Who is the Best Finisher in Cricket (Updated List 2025)

The “finisher” means in cricket isn’t just about hitting big boundaries; it’s about composure, smart tactics, and the nerve to thrive under pressure. Chasing down daunting targets, rescuing their teams from calamitous situations, or turning close defeats into stunning victories, these players earned legendary status for their heroics in the dying stages of games.

List of Who is the Best Finisher in the World?

After detailed research, here’s a look at the universally acclaimed finishers and what makes them stand out.

1. Mahendra Singh Dhoni – India

• Finishing Style: Calm, composed, calculated and unflappable under pressure.
• Winning Record: Stayed not out in 47 successful ODI chases.
• Iconic Moments: 91* (World Cup 2011 Final), countless last-over wins in international and IPL innings.
• Stats: 350 ODIs, 10,773 runs, avg 50.57 (ODI).
• Why He’s #1: No one matched his ability to close out games with brains and brute force.

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2. Michael Bevan – Australia

• Finishing Style: Patientfull, Analytical, Ability to read bowler’s next move and mastered the chase.
• Iconic Moments: 78* vs West Indies (1996, last-ball win after 38/6 collapse).
• Stats: 232 ODIs, 6,912 runs, avg 53.17.
• Why He’s Iconic: Bailed Australia out from almost impossible situations, making tricky totals look easy.

3. AB de Villiers – South Africa

• Finishing Style: Innovative, could hit anywhere, accelerated at will.
• Iconic Moments: Fastest ODI century (31 balls); unthinkable IPL and ODI chases.
• Stats: 228 ODIs, 9,577 runs, avg 53.5.
• Why He’s Special: No target seemed out of reach as long as he was at the crease.

You may also like to read: AB de Villiers Net Worth

4. Jos Buttler – England

• Finishing Style: Aggressive, fearless, unmatched at death overs.
• Iconic Moments: Clutch knocks for England and Rajasthan in IPL.
• Stats: 157 ODIs, 4,245 runs, avg 40.43, highest 162.
• Why He’s Here: Current white-ball captain; proven finisher in both international cricket and leagues.

5. Lance Klusener – South Africa

• Finishing Style: Powerful, direct, high-impact in World Cups.
• Iconic Moments: 1999 World Cup; runs and wickets in crunch matches.
• Stats: 171 ODIs, 3,576 runs, avg 41.1.
• Legacy: Won games almost single-handedly, especially when the odds were stacked.

6. Kieron Pollard – West Indies

• Finishing Style: Towering hits, feared in IPL and T20s.
• Iconic Moments: Sixes to win from impossible scenarios for Mumbai Indians.
• Impact: Mentally strong, thrived when the situation looked gone.

7. Vivian Richards – West Indies

• Finishing Style: Dominated opponents, unmatched in confidence.
• Iconic Moments: Fearless chases, changed the tone of limited-overs batting era.
• Stats: 187 ODIs, 6,721 runs, avg 47.
• Why Remembered: Inspired a generation to win from the front.

8. Shahid Afridi – Pakistan

• Finishing Style: Explosive, never afraid to take risks.
• Iconic Moments: 2009 T20 WC Final (54*), last-over sixes vs India in Asia Cup.
• Stats: 298 ODIs, 8,064 runs, SR 117 in T20Is.
• Magic: Lifted entire stadiums with his hitting, even if he wasn’t always consistent.

9. Michael Hussey – Australia

• Finishing Style: Steady, dependable, came alive under big pressure.
• Iconic Moments: 60 off 24 (T20 WC 2010 Semi vs Pak), 725 runs at avg 120.83 at No. 7.
• Why Valued: Trusted to get Australia home from any crisis.

10. Chris Cairns – New Zealand

• Finishing Style: Clutch, strong in both ODI and Test chases.
• Iconic Moments: Unbeaten knocks in finals, especially ICC Champions Trophy 2000.
• All-round Record: 201 ODI wickets, 4,950 ODI runs.
• Legacy: One of only a handful with 200 wickets/4,000 runs in ODIs.

What makes these players a Great Finisher?

• Stay calm under pressure, making the right decisions when chaos reigns.
• Know when to attack and when to collect singles.
• Build partnerships with tailenders or change gears instantly.
• Read bowlers and field placements; play according to the situation.
• Possess mental toughness and self-belief that anything can be achieved.

Player	Country	Batting Avg (ODI)	Not Out in Chases	Iconic Moment
MS Dhoni	India	50.57	47	91* in 2011 WC Final
Michael Bevan	Australia	53.17	30+	78* vs WI, 1996 (last-ball win)
AB de Villiers	South Africa	53.5	20+	Fastest 100 (31 balls, ODI)
Jos Buttler	England	40.43	15+	162 vs Netherlands (ODI)
Shahid Afridi	Pakistan	23.58	20+	2009 T20 WC Final 54*

Each of these players has given fans unforgettable finishes and taught future cricketers one sure lesson: calm, belief, and smart play always win the day. MS Dhoni’s name may come up first, but what links this group is their nerves of steel and their timeless highlights at the tense end of a chase.

FAQs

1. Who is the best finisher in the world?
MS Dhoni is widely regarded as the greatest finisher due to his calmness in run chases and his record of staying not out in 47 successful ODI chases.

2. Which Australian batsman is famous for rescuing his team from difficult situations in ODIs?
Michael Bevan is known for pulling Australia out of trouble, especially with his unbeaten knocks in tight run chases.

3. What unique quality sets AB de Villiers apart as a finisher?
AB de Villiers stands out for his 360-degree shot range and ability to accelerate scoring from any situation, making him a game-changer in closing overs.

4. Why is Jos Buttler recognized as a modern-day finisher?
Jos Buttler has earned his place as a top finisher thanks to his aggressive batting and consistency in completing run chases for England and in T20 leagues.

5. How did Shahid Afridi influence run chases for Pakistan?
Shahid Afridi dominated finishing roles with explosive hitting, including match-winning knocks in ICC events and last-over sixes under pressure.

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