by The best finisher in the world of cricket is that rare player who thrives when the pressure is at its peak.
These extraordinary cricketers possess the perfect blend of technical skill, mental fortitude, and tactical intelligence to rescue their teams from seemingly impossible situations.
What makes the best finisher in the world so valuable is their ability to remain clear-headed when boundaries are needed, the run rate is climbing, and wickets are falling around them.
Throughout cricket history, certain players have distinguished themselves as masters of the chase, capable of turning almost-certain defeat into memorable victory.
The best finisher in the world becomes the heartbeat of their team in those nail-biting final overs, giving both teammates and fans the belief that no target is out of reach.
Best Finisher in The World
In the pressure-cooker environment of modern limited-overs cricket, these special players are the difference-makers who often determine which teams lift trophies and which ones go home empty-handed.
This article examines the seven greatest finishers cricket has ever seen, analyzing their unique skills, unforgettable performances, and lasting impact on the sport.
List Of Top 7 World Best Finishers In Cricket (2025)
This table provides key information about the elite finishers in cricket history 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 stands as the ultimate cricket closer, renowned worldwide for his extraordinary calmness in the most intense match situations. What separates Dhoni from other elite batters is his unique psychological makeup that allows him to remain completely unflustered when others would crumble under pressure. His approach to finishing – carefully managing the required run rate before launching calculated attacks in the final overs – has become the template for finishers worldwide.
Background and Career Highlights
- Remarkable rise: Transformed from railway ticket collector to India’s most celebrated captain
- Unconventional technique: Developed a self-taught batting style prioritizing effectiveness over orthodoxy
- Championship pedigree: Led India to the 2007 T20 World Cup, 2011 ODI World Cup, and 2013 Champions Trophy titles
- Chase master: Successfully guided India home in over 50 international run chases
Dhoni’s most legendary finishing performances include his career-defining 91* against Sri Lanka in the 2011 World Cup final, promoting himself above in-form batters and sealing victory with his iconic six. Equally impressive was his 54* off 29 balls against Sri Lanka in 2013, scoring 15 runs in the final over to secure an improbable win.
His statistical profile confirms his finishing greatness:
- Average of 102.71 in successful ODI run chases – unmatched in cricket history
- Strike rate escalation from 87 overall to above 150 in the final five overs
- 16 not-out finishes in successful T20I run chases – the most by any player
- Winning percentage of 73% when batting in the final 10 overs of a 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 |
Before the era of T20 cricket, Michael Bevan established himself as the original finishing specialist. Nicknamed “The Finisher” throughout the 1990s, Bevan brought a methodical precision to run chases that revolutionized the batting position. His ability to manipulate the field and find boundaries without excessive risk-taking made him the prototype for modern finishing roles.
Background and Career Highlights
- Role pioneer: First player to specifically master and define the limited-overs finisher role
- Technical excellence: Exceptional skill against both pace and spin bowling in pressure situations
- Running between wickets: Unmatched ability to convert ones into twos and find singles when boundaries weren’t possible
- Trophy collection: Vital contributor to Australia’s 1999 and 2003 World Cup victories
Bevan’s defining moment came in the famous 1996 New Year’s Day match against West Indies, scoring 78* and hitting a boundary off the final ball to win when six runs were needed from the last over. His 69* against South Africa in the 1999 World Cup Super Six stage, rescuing Australia from a precarious position, further cemented his finisher reputation.
His statistics underscore his finishing brilliance:
- ODI career average of 53.58 – remained the highest in cricket history for many years
- Not out in 67 of 196 innings – demonstrating his ability to stay until the job was done
- Average of 56.16 in successful Australian run chases
- Dot ball percentage declining from 60% in early innings to below 30% in death overs
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 that forever changed cricket’s possibilities. Nicknamed “Mr. 360” for his ability to hit the ball anywhere around the ground, de Villiers combined traditional batting excellence with innovative shot creation that bewildered bowlers and captains alike. His supernatural hand-eye coordination allowed him to access scoring zones previously considered impossible.
Background and Career Highlights
- Athletic foundation: Elite talent in multiple sports contributed to his batting versatility
- Technical mastery: Built creative innovations on solid classical batting fundamentals
- Shot creation: Pioneered new batting angles like the reverse scoop and paddle sweep
- Format adaptability: Equally devastating in Tests, ODIs, and T20s
De Villiers’ most spectacular finishing display came against West Indies in 2015, smashing 149 off just 44 balls including a record-breaking century off just 31 deliveries. His 71* off 29 balls against England in the 2016 World Cup showed his ability to perform his finishing magic in tournament-pressure situations.
