Who is the Best Finisher in Cricket History?: In cricket, a “finisher” is a player who has the ability to take control of a game during the final stages of an innings, especially when the match is in the balance. They are often called upon in pressure situations, to chase down difficult targets or to set a formidable score. A great finisher is someone who can remain calm under pressure, maintain composure, and deliver match-winning performances, often with limited resources and time.
Who is the Best Finisher in Cricket History?
Throughout cricket’s rich history, a few players have established themselves as the epitome of finishing an innings. But who stands out as the best finisher in cricket history? Let’s look at the key contenders and what makes them stand out.
1. MS Dhoni (India)
When it comes to the title of the best finisher in cricket history, MS Dhoni is often the first name that comes to mind. Known for his ice-cold composure and ability to finish matches in thrilling fashion, Dhoni has produced some of the most iconic moments in limited-overs cricket. His calmness under pressure, ability to strike sixes when needed, and remarkable cricketing acumen make him a legend in this role.
Key Achievements:
- ODI Runs: 10,773
- T20I Runs: 1,617
- Finishes in ODIs: 50+ run partnerships in the last 10 overs of the match on numerous occasions
- Signature Moment: The 2007 ICC World Twenty20 final, and the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup final, where he hit the winning six to guide India to their second World Cup title.
Dhoni’s finishing ability has been instrumental in India’s success in ODIs and T20s. Whether it was chasing down big targets or setting a target with a big finish, Dhoni’s presence in the middle overs meant the game was never over until the last ball was bowled. His ability to assess situations quickly and execute plans in high-pressure moments is unmatched.
2. Michael Bevan (Australia)
Before Dhoni’s rise, Michael Bevan was widely regarded as the best finisher in limited-overs cricket. The Australian middle-order batsman was known for his ability to chase down totals under pressure and maintain a cool head during tense moments. Bevan was particularly lethal when it came to finishing games in tight situations and played a crucial role in Australia’s dominance in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Key Achievements:
- ODI Runs: 6,912
- ODI Average: 53.58
- Signature Moment: His 69* against the West Indies in the 1996 Cricket World Cup semi-final, which helped Australia chase down a steep target, and many other successful run chases throughout his career.
Bevan’s unique ability to accumulate runs in the final overs with minimal risk made him one of the best finishers of his time. He could manipulate the strike, find gaps, and pick boundaries when required, making him an invaluable asset in pressure situations.
3. Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka)
Though primarily known for his elegance and consistency as a top-order batsman, Kumar Sangakkara was also an accomplished finisher in both ODIs and T20Is. His calm demeanor, ability to rotate strike, and knack for hitting boundaries in the death overs made him one of Sri Lanka’s most reliable finishers. Sangakkara’s versatility allowed him to anchor innings and also step up when needed, finishing off tight matches.
Key Achievements:
- ODI Runs: 14,234
- T20I Runs: 1,382
- Signature Moment: His match-winning knock of 48* off 35 balls in the final of the 2014 ICC T20 World Cup, where he guided Sri Lanka to victory.
Though more often than not a classy top-order batsman, Sangakkara’s finishing abilities should not be underestimated. His ability to score freely under pressure and hit boundaries when it mattered most made him a consistent finisher in his career.
4. AB de Villiers (South Africa)
AB de Villiers is known as one of the most versatile players to have ever played the game. His ability to perform in any batting position and in any format has earned him accolades across the cricketing world. As a finisher, de Villiers has the ability to accelerate the scoring in the final overs and take the game away from the opposition in the blink of an eye. His aggressive stroke play, innovative shots, and ability to read the game quickly set him apart.
Key Achievements:
- ODI Runs: 9,577
- T20I Runs: 1,672
- Signature Moment: His 41* off 17 balls in the 2015 World Cup quarterfinals, and his many breathtaking innings in the IPL, where he has finished games in spectacular fashion.
De Villiers’ ability to play unconventional shots, including reverse sweeps, scoops, and switch-hits, made him one of the most dangerous finishers in the game. His power and improvisation in the final overs allowed him to take on both pace and spin, providing South Africa with many thrilling victories.
5. Andre Russell (West Indies)
The West Indies powerhouse Andre Russell is a modern-day finisher who can hit the ball a long way and change the course of a game with a few powerful strokes. His explosiveness in the final overs, combined with his athleticism and ability to clear the boundary with ease, makes him one of the most dangerous finishers in T20 cricket, particularly in the IPL and international competitions.
Key Achievements:
- ODI Runs: 1,183
- T20I Runs: 731
- IPL Striking: Known for his monstrous sixes in the IPL, and his match-winning finishes for Kolkata Knight Riders.
Russell has been a match-winner on numerous occasions in T20s, providing thrilling finishes and taking his team over the line. His destructive hitting and ability to clear boundaries with ease make him one of the premier finishers in the modern game.
6. Finisher of the Modern Era: Hardik Pandya (India)
India’s Hardik Pandya is quickly becoming one of the best finishers in world cricket, especially in the limited-overs format. Known for his big-hitting ability, Pandya has been a crucial player for India, providing the finishing touches in both ODIs and T20Is. His calmness in the final overs, ability to hit sixes, and his fearlessness in the death overs make him a valuable asset for India.
Key Achievements:
- ODI Runs: 1,558
- T20I Runs: 1,188
- Signature Moment: His match-winning knock of 48* from 35 balls in the 2021 T20 World Cup against Pakistan.
Pandya’s aggressive batting and sharp cricketing mind allow him to finish games effectively, and with his consistent performances, he is one of the best finishers in the game today.
7. Finisher of the Past: Lance Klusener (South Africa)
Lance Klusener, a key player in South Africa’s golden era of the late 1990s and early 2000s, was renowned for his finishing abilities. Whether in ODIs or T20s, Klusener’s knack for hitting the ball in the final overs and guiding his team home in tough situations made him a match-winner.
Key Achievements:
- ODI Runs: 3,001
- ODI Average: 41.29
- Signature Moment: His incredible performances in the 1999 Cricket World Cup, where he almost single-handedly took South Africa to the final with his brilliant finish in the match against New Zealand.
Klusener’s contributions with the bat at the end of the innings, along with his calmness in chases, made him one of the best finishers of his era.
Who is the Best Finisher in Cricket History?
The title of the “best finisher” in cricket history depends on factors such as consistency, composure under pressure, and the ability to turn the game around in the final overs. While players like MS Dhoni and Michael Bevan are often regarded as the best finishers due to their consistency and success in high-pressure situations, players like Andre Russell and AB de Villiers have also set new standards for what it means to finish an innings in modern cricket.
However, MS Dhoni remains the frontrunner in this debate, thanks to his numerous iconic finishes in World Cup finals, IPL matches, and other memorable encounters. His ability to finish games with the calmness and composure of a true match-winner has cemented his place as arguably the best finisher in cricket history.