In cricket, finishing a match is an art, and only a few players can handle the pressure of the final overs with precision and confidence. The world’s best finishers in cricket are not just big hitters—they are masters of timing, strategy, and composure. This blog dives into the stats, records, and unforgettable moments that define cricket’s top finishers, highlighting the players who consistently turn games around in their team’s favor.
What Makes a Great Finisher in Cricket?
Finishers are the ultimate game-changers in cricket. What sets them apart is their ability to thrive in high-pressure scenarios, make smart decisions, and execute big shots when it counts. Timing, shot selection, and a keen understanding of the opposition’s weaknesses make them deadly in the final overs. A great finisher knows how to pace the innings perfectly, striking a balance between aggression and caution to guide the team to victory.
Current World No 1 Best Finisher in Cricket (Top 10 Finishers)
The title of the world’s no 1 best finisher in cricket is often associated with MS Dhoni, whose ability to stay calm under pressure and finish games with precision has become legendary. Known for his match-winning instincts, Dhoni excels at pacing chases, finding gaps, and hitting boundaries exactly when his team needs them most.
His remarkable stats, including a high strike rate in the final overs and numerous successful chases, make him a benchmark for excellence in modern cricket. Alongside him, players like Hardik Pandya and Kieron Pollard have also showcased incredible finishing abilities, thrilling fans with last-over heroics and clutch performances that turn tight games into unforgettable victories.
| Rank | Player | Country | Format(s) | Career Runs (Approx.) |
| 1 | MS Dhoni | India | ODI, T20I | 17,266+ |
| 2 | Michael Bevan | Australia | ODI | 6,912 |
| 3 | AB de Villiers | South Africa | All Formats | 19,000+ |
| 4 | Lance Klusener | South Africa | ODI | 7,336 |
| 5 | Jos Buttler | England | All Formats | 10,000+ |
| 6 | Shahid Afridi | Pakistan | All Formats | 11,000+ |
| 7 | Michael Hussey | Australia | ODI | 6,000+ |
| 8 | Kieron Pollard | West Indies | T20I, IPL | 14,000+ |
| 9 | Andre Russell | West Indies | T20I | 4,000+ |
| 10 | David Miller | South Africa | T20I | 3,000+ |
#1. MS Dhoni – The Best Finisher in Cricket
Mahendra Singh Dhoni, popularly known as MS Dhoni, is widely regarded as the world’s best finisher in cricket. A finisher is a player who can win games for the team in the last few overs when the pressure is highest, and Dhoni is the best at this. He played for India in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, and is famous for finishing matches calmly and confidently.
Why Dhoni is Special as a Finisher:
- Stays Calm Under Pressure: Dhoni never gets nervous. Even if the team is behind, he knows what to do and plans his shots carefully.
- Powerful Hitting: He can hit big sixes and boundaries when needed, especially in the last overs of the game. His helicopter shot is very famous.
- Successful Chases: Dhoni has helped India win many games by scoring quick runs at the end. One of the most famous moments was the 2011 World Cup Final, where he scored 91 not out* and won the match for India.
| Category | Test | ODI | T20I | Total / Overall |
| Matches | 90 | 350 | 98 | 538 |
| Innings | 145 | 297 | 85 | 527 |
| Runs | 4,876 | 10,773 | 1,617 | 17,266+ |
| Centuries (100s) | 6 | 10 | 0 | 16 |
| Fifties (50s) | 33 | 73 | 2 | 108+ |
| Highest Score | 224 | 183* | 56* | 224 |
| Batting Average | 38.09 | 50.57 | 37.60 | ~46.4 |
| Strike Rate | 59.11 | 87.56 | 126.13 | ~85+ |
Read More: Who is the Best Fielder in the World?
#2. Michael Bevan – Master of Finishing (ODIs)
Michael Bevan from Australia is regarded as one of the greatest finishers in cricket history. He was famous for calmly chasing targets, often scoring runs when the team needed them most. Bevan played mostly ODIs, and his ability to stay composed in pressure situations made him a legend of the game.
| Category | ODI |
| Matches | 232 |
| Innings | 215 |
| Runs | 6,912 |
| Centuries (100s) | 6 |
| Fifties (50s) | 46 |
| Highest Score | 108* |
| Batting Average | 53.58 |
| Strike Rate | 72.65 |
Key Points:
- Bevan was known as the “finisher of the 90s and early 2000s”.
- He played most of his cricket in high-pressure ODI chases.
- Despite not being a big hitter, his timing, placement, and smart running made him extremely effective.
#3. AB de Villiers – The 360° Finisher
AB de Villiers from South Africa is known as one of the best finishers in cricket. He can hit shots all around the ground, score quickly in the final overs, and turn matches in his team’s favor. De Villiers played in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, making him a master of finishing in all formats.
| Category | Test | ODI | T20I | Total / Overall |
| Matches | 114 | 228 | 78 | 420 |
| Innings | 199 | 218 | 73 | 490 |
| Runs | 8,765 | 9,577 | 1,672 | 19,014 |
| Centuries (100s) | 22 | 25 | 0 | 47 |
| Fifties (50s) | 46 | 53 | 9 | 108 |
| Highest Score | 278* | 176* | 79* | 278* |
| Batting Average | 50.66 | 53.50 | 26.12 | ~50 |
| Strike Rate | 54.00 | 101.09 | 135.00 | ~97 |
Key Points:
- AB de Villiers is called the “360° cricketer” because of his ability to hit anywhere on the field.
