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| Top 10 Best Finisher In The World |
Best Finisher In The World
The significance of finishers in cricket cannot be overstated, particularly
in the limited-over format, where they often emerge as pivotal players in
securing victories for their teams. The outcome of matches is frequently
determined by slim margins, underscoring the importance of a batsman's
ability to handle pressure and guide the team to success. Teams actively
seek players who can navigate the match's dynamics, display sensible
batting, wield a powerful hitting ability, and rapidly accumulate runs
toward the conclusion of an inning. The value of finishers is paramount,
given their potential to exert a substantial impact on game results.
Throughout the history of cricket, there have been standout individuals
regarded as the best finishers in the world, celebrated for their numerous
match-winning innings.
Who is No 1 finisher in cricket history?
Mahendra Singh Dhoni, widely acknowledged as one of cricket's most
accomplished players, has made an enduring impact on the sport. As an
Indian wicket-keeper batsman, he has established himself as a leading
finisher globally, significantly contributing to India's numerous triumphs
over the years.
Since his debut in 2004, Dhoni has accumulated a noteworthy 500-plus
appearances in various formats of the game for his country. His impressive
batting record boasts over 16,000 runs, placing him in the exclusive group
of Indian batsmen who have achieved centuries in Test matches, One Day
Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).
Dhoni's distinction lies in his capability to thrive under pressure and
deliver pivotal boundaries, setting him apart from his fellow batsmen.
This quality was prominently showcased during India's victories in the
2007 ICC World Twenty20 and the 2011 ODI World Cup. Widely recognized as
MS Dhoni, the former Indian cricketer is celebrated as one of the greatest
captains and wicketkeeper-batsmen in the annals of the game.
Recognized for his composed leadership style and extraordinary finishing
abilities, Dhoni served as the captain of the Indian national team in
limited-overs formats from 2007 to 2017, and in Test cricket from 2008 to
2014. Presently, he assumes the role of captain for the Chennai Super
Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
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Top 10 Best Finisher In The World of cricket all time
10 Best Finishers in World Cricket History, Presenting the
Top 10 Best Finishers in the World, starting with:
- Michael Bevan.
- Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
- Lance Klusener.
- Chris Cairns.
- Michael Hussey.
- Javed Miandad.
- Abdul Razzaq.
- Viv Richards.
- AB de Villiers.
- Shahid Afridi.
10- Shahid Afridi
Shahid Afridi has carved his legacy as one of the best finishers in the
world, earning recognition for his match-winning performances with the bat
across all cricket formats. Possessing an aura that allowed him to
effortlessly dismantle any bowling attack, Afridi became a game-changer
whose impact on matches often culminated with him directing the proceedings
towards victory.
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| Shahid Afridi |
Known for his aggressive and domineering approach, Afridi's fearless style
of play made him one of the greatest run-scorers in cricket history,
contributing significantly to Pakistan's success in numerous games.
Confidence and a resilient attitude were integral components of Afridi's
strategy, allowing him to thrive under pressure and handle challenging
situations with ease.
Afridi's ability to launch massive sixes, even in high-pressure situations,
made him a dependable player in critical moments. In the 2009 T20 World Cup
final against Sri Lanka, he played a crucial role, smashing an unbeaten 54
runs off 40 balls, guiding Pakistan to an eight-wicket victory with eight
balls remaining. This victory marked Pakistan's second ICC title after 1992,
and Afridi was rightfully awarded the player of the match.
Another memorable performance came in the 2014 Asia Cup, where Shahid
Afridi's explosive batting proved decisive. He slammed 34 runs off just 18
balls, including two consecutive sixes against Ashwin in the final over,
securing a thrilling one-wicket victory over India with two balls to spare.
Afridi's 32 Man of the Match Awards stands as a testament to his consistent
ability to make a significant impact on games, making him a legendary figure
in Pakistan cricket history.
9- AB de Villiers
AB de Villiers stands as one of the greatest batsmen in contemporary
cricket, having truly mastered the art of batting. His prowess extends
across all formats, with an average of over 50 in both Test and one-day
cricket. In the modern era of ODIs and T20s, de Villiers has earned the
well-deserved reputation of being the best finisher in the world, showcasing
a batting style that revolutionized the game.
