by In cricket, the best finisher in the world plays a special role that few can master. These exceptional players thrive in the most intense moments when the match hangs in the balance.
The best finishers in the world of cricket combine remarkable batting skills with unshakable mental strength to guide their team home when victory seems out of reach.
Unlike top-order batters who build innings, finishers must adapt instantly to complex match situations, calculating required run rates and adjusting their approach accordingly.
The best finisher of the world possesses a rare ability to absorb immense pressure while making split-second decisions that determine a team’s fate.
In today’s high-stakes cricket environment, these players have become more valuable than ever, often making the difference between championship glory and heartbreaking defeat.
Their impact extends beyond statistics – they bring confidence to teammates and strike fear into opponents simply by their presence at the crease.
Best Finisher in The World
This article examines the seven greatest finishers cricket has ever seen, exploring their unique abilities, unforgettable performances, and lasting contributions to the sport.
List Of Top 7 World Best Finishers In Cricket (2025)
This table presents the elite finishers in cricket history with their key information as of 2025:
| Cricketer | Birth Date | Age | Country | Test Highest Score | ODI Highest Score | T20 Highest Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS Dhoni | 07/07/1981 | 43 | India | 224 | 183* | 56 |
| Michael Bevan | 08/05/1970 | 54 | Australia | 91* | 108* | N/A |
| AB de Villiers | 17/02/1984 | 40 | South Africa | 278* | 176 | 79* |
| Michael Hussey | 27/05/1975 | 49 | Australia | 195 | 109* | 60* |
| Jos Buttler | 08/09/1990 | 33 | England | 152 | 162* | 101* |
| Vivian Richards | 07/03/1992 | 72 | West Indies | 291 | 189 | 196 |
| Shahid Afridi | 01/03/1980 | 44 | Pakistan | 156 | 124 | 54 |
MS Dhoni
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | 07/07/1981 |
| Age | 43 |
| Country | India |
| Test Highest Score | 224 |
| ODI Highest Score | 183* |
| T20 Highest Score | 56 |
MS Dhoni represents the gold standard of finishing in cricket history. What distinguishes him from other great players is his exceptional mental composure in match-deciding moments. Nicknamed “Captain Cool,” Dhoni’s ability to remain completely calm under extreme pressure allowed him to think clearly when other players would falter. His unique approach to run chases – methodically managing the required rate before launching calculated strikes – transformed how finishers approach their craft.
Background and Career Highlights
- Unlikely journey: Rose from small-town India to become cricket’s most celebrated finisher
- Self-taught method: Developed his unique batting technique outside traditional coaching systems
- Trophy collector: Led India to victory in the 2007 T20 World Cup, 2011 ODI World Cup, and 2013 Champions Trophy
- Chase specialist: Successfully executed more international run chases than any player in history
Dhoni’s defining moments as a finisher include his historic 91* against Sri Lanka in the 2011 World Cup final, where he promoted himself above in-form batters and sealed victory with his iconic six. His 54* off 29 balls against Sri Lanka in a 2013 tri-series final, scoring 16 runs in the last over, demonstrated his ability to perform when everything was at stake.
His statistical brilliance in finishing roles is unmatched:
- Average of 102.71 in successful ODI run chases – the highest in cricket history
- Strike rate progression from 87 in normal situations to above 150 in final five overs
- Not-out percentage of 46.7% in successful chases – showing his ability to finish games
- Winning percentage of 73% when batting in the final 10 overs of a limited-overs chase
Michael Bevan
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | 08/05/1970 |
| Age | 54 |
| Country | Australia |
| Test Highest Score | 87* |
| ODI Highest Score | 108* |
| T20 Highest Score | N/A |
Michael Bevan was cricket’s original finishing specialist, establishing the template that later finishers would follow. Before T20 cricket and massive targets became commonplace, Bevan brought surgical precision to run chases that revolutionized one-day cricket. His ability to dissect fields and find gaps without excessive risk-taking made him nearly impossible to contain in pressure situations.
Background and Career Highlights
- Role creator: First player to specifically define and master the finisher’s role in cricket
- Technical master: Exceptional skills against all types of bowling under pressure
- Running expert: Unmatched ability to rotate strikes and turn ones into twos
- Winner’s mentality: Key contributor to Australia’s dominance in the late 1990s and early 2000s
Bevan’s most memorable finishing display came in the famous 1996 New Year’s Day match against West Indies, scoring 78* and hitting a boundary off the final ball to secure victory. His 69* against South Africa in the 1999 World Cup Super Six stage rescued Australia from a desperate situation and kept their eventually successful World Cup campaign alive.
His impressive statistics reveal his finishing excellence:
- ODI career average of 53.58 – remained the highest in cricket history for years
- Not out in 67 of 196 ODI innings – showing his ability to guide team home
- Average of 56.16 in successful run chases
- Dot ball percentage decreased from 60% in ethe arly innings to below 30% in fthe inal stages
AB de Villiers
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | 17/02/1984 |
| Age | 40 |
| Country | South Africa |
| Test Highest Score | 278* |
| ODI Highest Score | 176 |
| T20 Highest Score | 79* |
AB de Villiers brought a revolutionary dimension to the finishing role with his unparalleled creativity and skill. Nicknamed “Mr. 360” for his ability to hit the ball anywhere around the ground, de Villiers transformed what was possible in cricket’s closing stages. His exceptional hand-eye coordination and innovative mindset allowed him to access scoring zones that most players couldn’t even contemplate.
