Best Finishers In Cricket History: Cricket is a super exciting game loved by people worldwide, regardless of their age or gender. It’s special because, after a lot of ups and downs during the game, the conclusion is always thrilling. The key players, known as finishers, can change the game.
Players like MS Dhoni and Keiron Pollard are legendary for being masters at turning the game around when it matters most. They’re known as “finishers” because they can score big and stay cool under immense pressure. It’s a unique skill that sets them apart from other players.
Think of it like this: in cricket, when you hear names like Dhoni, Glenn Maxwell, and Pollard, you know something incredible might happen. They’re the ones who can make a slow, tense game explode with excitement.
Best Finishers In Cricket History
Now, we’re talking about some other amazing finishers like Buttler, Hussey, and Shahid Afridi. The question is, do they make it to the list of the 12 best finishers in cricket history? Who do you think should be on that list, and why? Share your thoughts below poll!
12. Glenn Maxwell
- Born: 14 October 1988
- Height: 182 cm (6 ft 0 in)
- Batting: Right-handed
- Bowling: Right-arm off Break
- Role: Batting all-rounder
Glenn Maxwell, ranked 12th among the “Best Finishers in Cricket History,” has been a key player for the Australia national cricket team since 2012, specializing in One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). As an all-rounder, he bats right-handed and bowls off-break deliveries, showcasing a unique skill set. Maxwell’s career highlights include contributing to Australia’s victories in the 2015 Cricket World Cup, the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup, and the 2021 T20 World Cup.
Known for his unconventional shot-making, Maxwell’s ability to play reverse sweeps and pulls makes it challenging for opponents to set defensive fields. His impactful debut in 2010 marked the beginning of a career filled with records. Notably, he set a new record for the fastest half-century in Australian domestic one-day cricket in 2011, scoring 50 runs from just 19 balls.
Maxwell’s versatility is evident in his achievements, including centuries in all three international cricket formats and setting records for the fastest centuries and double centuries in World Cups. His outstanding performance in the 2023 Cricket World Cup match, where he scored the winning runs against Afghanistan, solidifies his reputation as a dynamic and influential finisher in cricket history.
11. Keiron Pollard
- Born: 12 May 1987
- Height: 196 cm (6 ft 5 in)
- Batting: Right-handed
- Bowling: Right-arm medium
- Role: Batting all-rounder
Ranked at number 11 among the “Best Finishers in Cricket History” is the formidable Keiron Pollard, a standout captain for the West Indies team. Known for his exceptional fielding skills and remarkable catching ability, Pollard is also recognized for his brute strength, capable of smashing the ball out of the stadium.
Pollard gained immense popularity in the cricketing world, particularly after his outstanding performances in the 2009 Champions League T20 and the Big Bash, making him a sought-after player in the 2010 IPL auction. As a right-hander, he has become one of the highest-paid players in T20 leagues, thanks to his excellent batting skills.
His stint with the Mumbai Indians since 2010 in the IPL further elevated his status. With 171 IPL matches under his belt, Pollard has scored 3157 runs at an average of 30.54 and an impressive strike rate of 149.57. Among his notable achievements is hitting six sixes in a single over bowled by Akila Dananjaya during a match against Sri Lanka in March 2021, becoming the third batsman to achieve this feat in international cricket after Herschelle Gibbs and Yuvraj Singh.
In September 2019, Pollard was appointed captain of the West Indies One Day International (ODI) and Twenty20 International (T20I) teams, showcasing his leadership prowess. Despite never playing Test Cricket, his game has thrived in limited-overs formats, contributing to a long and impactful international career. In March 2020, he made history by becoming the first cricketer to participate in 500 Twenty20 matches, highlighting his enduring presence in the shorter formats of the game.
10. Hardik Pandya
- Born: 11 October 1993
- Height: 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)
- Batting: Right-handed
- Bowling: Right-arm medium-fast
- Role: All-rounder
Securing the 10th spot among the “Best Finishers in Cricket History” is Hardik Pandya. Currently serving as the vice-captain for the Indian cricket team in limited-overs formats, Pandya is also the captain of the Mumbai Indians franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL). This batting all-rounder is known for his ability to bowl right-arm fast-medium deliveries, showcasing versatility on the field.
Representing India in all three cricket formats, Pandya has earned a reputation as one of the premier all-rounders in international cricket. In domestic cricket, he plays for the Baroda cricket team, continuing to make significant contributions to the game. The Mumbai Indians, under his captaincy, have seen his leadership prowess in the IPL. Adding to his cricket legacy, Pandya’s elder brother, Krunal Pandya, is also a professional cricketer.
With his dynamic skills and crucial performances, Hardik Pandya has rightfully earned his place among the top finishers in cricket history.