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| AB de Villiers |
Renowned for his creative shot play, de Villiers redefined the concept of
batting by seamlessly striking the ball 360 degrees in any direction. His
ability to combine ruthless force with impeccable timing made him a force to
be reckoned with in the cricketing world. De Villiers' inventive approach
even allowed him to sweep fast bowlers at will, showcasing his versatility
at the crease.
One of his standout performances was the match-winning century in the first
Test at Perth against Australia, where he played a pivotal role in South
Africa successfully chasing the second-highest ever fourth-inning target of
414 with six wickets remaining.
De Villiers' ODI records are nothing short of extraordinary, including the
fastest 50 (16 balls), 100 (31 balls), and 150 (64 balls). His remarkable
innings against the West Indies at the Wanderers, where he finished with 149
runs off just 44 balls after scoring a century in 31 balls, exemplified his
ability to dominate the opposition in ODIs. His consistency and excellence
were recognized with three ICC ODI Player of the Year awards in 2010, 2014,
and 2015, underscoring his impact and influence on the global cricketing
stage.
8- Viv Richards
Viv Richards stands as one of the greatest cricketers in the annals of the
sport, renowned as one of the finest batsmen the world has ever seen. In an
era when the use of helmets was widespread, Richards' decision to eschew
this protective gear was a bold testament to his unwavering confidence and
dominance on the field. Notably, Richards is the only batsman in cricket
history who could instill fear in his opponents even before facing a
delivery, such was his aura of superiority.
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| Viv Richards |
When assessing Viv Richards' impact on the game, it becomes evident that he
is among the elite as one of the best ODI batsmen ever. His remarkable
strike rate, coupled with numerous match-winning performances in the ODI
finals, solidifies his standing in cricket history. Richards' contribution
to the West Indies, marked by all 11 ODI centuries, played a pivotal role in
securing victories, and he boasted an outstanding average of over 57.
One of his iconic performances occurred in the third final of the B & H
World Series Cup in 1988–89, where Viv Richards single-handedly dismantled
Australia with a phenomenal 60-run match-winning innings off just 40 balls.
His century in the 1979 World Cup final against England was instrumental in
the West Indies clinching the title for the second consecutive time.
Richards' world record ODI innings of 189 not out, featuring five sixes
against England in 1984, showcased his extraordinary prowess with the bat.
Richards' ODI average of 47.00 is the best among players who have reached
4000 ODI runs, emphasizing his consistency and impact. Over the course of
187 ODIs, he amassed a total of 6,721 runs at an astonishing average of 47,
accompanied by a remarkable strike rate of 90.20. Viv Richards' legacy
endures as a testament to his unparalleled batting skill and ability to
shape the outcome of the game like no other.
7- Abdul Razzaq
Abdul Razzaq stands as the epitome of a versatile all-rounder and is widely
regarded as one of the premier finishers in the history of ODI cricket,
hailing from Pakistan. His dynamic skill set made him a unique asset,
capable of sparking with the new ball as a bowler and displaying composure
while batting at any position. In the cricketing realm, he earned a
reputation as one of the most dangerous batsmen globally, known for his
ability to score quick runs and single-handedly alter the course of a game.
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| Abdul Razzaq |
Razzaq's evolution as a crucial finisher in ODIs was marked by exceptional
performances, including a remarkable display against England in 2005, where
he scored a superb 47 runs off just 11 deliveries. However, one of his
standout moments occurred on October 31, 2010, in the 2nd ODI against South
Africa. Razzaq played a phenomenal match-winning innings, crafting an
unbeaten 109 off 72 balls, featuring seven fours and an impressive ten
towering sixes at a striking rate of 151.38. Pakistan clinched the victory
by one wicket with just one delivery left in the innings.
