by In cricket, the best finisher in the world is a player who thrives under pressure and can secure victory when the game hangs in the balance.
These special cricketers possess a unique blend of skill, mental toughness, and strategic thinking that sets them apart from others.
The best finisher in the world isn’t just someone who scores runs but someone who delivers precisely when their team needs them most.
They have the remarkable ability to stay calm when the required run rate climbs and wickets are falling around them.
Throughout cricket history, certain players have earned legendary status for their finishing abilities, turning seemingly impossible situations into memorable victories.
The best finisher in the world becomes the heartbeat of their team in crucial moments, giving teammates and fans confidence that as long as they’re at the crease, there’s always hope.
Best Finisher in The World
In limited-overs cricket especially, these players are worth their weight in gold, often making the difference between championship glory and defeat.
This article spotlights the top seven cricket finishers of all time, examining what makes them so special and why their contributions have been so vital to their teams’ success.
List Of Top 7 World Best Finishers In Cricket (2025)
This comprehensive table highlights the most elite finishers in cricket history, presenting key information about each player 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 example of a cricket finisher, known worldwide for his ice-cold temperament in high-pressure situations.
What makes Dhoni special isn’t just his batting skills but his extraordinary mental strength and tactical understanding of the game.
When chasing targets, Dhoni follows a unique approach – taking the game deep, calculating required run rates precisely, and then launching a perfectly timed assault in the final overs.
Background and Career Highlights
- Humble beginnings: Rose from the small town of Ranchi to become India’s most successful captain
- Unique batting style: Self-taught technique that prioritizes effectiveness over conventional form
- Leadership: Led India to victory in all major ICC tournaments – the 2007 T20 World Cup, 2011 ODI World Cup, and 2013 Champions Trophy
- Finishing masterclass: Countless match-winning performances in the final overs of games
Some of Dhoni’s most memorable finishing performances include:
- 91 against Sri Lanka* in the 2011 World Cup final, where he promoted himself up the order and finished with a six
- 183 against Sri Lanka* in 2005, showing his explosive potential early in his career
- 48 off 27 balls against Australia* in the 2019 World Cup
- Numerous IPL finishes for Chennai Super Kings, establishing himself as the premier finisher in franchise cricket
His statistical record speaks volumes about his finishing prowess:
- Over 10,000 ODI runs at an average exceeding 50
- Successfully chased targets in over 47 ODIs – more than any other player
- Batting average of 102.71 in successful ODI run chases
- Strike rate increases dramatically in the final five overs of the innings
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 MS Dhoni rewrote the finisher’s handbook, Michael Bevan was cricket’s original closing specialist. Nicknamed “The Finisher” during the 1990s and early 2000s, Bevan brought a calculated precision to run chases that revolutionized the middle-order batting role in ODI cricket. His ability to manipulate the field and find gaps made him nearly impossible to contain in pressure situations.
Background and Career Highlights
- Specialized role: One of the first cricketers to specialize specifically as a limited-overs finisher
- Technical excellence: Superb technique against both pace and spin bowling
- Running between wickets: Exceptional at rotating strike and stealing singles
- World Cup success: Key member of Australia’s 1999 and 2003 World Cup winning teams
Bevan’s defining moments as a finisher include:
- Famous New Year’s Day innings against West Indies in 1996, scoring 78* including hitting 4 off the final ball to win
- 69 against South Africa* in the 1999 World Cup Super Six stage
- 74 against New Zealand* in 2002, rescuing Australia from 82-6
- Consistent performances in tight run chase throughout his career
His statistics highlight his finishing excellence:
- ODI average of 53.58 – among the highest in cricket history
- Remained not out in 67 of his 196 ODI innings
- Average of 56.16 in successful run chases
- Highest batting average in ODIs at the time of his retirement
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 represents the modern evolution of finishing – combining traditional skills with revolutionary innovation. 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 incredible hand-eye coordination and creativity allowed him to score at rates previously thought impossible in international cricket.
Background and Career Highlights
- Versatile athlete: Excelled in multiple sports before focusing on cricket
- Technical foundation: Built finishing skills on a solid classical batting technique
- Shot innovation: Pioneered new shots like the lap sweep and reverse scoop
- Adaptability: Equally effective against pace or spin, at any stage of the innings
De Villiers’ most spectacular finishing performances include:
- 149 off just 44 balls against West Indies in 2015, including the fastest ODI century (31 balls)
- 71 off 29 balls against England* at the 2016 World Cup
- 73 off 33 balls against Pakistan* in a crucial ODI chase
- Numerous IPL finishes for Royal Challengers Bangalore
His statistical achievements underscore his finishing brilliance:
- ODI career strike rate of 101.09 – exceptional for a player with his average
- Holds records for fastest ODI 50, 100, and 150
- T20 strike rate of 149.77 – among the highest for batsmen with substantial careers
- Average of 71.18 in successful ODI run chases
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 dedicated approach to the game, brought a methodical intensity to finishing roles that few players have matched. Despite beginning his international career relatively late at age 30, Hussey quickly established himself as one of cricket’s most reliable closers, especially in high-stakes situations.