9. Virat Kohli
- Born: 5 November 1988
- Height: 5 ft 9 in (175 cm)
- Batting: Right-handed
- Bowling: Right-arm medium
- Role: Top-order batter
Securing the 9th position among the “Best Finishers in Cricket History” is the cricket icon Virat Kohli. With a massive global fan base, Kohli has become one of the most beloved and prolific cricketers worldwide. Known for his incredible adaptability, the 35-year-old is considered one of the greatest batsmen in the game.
Kohli made his debut for Delhi against Tamil Nadu in November 2006, marking the beginning of an illustrious career. Rising to fame, he led the Indian U-19 cricket team to victory in the 2008 U-19 Cricket World Cup. His ODI debut for India came in August 2008 against Sri Lanka.
Setting numerous world records, Kohli holds the distinction of being the fastest batsman to reach 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, 11,000, and 12,000 runs in international cricket. His impressive ratings include a Test rating of 937 points, an ODI rating of 911 points, and a T20I rating of 897 points among Indian batters.
Among his many achievements, Kohli received the ICC ODI Player of the Year in 2012, the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Cricketer of the Year in 2017 and 2018, and the ICC Test Player of the Year and ICC ODI Player of the Year awards in 2018. His stellar performances also earned him the Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World title for three consecutive years from 2016 to 2018.
At the national level, he was honored with the Arjuna Award in 2013, the Padma Shri in 2017, and the Khel Ratna Award, India’s highest sporting honor, in 2018. Notably, Kohli was named the Player of the Tournament in the 2023 ODI World Cup, showcasing his consistent excellence on the cricket field.
8. Michael Hussey
- Born: 27 May 1975
- Batting: Left-handed
- Bowling: Right-arm medium
- Role: Middle-order batter
Securing the 8th position among the “Best Finishers in Cricket History” is the renowned Michael Hussey. The left-hander is celebrated as one of the most productive and accomplished players in the cricket world, earning him the nickname “Mr. Cricket” for his impeccable technique and comprehensive understanding of the game.
Hussey’s cricket journey began with his first-class debut for Western Australia in 1994 at the age of 19. While Australia’s strong middle order initially delayed his international debut, his perseverance and immense talent eventually paved the way for him to represent the national team.
During his time with the Australian team, Hussey played a crucial role in winning multiple ICC titles, including the 2007 Cricket World Cup, the 2006 ICC Champions Trophy, and the 2009 ICC Champions Trophy. His batting prowess and advanced skills set him apart.
In ODI cricket, Hussey’s impressive record includes 711 runs in 26 innings at an outstanding average of 71.10. Notable in his achievements are four half-centuries and 50 effective run chases, highlighting his ability to finish games with finesse. Michael Hussey’s exceptional batting power and talent have rightfully earned him the title of one of the best finishers in cricket history.
In the 2010 ICC World Twenty20, Michael Hussey showcased his brilliance as a finisher in a crucial match against Pakistan. Facing the challenge of a last-over scenario, Hussey played a memorable innings. He managed to hit three sixes against the experienced Pakistani bowler Saeed Ajmal, securing a stunning victory for his team.
Hussey’s ability to perform under pressure and his skillful batting in the final over-turned the game in Australia’s favor. This memorable finish highlighted his composure and capability as a key finisher in the T20 format.
7. Viv Richards
- Born: 7 March 1952
- Height: 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
- Batting: Right-handed
- Bowling: Right-arm slow seam
- Role: Batsman
Securing the 7th position among the “Best Finishers in Cricket History” is the legendary Viv Richards, often regarded as the greatest batsman of all time, standing alongside Donald Bradman and Sachin Tendulkar. Known for his fearless personality and distinctive playing style, Richards is celebrated as one of cricket’s iconic figures.
Richards’ ability to influence the outcome of any game and his exceptional batting talents make him one of the best finishers in cricket history. Making his debut in January 1972 at the age of 19 for the Leeward Islands, he quickly gained recognition for his performances. Throughout his illustrious career, Richards accumulated 8,540 runs at an impressive average of 50.23 in 121 Test matches, including 24 centuries.
As a captain, Richards showcased leadership excellence, winning 27 out of 50 Test matches and losing only 8. His overall contributions extend to over 36,000 runs in first-class cricket and more than 7,000 runs in one-day internationals. Knighted in 1999 for his significant contributions to cricket, Richards has received numerous accolades. Wisden’s Cricketers of the Century in 2000, recognition for playing the best One Day International innings of all time in 2002, and induction into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in 2009 highlight his extraordinary career.
Post-retirement, Richards has transitioned into a cricket commentator and team leader, continuing to inspire the cricketing world with his insights and passion for the game.