- He is famous for fast centuries and quick scoring in the last overs.
- Played crucial roles in ODI and T20 chases, making him one of the most feared finishers in the world.
#4. Lance Klusener – South Africa’s Finishing Machine
Lance Klusener from South Africa is considered one of the best finishers in cricket during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Known as “Zulu”, he was explosive in the final overs, capable of hitting big sixes and winning matches under pressure. Klusener played mostly in ODIs but also made important contributions in Tests.
| Category | Test | ODI | Total / Overall |
| Matches | 49 | 171 | 220 |
| Innings | 72 | 161 | 233 |
| Runs | 1,669 | 3,353 | 5,022 |
| Centuries (100s) | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Fifties (50s) | 9 | 16 | 25 |
| Highest Score | 96 | 100* | 100* |
| Batting Average | 25.47 | 36.70 | 32.8 |
| Strike Rate | 63.72 | 96.97 | 88+ |
Key Points:
- Lance Klusener was famous for finishing games under extreme pressure.
- Known for his big hitting in the last overs, especially in ODIs.
- Played a crucial role in South Africa’s 1999 World Cup campaign, winning matches almost single-handedly.
- His combination of batting power and smart running made him one of the best finishers in cricket history.
#5. Jos Buttler – England’s Explosive Finisher
Jos Buttler from England is considered one of the world best finisher in cricket today. Known for his aggressive batting and innovative shots, Buttler can turn tight matches into victories in the final overs. He plays in ODIs and T20Is, as well as T20 leagues like the IPL, where he is famous for finishing games with fearless hitting.
| Category | ODI | T20I | Total / Overall |
| Matches | 146 | 107 | 253 |
| Innings | 139 | 100 | 239 |
| Runs | 6,703 | 3,200+ | 9,903+ |
| Centuries (100s) | 15 | 1 | 16 |
| Fifties (50s) | 33 | 20 | 53 |
| Highest Score | 150 | 124* | 150 |
| Batting Average | 46.40 | 37.50 | ~44 |
| Strike Rate | 91.80 | 138.00 | ~100 |
Key Points:
- Jos Buttler is known for finishing matches with big sixes and quick scoring.
- Plays a crucial role in high-pressure run chases for England.
- Excels in ODIs, T20Is, and T20 leagues like IPL.
#6. Shahid Afridi – Pakistan’s Big-Hitting Finisher
Shahid Afridi from Pakistan is regarded as one of the world best finisher in cricket during his playing days. Famous for his explosive hitting and fearless batting, Afridi could change the course of a match in just a few overs. He played in ODIs, T20Is, and Tests, but was most lethal in the shorter formats where he could finish games with big sixes and quick scoring.
| Category | Test | ODI | T20I | Total / Overall |
| Matches | 27 | 398 | 99 | 524 |
| Innings | 45 | 369 | 91 | 505 |
| Runs | 1,716 | 8,064 | 1,416 | 11,196 |
| Centuries (100s) | 1 | 6 | 0 | 7 |
| Fifties (50s) | 6 | 39 | 6 | 51 |
| Highest Score | 114 | 124 | 54* | 124 |
| Batting Average | 22.97 | 23.57 | 17.17 | ~23 |
| Strike Rate | 70.10 | 86.21 | 137.40 | ~95 |
Key Points:
- Afridi was known for finishing games with big sixes in tight situations.
- He could change matches in the last few overs, making him one of the most exciting finishers.
- Played ODIs and T20Is with fearless attacking style.
Final Words
Finishers are the heartbeat of modern cricket. They have the unique ability to turn matches around in the last few overs, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. From MS Dhoni’s calm precision to AB de Villiers’ explosive shots, each player brings their own style and brilliance to the game. Whether it’s the experience of legends like Michael Bevan and Lance Klusener or the fearless aggression of stars like Jos Buttler and Shahid Afridi, these finishers define the difference between a win and a loss.
FAQs – Best Finishers in Cricket
Q1: Who is considered the best finisher in cricket?
A: MS Dhoni is widely regarded as the best finisher in cricket due to his calmness under pressure, consistent match-winning performances, and ability to chase big totals in ODIs and T20Is.
Q2: What makes a great finisher in cricket?
A: A great finisher stays calm under pressure, knows when to attack or play safe, can hit boundaries in the final overs, and has excellent game awareness to guide the team to victory.
Q3: Who is the world best finisher in cricket today?
A: Jos Buttler from England is considered the world best finisher in cricket today because of his aggressive batting and ability to win matches in tight situations, especially in T20s and ODIs.
Q4: Can a player be a finisher in all formats of cricket?
A: Yes, players like AB de Villiers and MS Dhoni have excelled as finishers in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, showing adaptability across formats.
Q5: Which players are famous for finishing matches in the last over?
A: Apart from MS Dhoni, other famous finishers include AB de Villiers, Michael Bevan, Lance Klusener, Jos Buttler, Shahid Afridi, and Kieron Pollard.