His statistical achievements highlight his finishing excellence:
- Career ODI strike rate of 101.09 while maintaining an average above 53
- Records for fastest ODI 50, 100, and 150 – demonstrating unmatched acceleration ability
- T20 strike rate of 149.77 – among the highest for 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 a meticulous approach to finishing roles that few players could match. Despite beginning his international career at 30, Hussey quickly established himself as one of cricket’s most reliable closers through his combination of technical excellence and situational awareness.
Background and Career Highlights
- Late bloomer: Persevered through years of domestic cricket before international recognition
- Student of the game: Renowned for thorough preparation and deep tactical understanding
- Versatile performer: Could adapt between anchor and aggressor roles based on match needs
- Reliable presence: Consistently delivered under pressure across all formats
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 needed. His 65* against England in a crucial ODI, guiding Australia from 109-5 to victory, demonstrated his ability to construct successful chases from difficult positions.
His statistics confirm his finishing quality:
- ODI average of 48.15 with a strike rate that increased 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
- Pressure situation performance – 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 finishing evolution, combining power-hitting with exceptional skill and adaptability. As the youngest player on this list, Buttler has already cemented his place among cricket’s elite finishers with his explosive ball-striking and ability to score in unconventional areas. His remarkable wrist strength allows him to access scoring shots few other batters can execute.
Background and Career Highlights
- Innovative mindset: Developed his unorthodox batting approach from youth cricket
- Dual specialist: Combines elite wicketkeeping with world-class batting
- World Cup cornerstone: Pivotal in England’s 2019 ODI World Cup triumph
- Global impact: Among the most valuable T20 franchise players worldwide
Buttler’s breakthrough finishing performance came with his 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 statistics highlight 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, the original finishing enforcer, transformed cricket with his dominant approach decades before modern limited-overs tactics emerged. What distinguished Richards was his intimidating presence – his mere arrival at the crease could psychologically defeat bowling attacks. His finishing style combined fearsome power with supreme confidence and technical skill.
Background and Career Highlights
- Mindset revolutionary: Introduced a swagger and confidence that changed cricket psychology forever
- 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
- Versatile performer: 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 control a game’s tempo perfectly.
His statistics 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 unpredictable and thrilling. What sets Afridi apart is his fearless mindset – never afraid to take 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 dangerous finishers.
Background and Career Highlights
- Record breaker: Held the record for fastest ODI century for 18 years (37 balls)
- Dual threat: Added valuable leg-spin bowling to his finishing abilities
- Fan favorite: 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 finishing performances 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 statistics tell 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 qualities make an elite finisher in cricket?
Elite finishers combine technical batting skills with exceptional mental strength, strategic thinking, and the ability to perform under extreme pressure. They must understand match situations perfectly, calculate risks accurately, and execute shots precisely when their team needs them most.
- How important is a finisher to a cricket team’s success?
Finishers are crucial to team success because they often determine the outcome of close matches. Their ability to handle pressure situations, adapt to different scenarios, and deliver when the stakes are highest directly impacts a team’s ability to win tournaments and championships.
- Can finishing skills be developed, or are they natural talents?
While some natural attributes help (like hand-eye coordination and temperament), finishing is largely a developed skill. The best finishers combine natural abilities with thousands of hours of deliberate practice in pressure situations, developing both technical capabilities and mental approaches specialized for the role.
- What makes MS Dhoni the greatest finisher in cricket history?
Dhoni’s combination of consistency, success rate in chases, trophy-winning contributions, longevity, and ability to finish games against all types of bowling in all conditions sets him apart. His calculated approach to chase construction and psychological impact on opponents add further dimensions to his finishing prowess.
- How has the finisher’s role evolved in modern cricket?
Modern finishes like Buttler have built on foundations laid by Bevan and Dhoni while adding innovative shot-making and higher strike rates. Today’s finishers must be adaptable across formats, with T20 cricket demanding more immediate impact and power-hitting capabilities than in previous eras of the game.
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Conclusion – MS Dhoni Is The World’s Best Finisher In Cricket!
After analyzing the skills, achievements, and impact of these seven extraordinary cricketers, MS Dhoni emerges as cricket’s greatest finisher of all time.
What separates Dhoni from other elite finishers is his unmatched consistency under pressure and his extraordinary success rate in run chases.
While players like de Villiers might have more creativity and Richards more raw power, Dhoni’s ability to repeatedly deliver in crucial moments stands unparalleled.
His calculating 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 striking with precision when it mattered most. His remarkable composure – famously dubbed “Captain Cool” – allowed him to think clearly when others would crumble.
Beyond individual performances, Dhoni’s leadership impact 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 trophy cabinet – including all major ICC tournaments as captain – further solidifies his status as the ultimate finisher.
As cricket continues to evolve, new finishers will emerge with approaches adapted to 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.