6. Michael Bevan
- Born: 8 May 1970
- Height: 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in)
- Batting: Left-handed
- Bowling: Slow left-arm wrist spin
- Role: Batsman
Securing the 6th position among the “Best Finishers in Cricket History” is the legendary Michael Bevan, celebrated as one of the greatest finishers in the sport. An Australian Cricket Academy scholarship holder in 1989, Bevan left an indelible mark on the cricketing world, particularly in One Day Internationals (ODIs).
Bevan played a total of 232 ODIs for Australia, contributing significantly to the team’s success in the 1999 and 2003 Cricket World Cup victories. His left-handed batting style and prowess in the middle order made him a key asset for Australia. Despite his Test career ending prematurely, Bevan earned recognition as one of the greatest ODI players of all time.
Known for his sharp cricketing brain, Bevan had a remarkable ability to navigate his team through challenging situations. His calm and controlled demeanor on the field, coupled with the capacity to perform under pressure, set him apart as a true finisher.
In 1996 and 1999, Australia emerged victorious in two out of three World Cup finals in which Bevan played, showcasing his impact on the grandest stage of cricket. In December 2002, the Wisden Guide ranked Bevan as the fifth greatest ODI batsman of all time, a testament to his enduring legacy in the limited-overs format.
5. Abdul Razzaq
- Born: 2 December 1979
- Height: 6 ft 0 in (183 cm)
- Batting: Right-handed
- Bowling: Right-arm fast-medium
- Role: All-rounder
Securing the 5th position among the “Best Finishers in Cricket History” is the formidable Abdul Razzaq, a standout Pakistani all-rounder known for his exceptional batting and bowling skills. Razzaq’s versatility and dominance on the cricket field have cemented his place as one of the most outstanding players in the sport’s history.
Renowned as one of the best finishers in cricket, Razzaq possessed remarkable long-range hitting abilities. Particularly effective in the death overs, he could thwart any attack and accumulate crucial runs for his team. The right-hander showcased his skills with flair, often making significant contributions towards the end of innings.
Razzaq’s cricketing prowess became evident at a young age when he became the youngest player in Test cricket history to take a hat-trick at the age of 20, a testament to his early success. His aggressive and impactful style of play made him one of the most menacing figures in Pakistani cricket.
Notable among his achievements is a blistering innings against England in 2005, where he scored 47 runs off just 11 balls, although falling short of the record for the fastest fifty. His contributions extended to being part of the Pakistan Cricket squad that emerged victorious in the ICC World Twenty20 2009, further solidifying his status as a key player in Pakistan’s cricketing history.
4. Jos Buttler
- Born: 8 September 1990
- Height: 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
- Batting: Right-handed
- Role: Wicket-keeper-batsman
Securing the 4th position among the “Best Finishers in Cricket History” is the highly versatile Jos Buttler. Known for his ability to both start and finish an innings, Buttler is recognized as a “360-degree” cricketer, showcasing the rare talent to recognize and manipulate field placements while scoring from anywhere on the field.
Hailing from England, Buttler has elevated his game to new heights, earning a reputation as one of the most fantastic finishers in the world. In One-Day Internationals (ODIs), he boasts an impressive average of 39.7 and a striking strike rate of 116.97. These numbers, combined with his remarkable performances, position him as England’s greatest white-ball batsman of all time.
Buttler’s cricketing achievements extend to being England’s second-most-capped T20I player, holding the world record for the highest seventh-wicket stand in ODIs (177 against New Zealand in 2015). He is England’s highest run-scorer in T20Is and one of only four Englishmen to score a T20I century. As a wicket-keeper, he holds the England ODI record for most dismissals and the England T20I record for most dismissals.
The wicketkeeper-batsman combines efficiency with flamboyance, ensuring he delivers when the game is on the line. His leadership skills were evident as he served as vice-captain in England’s triumphant 2019 World Cup campaign, and later captained the team to victory in the 2022 T20 World Cup. Jos Buttler’s talent and ability to rise to the occasion make him a true cricketing icon and one of the best finishers in the history of the game.
3. Shahid Afridi
- Born: 1 March 1977
- Height: 5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
- Batting: Right-handed
- Bowling: Right-arm leg spin
- Role: All-rounder
Securing the 3rd position among the “Best Finishers in Cricket History” is Shahid Afridi, affectionately known as Boom Boom. Rising to fame as a hard-hitting batsman in one-day international cricket for Pakistan, Afridi became renowned for his finishing skills, making him one of the most celebrated cricketers in Pakistan and a true icon in the sport’s history.
Afridi’s assertive and confident personality defines his playing style, marked by an aggressive approach and a penchant for hitting sixes. His ability to finish games in style became evident in memorable matches, such as the Asia Cup encounter against India where he hit two consecutive sixes off Ashwin to secure victory for Pakistan, solidifying his reputation as one of the best finishers in the game.
