Who is the Best Finisher in Cricket? Top-10

1. Introduction

Hey everyone! Today, we’re going to talk about something super exciting in cricket – who is the best finisher in cricket? You know, the player who’s really good at scoring runs and winning matches, especially when the game gets super intense towards the end.

2. What Makes a Great Finisher?

• Composure and Calculation: The ability to stay calm and make intelligent decisions amidst the chaos of a tight finish is paramount.
• Power and Precision: Clean striking power and finding gaps are essential to score rapidly.
• Adaptability: Great finishers read the match situation and bowlers’ plans, adjusting their approach accordingly.
• Stats That Matter: Key metrics for evaluating finishers include strike rate in the final overs, batting average in successful chases, and win percentage when batting second.

Read More: UNDERSTANDING CRICKET BALL WEIGHT

3. Candidates for the Title of Best Finisher

Let’s talk about some of the top players who are known for being amazing finishers. We’ve got MS Dhoni, AB de Villiers, and a bunch of other superstars who always seem to come through when their team needs them.

1. MS Dhoni: The Finisher Extraordinaire

“When the pressure is on, there’s no one you’d rather have at the crease than MS Dhoni. He’s the ultimate finisher, a master of the endgame.”

The undisputed king of finishing. Dhoni’s statistics in successful chases are unparalleled. His ice-cool temperament, ability to back his instincts under pressure, and trademark ‘helicopter shot’ sealed countless victories for India, most famously the 2011 World Cup final.

• Evidence: ODI chases with Dhoni at the crease have a win percentage of over 60%

2. AB de Villiers: The Master of Innovation

De Villiers redefined the art of finishing, blending innovation with sheer brilliance to engineer victories that seemed impossible.

Known as ‘Mr. 360’ due to his outrageous shot selection, AB could decimate any bowling attack with his combination of power and improvisation, making bowlers clueless and victories seem inevitable when on the crease.

• Evidence: He holds several records for the fastest ODI 50s, 100s, and 150s, a testament to his rapid scoring.

Photo Credit: Michael Bevan Facebook

3. Michael Bevan: The Finisher

Bevan was the artist of the endgame, painting masterpieces with his bat when the canvas seemed bleak and the stakes were high.

Known as the “Finisher” during his playing days, Bevan was a master of chasing down targets with calmness and precision. His ability to rotate the strike and find the boundaries in pressure situations made him a valuable asset for Australia.

Evidence: Bevan holds the highest-ever List A average (57.86) across players with a minimum of 10,000 runs.

4. Lance Klusener: Epitome of Power

When Klusener walked to the crease, the game was never over. He had a knack for turning the tide, leaving his mark as one of cricket’s greatest finishers.

He was an all-rounder, but it was his power-hitting lower down the order that made Klusener unforgettable. He carried South Africa to unimaginable wins in the 1999 World Cup, sadly falling just short in the semi-finals.

• Evidence: He nearly led South Africa to a World Cup final with his aggressive finishing.

5. Jos Buttler: Modern-Day Marvel

Jos Buttler is the dynamo of the endgame, igniting the field with his explosive strokes and turning matches into fireworks displays.

The epitome of the modern-day explosive finisher. Buttler’s fearless batting, audacious shots, and sheer power leave bowlers shell-shocked. His ability to accelerate the run rate in the final overs makes him one of the most feared batters today.

• Evidence: Possess one of the fastest ODI centuries by an Englishman.

6. Sir Vivian Richards: West Indian Wonder

With his intimidating presence, Richards demoralized bowlers with his sheer power and swagger. In an era before heavy bats and a focus on T20s, Richards could clear any boundary with ease.

• Evidence: Despite retiring in 1991, it still boasts one of the highest ODI strike rates ever.

7. Javed Miandad: Tenacious Stalwart

A gritty and determined finisher from a nation famed for its bowling. Miandad’s ability to absorb pressure and guide his team to victory, most famously with a last-ball six against India, makes him a legend.

• Evidence: His last-ball six is one of cricket’s most iconic moments.

8. Mike Hussey: Mr. Cricket

He was dubbed ‘Mr. Cricket’ for his dependability. Hussey was the steady hand when wickets fell, his calmness and ability to rebuild crucial partnerships were as important as his own power hitting.

• Evidence: exceptional ODI and T20I averages considering his role.

9. Shahid Afridi: A Man With Sixes

‘Boom Boom’ Afridi’s batting was unpredictable and high-risk, yet often spectacularly successful. When things clicked, he could take away a game in a few overs with his aggressive shot-making.

• Evidence: Held the record for the fastest ODI century for many years.

10. Kieron Pollard: A powerhouse

A powerhouse of a batter who epitomizes the modern-day West Indian ‘big hitting’ style. While sometimes inconsistent, Pollard on his day can destroy any bowling attack.

• Evidence: Devastating record in T20 cricket.

Who Leads the Pack Today?

The best finisher RIGHT NOW is a heated debate. Buttler’s raw power and consistency give him an edge, but players like Hardik Pandya (India) and David Miller (South Africa) are close contenders with their own finishing styles. Statistically analyzing their performance in the last 2 years, taking into account match situations, would provide a clearer picture.

Important Note: Cricket is a team sport. Even the best finishers can’t win every game. Factors like pitch conditions and the opposition’s bowling greatly impact the outcome.

Mastering the Finish

Want to improve your own finishing abilities? Study these greats:

• Dhoni’s calculated risk-taking
• de Villiers’ unorthodox shot selection
• Bevan’s masterful strike rotation

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Best Finisher in Cricket

5. Conclusion

So, there you have it – the world of cricket’s best finishers. These guys are like superheroes on the cricket field, and they always make the game exciting to watch. Whether it’s MS Dhoni’s coolness under pressure or AB de Villiers’ crazy shots, there’s something special about watching these players finish matches.

Disclaimer: This article is for entertainment and discussion. Cricket outcomes have inherent unpredictability.

Let the debate continue! Who do YOU think is the best finisher in cricket right now?

James Paul

James Paul is a former first-class cricketer and passionate cricket analyst. His decades of experience on the field and his love for the game shape his insights into the strategies and personalities that define world-class cricket.