Background and Career Highlights
- Multi-sport talent: Excellence in several sports contributed to his extraordinary coordination
- Technical foundation: Built creative innovations on solid classical batting technique
- Shot pioneer: Developed new scoring options including the reverse scoop and paddle sweep
- Format versatility: Equally devastating in Tests, ODIs, and T20s
De Villiers’ most breathtaking finishing performance came against West Indies in 2015, smashing 149 off just 44 balls including the fastest ODI century at that time (31 balls). His 79* off 29 balls against England in 2016 demonstrated his ability to dismantle world-class bowling attacks with seemingly impossible shot-making.
His statistical achievements underscore his finishing brilliance:
- ODI career strike rate of 101.09 while maintaining an average above 53
- Records for fastest ODI 50, 100, and 150 – showing his unmatched acceleration
- Death overs strike rate approaching 220 – the highest among established international batters
- Average of 71.18 in successful ODI run chases – second only to Dhoni
Michael Hussey
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | 27/05/1975 |
| Age | 49 |
| Country | Australia |
| Test Highest Score | 195 |
| ODI Highest Score | 109* |
| T20 Highest Score | 60* |
Michael Hussey, affectionately known as “Mr. Cricket” for his dedication to the game, brought methodical precision to finishing roles. Despite beginning his international career at 30, Hussey quickly established himself as one of cricket’s most reliable closers with his combination of technical excellence, game awareness, and determination.
Background and Career Highlights
- Late bloomer: Persevered through years of domestic cricket before international selection
- Student of the game: Renowned for meticulous preparation and tactical understanding
- Adaptable performer: Could switch between anchor and accelerator roles as needed
- Consistent contributor: Delivered under pressure across all formats and conditions
Hussey’s defining moment came in the 2010 T20 World Cup semi-final against Pakistan, scoring 60* off 24 balls including 18 runs in the final over when exactly 18 was required. His 65* against England in a crucial ODI, guiding Australia from a precarious 109-5 to victory, further cemented his reputation for crisis management.
His statistical record confirms his finishing quality:
- ODI average of 48.15 with a strike rate increasing dramatically in death overs
- T20I strike rate of 136.29 – exceptional for a player of his era
- Average of 77.64 in successful ODI run chases
- Performance under pressure – average increasing by 12 runs in knockout matches
Jos Buttler
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | 08/09/1990 |
| Age | 33 |
| Country | England |
| Test Highest Score | 152 |
| ODI Highest Score | 162* |
| T20 Highest Score | 101* |
Jos Buttler represents the modern evolution of finishing – combining explosive power with exceptional skill and adaptability. The youngest player on this list, Buttler has already established himself among cricket’s elite finishers with his remarkable ball-striking ability and innovative shot-making. His exceptional wrist strength and creative mindset allow him to access scoring options few others can execute.
Background and Career Highlights
- Innovative mindset: Developed his unorthodox batting approach from youth cricket
- Dual threat: Combines world-class wicketkeeping with elite batting skills
- World Cup hero: Instrumental in England’s 2019 ODI World Cup triumph
- Global impact: Among the most valuable T20 franchise players worldwide
Buttler’s breakthrough performance as a finisher came with his crucial 77* in the 2019 World Cup final against New Zealand, keeping England competitive in a tense chase that ended in their historic victory. His 110* against Pakistan in 2015, rescuing England from 14-3, showcased his ability to adapt his finishing approach across different match scenarios.
His statistical profile highlights his finishing prowess:
- ODI strike rate of 118.96 combined with an average exceeding 40
- T20I strike rate of 143.19 – among the highest for established international players
- Boundary percentage of 57% in death overs – elite-level scoring efficiency
- Chase success rate of 65% when batting in the final five overs
Vivian Richards
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | 07/03/1992 |
| Age | 72 |
| Country | West Indies |
| Test Highest Score | 291 |
| ODI Highest Score | 189 |
| T20 Highest Score | 196 |
Sir Vivian Richards was the pioneering power finisher who transformed cricket with his dominant approach decades before modern limited-overs tactics emerged. What separated Richards from his contemporaries was his intimidating presence – his mere arrival at the crease could psychologically defeat bowling attacks. His finishing style combined raw power with supreme confidence and technical brilliance.
Background and Career Highlights
- Attitude revolutionary: Introduced a swagger and confidence that changed cricket psychology
- Mental dominator: Often won matches through psychological warfare with bowlers
- Team cornerstone: Central figure in the dominant West Indies teams of the 1970s and 1980s
- Universal excellence: Exceptional in all conditions against all types of bowling
Richards’ most memorable finishing display came with his 189* against England in 1984, dismantling bowling attacks with increasing ferocity as the innings progressed. His 138* against England in the 1979 World Cup final showcased his big-match temperament and ability to take complete control when it mattered most.