In addition to his cricketing prowess, Afridi is also recognized for his philanthropic efforts. He runs the Shahid Afridi Foundation, dedicated to providing education and healthcare facilities. Collaborating with UNICEF, he actively promotes the anti-polio campaign in Pakistan. During the 2019 Coronavirus pandemic, Afridi played a crucial role in helping people across Balochistan during the country’s lockdown, demonstrating his commitment to humanitarian causes. His charitable endeavors led to his nomination among the top 20 most charitable athletes of 2015, highlighting the impact of his contributions beyond the cricket field.
2. AB de Villiers
- Born: 17 February 1984
- Batting: Right-handed
- Bowling: Right-arm medium
- Role: Wicket-keeper-batter
Securing the 2nd position among the “Best Finishers in Cricket History” is the legendary AB de Villiers, a record-breaker and one of the most exceptional batsmen in contemporary cricket. Renowned as a versatile and dynamic player, De Villiers has left an indelible mark on the history of the sport.
De Villiers’ records speak volumes about his prowess on the field, holding the distinctions for the fastest 50, 100, and 150 runs in ODI cricket. A unique feat sets him apart as the only batter with an average of more than 50 and a strike rate of more than 100, showcasing his unparalleled combination of consistency and aggressiveness.
His prolific run-scoring ability is evident across all formats, with impressive averages of 52.09 in Tests and 53.65 in ODIs. Even in the T20 format, De Villiers maintains a solid average of just over 31 with a striking strike rate of 139.86, underscoring his consistency and adaptability across diverse cricketing formats.
AB de Villiers’ impact goes beyond statistics; he has played a crucial role in making cricket more interesting and entertaining. His reputation as one of the best finishers and a successful cricketer in the history of the sport is well-deserved, cementing his status as a cricketing icon.
1. MS Dhoni
- Born: 7 July 1981
- Height: 1.80m (5 ft 11 in)
- Batting: Right-handed
- Bowling: Right-arm medium
- Role: Wicket-keeper-batter
MS Dhoni is widely regarded as the best finisher in cricket history. Known for his calm and confident demeanor, he has a remarkable ability to lead his team to victory in challenging situations. Dhoni’s unique playing style often puts pressure on the opposition, leading them to make mistakes.
In ODIs, Dhoni has been involved in 112 successful chases, scoring 2,556 runs at an impressive average of 91.28. This includes 19 half-centuries and one century. His deadly hitting skills towards the end of the game make him cricket’s best finisher.
In the IPL, Dhoni plays for the Chennai Super Kings, leading them to the final ten times and winning it five times (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023). He has also guided CSK to two Champions League T20 titles in 2010 and 2014. Dhoni is among the few batsmen to have scored over five thousand runs in the IPL and the first wicket-keeper to achieve this feat.
Recognizing his contributions, Dhoni received India’s highest sports honor, the Major Dhyanchand Khel Ratna Award, in 2008. He was also honored with the Padma Shri in 2009 and the Padma Bhushan in 2018, both prestigious civilian awards in India. Additionally, Dhoni holds the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Parachute Regiment of the Indian Territorial Army, bestowed upon him in 2011. He is considered one of the most popular cricketers globally.
Furthermore, Dhoni is acclaimed as the “greatest wicket-keeper in cricket history” and is ranked as the second-best cricket captain of all time.
FAQs
Who is the best finisher in cricket history?
MS Dhoni is considered the best at finishing cricket matches. He stays calm and composed, even in tough situations. Dhoni has won many games for India with his late-game skills. His score of 91 not out in the 2011 World Cup final is well remembered in cricket history.
Who is the best finisher than Dhoni?
Bevan was really good at helping his team win close games where they had to chase runs. People called him “The Finisher” because of this. He stayed calm and played well regularly, which made him an important player for the Australian team for a long time.
Who is the best finisher in IPL history?
Russell is famous for his strong hitting and ability to score runs quickly. He holds the record for the highest strike rate in IPL history, which shows how good he is at scoring fast. He’s played important parts in many successful chases. However, some people wonder if he can consistently build partnerships with his teammates.
Other finishers include Dwayne Bravo, Kieron Pollard, Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant, David Miller, MS Dhoni, and AB de Villiers.
Is AB de Villiers the best finisher?
Known as “Mr. 360” because he’s really good at batting from all angles. He has a fantastic strike rate when his team is chasing runs and has hit the second-highest number of sixes in the tournament. Bowlers find it hard to deal with him because he can play unconventional shots.
Who is known as Chase Master in cricket?
In cricket, most people agree that Virat Kohli is the best at chasing targets. He’s shown his dominance in chasing runs in all types of cricket matches.
