a formidable opponent for any bowling attack. He had a remarkable ability to accelerate the scoring rate, find the boundaries, and take his team to victory.
One of his most iconic finishes came in a match against South Africa in 2010. Chasing a challenging target, Razzaq played an astonishing innings, scoring an unbeaten 109 off just 72 balls. He showcased his ability to clear the ropes consistently, hitting 10 sixes in the process. His powerful hitting and calmness under pressure allowed Pakistan to achieve a thrilling win with just one ball to spare.
Razzaq’s finishing abilities were not limited to ODIs. He also had an impact in Twenty20 matches, where he played crucial roles in Pakistan’s victories. His ability to hit the ball a long way and his confidence in executing big shots made him a key figure in the team’s success.
Overall, Abdul Razzaq’s explosive batting style, ability to score quick runs, and finish matches in thrilling fashion make him one of the finest finishers in the world of cricket.
His ability to handle pressure, clear boundaries, and turn matches in his team’s favor left a lasting impact on the game. Razzaq’s legacy as a top-class finisher will always be remembered, and he will be celebrated as one of Pakistan’s greatest match-winners.
7. Sir Vivian Richards (West Indies)
Sir Vivian Richards, widely regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of all time, is also considered one of the best finishers in the history of the game. Known for his aggressive batting style and intimidating presence at the crease, Richards had the ability to dominate bowling attacks and finish matches with flair.
Richards’ finishing skills were evident throughout his career, particularly in One Day Internationals (ODIs). He possessed an exceptional ability to chase down targets and guide his team to victory. His explosive strokeplay, powerful hitting, and fearless approach made him a nightmare for bowlers in crunch situations.
One of his most memorable finishes came in the final of the 1979 ICC Cricket World Cup. Chasing a modest target, Richards played a destructive innings of 138 off just 157 balls, displaying his unmatched batting prowess.
Richards’ finishing abilities were not limited to ODIs. His ability to counterattack and dominate bowlers, even in difficult conditions, made him a true game-changer.
His aura, presence, and unmatched skill set left a lasting impact on the game. Richards will forever be remembered as a true legend and one of the most influential cricketers of his era.
8. Jos Buttler (England)
Jos Buttler, the dynamic English cricketer, is widely recognized as one of the best finishers in the world of cricket. Known for his explosive batting and ability to score quick runs, Buttler has consistently delivered match-winning performances in the latter stages of limited-overs matches.
Buttler’s finishing skills are particularly prominent in One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 cricket. He possesses an incredible range of shots, exceptional hand-eye coordination, and an ability to clear the boundaries effortlessly. His innovative strokeplay and power-hitting make him a formidable presence at the crease.
One of his most memorable finishes came in an ODI against Australia in 2018. Chasing a challenging target, Buttler played a breathtaking innings, scoring an unbeaten 100 off just 83 balls. He showcased his ability to accelerate the scoring rate and take the game away from the opposition. His calculated assault on the Australian bowlers led England to a remarkable victory.
Buttler’s finishing prowess extends beyond international cricket. He has been a key player for the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he consistently showcases his ability to finish matches with his aggressive batting style.
Overall, Jos Buttler‘s explosive batting, ability to score quick runs, and finish matches with his innovative strokeplay make him one of the finest finishers in the world of cricket.
His impact in crunch situations, his ability to single-handedly change the course of a game, and his knack for performing under pressure have solidified his status as a top-class finisher. Buttler’s contributions to England and various T20 leagues have left a lasting impression on the sport.
9. Javed Miandad (Pakistan)
His remarkable ability to handle pressure and deliver crucial performances in tight run chases made him a true match-winner.
Miandad’s finishing skills were particularly evident in One Day Internationals (ODIs), where he played numerous memorable innings. His calmness under pressure, intelligent batting, and astute decision-making allowed him to guide Pakistan to victory on numerous occasions.
One of his most famous finishes came in the 1986 Austral-Asia Cup final against India. Chasing a challenging total, Miandad played a heroic innings, scoring an unbeaten 116 off 114 balls. With four runs needed off the last ball, Miandad famously hit a six to secure a dramatic victory, etching his name in cricket folklore.
Miandad’s ability to absorb pressure, rotate the strike, and execute big shots at crucial moments made him a feared opponent. His ability to adapt to different situations and execute calculated innings cemented his status as one of the greatest finishers in the world.
In conclusion, Javed Miandad’s ability to handle pressure, deliver match-winning performances, and finish games in thrilling fashion makes him one of the finest finishers in the history of cricket. His ability to rise to the occasion and deliver under pressure remains an inspiration for cricketers around the world. Miandad’s legacy as a top-class finisher will forever be cherished in the annals of the sport.
10. Lance Klusener (South Africa)
Klusener’s finishing skills were particularly prominent in One Day Internationals (ODIs). His aggressive batting style, powerful hitting, and ability to score quick runs in pressure situations made him a game-changer. He had a remarkable ability to clear boundaries with ease, making him a feared opponent for any bowling attack.
One of his most memorable finishes came in the 1999 Cricket World Cup semifinal against Australia. Chasing a target of 213, Klusener played a breathtaking innings, scoring an unbeaten 31 off just 16 balls. Despite the match ending in a tie, his remarkable hitting and ability to keep his cool under pressure showcased his finishing abilities.
Klusener’s knack for delivering in crunch situations extended beyond international cricket. He played crucial roles for various teams in domestic T20 leagues around the world, showcasing his ability to finish matches in thrilling fashion.
Overall, Lance Klusener’s explosive batting, ability to score quick runs, and finish matches with his powerful hitting make him one of the finest finishers in cricket history. His impact in crucial moments and his ability to turn the game in his team’s favor will always be remembered. Klusener’s legacy as a match-winner and an exceptional finisher continues to inspire cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
And It’s A Wrap!
Now that you know who is the best finisher in the world cricket, what do you think? What are your thoughts?
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