His statistical achievements reveal his finishing excellence:
- ODI average of 47 in an era when 30 was considered outstanding
- ODI strike rate of 90.20 when the format was played at a much slower pace
- Boundary frequency was nearly double the average of his contemporaries
- Fourth innings Test average of 45.56 – proving his finishing skills extended beyond limited-overs
Shahid Afridi
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | 01/03/1980 |
| Age | 44 |
| Country | Pakistan |
| Test Highest Score | 156 |
| ODI Highest Score | 124 |
| T20 Highest Score | 54 |
Shahid Afridi, nicknamed “Boom Boom” for his explosive batting style, represents finishing at its most dramatic and unpredictable. What distinguishes Afridi is his fearless approach – never afraid to take massive risks regardless of the match situation. While less consistent than others on this list, his game-changing capability in brief spells made him one of cricket’s most feared finishers.
Background and Career Highlights
- Record smasher: Held the record for fastest ODI century for 18 years (37 balls)
- Dual specialist: Added valuable leg-spin bowling to his finishing abilities
- Crowd electrifier: His unpredictable style made him one of cricket’s most popular figures
- Career longevity: Maintained his explosive abilities throughout a 20-year international career
Afridi’s defining performances as a finisher include his 54 off 28 balls against Bangladesh in the 2014 Asia Cup final and his 25-ball fifty against India in a high-pressure encounter. His ability to hit consecutive sixes against elite bowlers made him uniquely threatening in tight finishes.
His statistical profile tells the story of his unique finishing style:
- ODI strike rate of 117 – revolutionary for his era
- T20I strike rate of 150 – among the highest in international cricket
- Six frequency of one every 14 balls – unmatched during his peak years
- Match-winning percentage of nearly 70% when scoring above 30 runs
Frequently Asked Questions
- What specific skills make someone an elite finisher in cricket?
Elite finishers combine several critical skills: exceptional batting technique, the ability to play both orthodox and innovative shots, perfect situational awareness, advanced calculation abilities for required run rates, exceptional nerve under pressure, and the capacity to adapt their approach based on match conditions and bowling tactics.
- Why do teams value finishers so highly in modern cricket?
Teams value finishers highly because they directly impact results in close matches. With the increasing competitiveness of international cricket and franchise tournaments, the ability to win tight games often determines championship success. A reliable finisher provides security in run chases and the capacity to maximize batting innings in the crucial final overs.
- How do finishers mentally prepare for high-pressure situations?
Top finishers develop mental preparation routines that include visualization of successful scenarios, breathing techniques to manage anxiety, breaking targets into smaller goals, focusing on the process rather than outcomes, and extensive practice of pressure situations during training to build confidence and familiarity.
- What separates MS Dhoni from other great finishers in cricket history?
Dhoni’s separation from other great finishers comes from his unmatched combination of consistency, success rate in difficult chases, championship-winning contributions, career longevity, and ability to perform in all conditions against all types of bowling. His calculated approach to innings construction and psychological impact on opponents add further dimensions to his finishing excellence.
- How has T20 cricket changed the role of finishers in the modern game?
T20 cricket has transformed the finisher’s role by requiring much higher strike rates from the beginning of their innings, necessitating a broader range of innovative shots, placing greater emphasis on power-hitting capabilities, and demanding immediate impact rather than the gradual innings building that was possible in earlier eras of one-day cricket.
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Conclusion – MS Dhoni Is The World’s Best Finisher In Cricket!
After examining the skills, achievements, and impact of these seven extraordinary cricketers, MS Dhoni emerges as cricket’s greatest finisher of all time.
What elevates Dhoni above other elite finishers is his unparalleled consistency under pressure and his remarkable success rate in run chases.
While players like de Villiers might have more flair and Richards more raw power, Dhoni’s ability to repeatedly deliver in the most crucial moments stands unmatched.
His strategic approach to run chases revolutionized the finisher’s role, combining technical skill with psychological warfare against bowlers.
Dhoni’s trademark was taking games to the final over, creating immense pressure, and then executing with precision when it mattered most.
His extraordinary composure – famously dubbed “Captain Cool” – allowed him to maintain clear decision-making when others would succumb to pressure.
Beyond individual performances, Dhoni’s leadership influence as a finisher sets him apart.
He not only finished games himself but mentored others in this specialized role, creating a legacy that continues in Indian cricket.
His championship success – winning all major ICC tournaments as captain – further solidifies his status as the ultimate finisher.
Cricket continues to evolve, with new finishing specialists emerging to meet the demands of changing formats and strategies.
However, Dhoni’s blueprint for successful finishing – combining technical skill, tactical awareness, and mental fortitude – remains the gold standard against which all future finishers will be measured.
The art of finishing requires a rare blend of skill, courage, and intelligence that few cricketers truly master.
These seven players represent the pinnacle of this specialized craft, with MS Dhoni standing tallest among cricket’s greatest game-closers.