Background and Career Highlights
- Late bloomer: Persevered through years of domestic cricket before international recognition
- Analytical approach: Known for meticulous preparation and situational awareness
- Adaptability: Could play both anchor and aggressive roles depending on match situations
- Consistency: Remarkably reliable under pressure across all formats
Hussey’s standout finishing performances include:
- 60 off 24 balls against Pakistan* in the 2010 T20 World Cup semi-final, including 18 runs in the final over
- 65 against England* in a crucial ODI, guiding Australia from a difficult position
- Numerous match-winning innings in the middle order for Australia across formats
- Key contributions in tight Test matches, showing his finishing abilities extended beyond limited-overs cricket
His statistics reveal his finishing quality:
- ODI average of 48.15 with a strike rate that increased significantly in the death overs
- T20I strike rate of 136.29 – exceptional for a player of his era
- Test average of 51.52 – showing his quality across formats
- Batting average of 77.64 in successful ODI run chases
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 new generation of finishing – combining power-hitting with exceptional skill and versatility. As the youngest player on this list, Buttler has already established himself as one of cricket’s premier finishers with his explosive batting and ability to target any part of the ground. His remarkable hand speed allows him to access shots that few other batsmen can execute.
Background and Career Highlights
- Early innovation: Developed his unorthodox batting style from a young age
- Wicketkeeping advantage: Uses insights from keeping to understand bowlers’ strategies
- World Cup hero: Played crucial roles in England’s 2019 ODI World Cup victory
- Franchise value: Highly sought after in T20 leagues for his finishing abilities
Buttler’s defining finishing performances include:
- 77 in the 2019 World Cup final* against New Zealand
- 110 against Pakistan* in 2015, rescuing England from 14-3
- 83 off 52 balls against Australia* in a T20I
- Consistent death-over scoring in franchise cricket worldwide
His statistics highlight his finishing prowess:
- ODI strike rate of 118.96 combined with an average over 40
- T20I strike rate of 143.19 – among the highest for established international players
- Power hitting metrics (balls per six) rank among the best in world cricket
- Batting average increases when batting in positions 5-7, showing his finishing specialization
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 power finisher, changed cricket with his dominant approach long before modern limited-overs tactics were developed. What separates Richards from many finishers is that he played with an intimidating aura – his presence at the crease alone could demoralize bowling attacks. His finishing style combined raw power with supreme confidence and skill.
Background and Career Highlights
- Revolutionary approach: Changed batting philosophy in an era of more conservative cricket
- Psychological advantage: Often finished games through sheer intimidation of bowlers
- Team success: Central figure in the dominant West Indies teams of the 1970s and 1980s
- Versatility: Exceptional in all conditions and against all types of bowling
Richards’ memorable finishing performances include:
- 189 against England* in 1984, including crushing bowling attacks in the latter stages
- 138 against England* in the 1979 World Cup final
- Numerous match-winning innings where he would accelerate dramatically in the final stages
- Consistent ability to take control of run chases when pressure-mounted
His statistics demonstrate his finishing excellence:
- ODI average of 47 in an era when 30 was considered excellent
- ODI strike rate of 90.20 when the format was played much more slowly
- Test average of 50.24 showing his quality across formats
- Power hitting metrics that were decades ahead of his contemporaries
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 approach – 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 the fastest ODI century for 18 years (37 balls)
- Dual threat: Added value as a leg-spin bowler, making him a complete package
- Fan favorite: Electrifying style made him one of cricket’s most popular players
- Longevity: Maintained his explosive abilities throughout a 20-year international career
Afridi’s defining finishing performances include:
- 54 off 28 balls against Bangladesh in the 2014 Asia Cup final
- 25-ball fifty against India in a crucial match
- 55 off 18 balls against England* including four consecutive sixes
- Multiple tournament-winning cameos at critical moments
His statistics tell the story of his unique finishing style:
- ODI strike rate of 117 – exceptional for his era
- T20I strike rate of 150 – among the highest in international cricket
- Six-hitting frequency (one every 14 balls in ODIs) – better than most specialized batsmen
- Match-winning percentage when scoring over 30 runs is remarkably high
Frequently Asked Questions
- What makes a great finisher in cricket?
A great finisher combines technical batting skills with exceptional mental strength, strategic thinking, and the ability to perform under extreme pressure. They must understand match situations, calculate risks, and execute shots precisely when the team needs them most.
- Who has the highest batting average as a finisher?
Michael Bevan has the highest batting average as a specialist finisher in ODI cricket, with a remarkable 53.58. In successful run chases, MS Dhoni’s average exceeds 100, showing his extraordinary consistency in finishing situations.
- Are finishers born or made?
While natural talent plays a role, finishing is largely a developed skill. The best finishers combine natural abilities with extensive practice in pressure situations, developing both technical skills and mental approaches specialized for the role.
- Why is MS Dhoni considered the best finisher?
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 and psychological impact on opponents add further dimensions to his finishing prowess.
- How has the finisher’s role evolved in modern cricket?
Modern finishers like Buttler combine traditional skills with 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.
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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 AB de Villiers might have more flair 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 panic.
Beyond individual skills, 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 evolves, new finishers will emerge with different approaches suited to changing formats and strategies. However, Dhoni’s blueprint for successful finishing – combining technical skill, tactical awareness, and mental fortitude – will remain the gold standard against which all future finishers are 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.