In Test cricket, Razzaq showcased his all-round abilities, playing in 46
Tests and accumulating 1,948 runs at an average of 28.62, including three
centuries. In ODIs, he further solidified his reputation with 5,080 runs at
an average of 29.71, accompanied by three centuries. His bowling prowess is
evident in his 269 ODI wickets at an average of 31.84, which includes three
five-wicket hauls. Abdul Razzaq's impact as a reliable finisher and
all-round contributor remains an integral part of Pakistan's cricketing
legacy.
6. Javed Miandad
Javed Miandad is revered as the early maestro of finishing in the world of
one-day cricket. A true batting artisan, Miandad's mastery lay in his
ability to meticulously track the ball, displaying impeccable control as he
guided it to the bat. His approach showcased a blend of resilience and
courage that set him apart as a batting virtuoso. An early testament to his
prowess came with a century in his first Test encounter and a double century
in only his third.
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| Javed Miandad |
During the 1992 World Cup, which Pakistan clinched, Miandad consistently
contributed runs in every match, underlining his reliability on the grandest
stage. However, his most iconic moment came in the 1986 Austral-Asia Cup
final in Sharjah. With four runs needed off the last ball against Chetan
Sharma, Miandad's audacious six not only secured victory for Pakistan but
also etched his name in cricketing folklore.
What truly distinguishes Miandad is his exceptional record when Pakistan
chased targets. Going unbeaten in nearly half of his innings, he boasted an
impressive average of 66.24 in successful run chases. It's noteworthy that
accumulating runs in the 1980s was no easy feat, given the challenging
conditions and formidable pace attacks. Miandad's enduring legacy is
reflected in his remarkable Test record, where he accumulated 8,832 runs at
an average of 52.57 from 124 matches, the highest for Pakistan. His ability
to finish games with finesse and composure remains a benchmark in the annals
of cricketing history.
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5- Michael Hussey
Affectionately known as "Mr Cricket," Michael Hussey stands tall as one of
Australia's most prolific left-handed batsmen of all time. In a remarkably
short span, Hussey established himself as one of the world's premier
finishers, often delivering crucial victories for Australia, sometimes
single-handedly, during the late 2000s. His international career was marked
by extraordinary success, earning him the ICC's recognition as the best ODI
player in 2006.
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| Michael Hussey |
Hussey's reputation as a dependable finisher quickly solidified,
particularly evident in his performances at position seven in ODIs. In 21
ODIs at this position, he amassed a superb 725 runs at an outstanding
average of 120.83. His ability to steer Australia to victory was further
highlighted by his achievement of reaching 1000 runs in ODI cricket in a
record-breaking 166 days, making him the fastest to reach this milestone in
terms of days taken.
In Test cricket, Hussey continued to impress, reaching the 2000-run mark in
just 20 games (33 innings), making him the fourth fastest in Test cricket
history. Throughout 79 Tests, he scored a total of 6,235 runs at an
impressive average of 51.52. In ODIs, with 4,552 runs, Hussey boasts the
second-best batting average (48.15) of any Australian player.
One of his memorable performances came in the 2010 World T20 semi-final,
where Australia needed 17 runs from the final 5 balls of their 192-run
chase. Hussey played a heroic role, finishing the match with a flurry of
boundaries, including three consecutive sixes off Saeed Ajmal. His unbeaten
60 off just 24 balls showcased his ability to thrive under pressure and
secure victories for his team, further cementing his legacy as a true
finisher in the world of cricket.
4- Chris Cairns
Chris Cairns stands as an iconic figure in New Zealand cricket recognized
not only as the country's best all-rounder but also as one of the finest
finishers ever produced. As a hard-hitting middle-order batsman, Cairns
possessed the remarkable ability to launch colossal sixes straight down the
field, making him a daunting prospect for any bowler worldwide. His
aggressive yet effective shot-making was a defining feature of his game, and
he once held the world record for the most sixes (87) in Test cricket.
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| Chris Cairns |
Cairns was a complete package, delivering numerous match-winning innings for
New Zealand against teams from all corners of the cricketing world. In 2000,
he earned recognition as one of the top five Wisden Cricketers of the Year.
One of his standout performances occurred in the 2001-02 VB series at the
Gabba, where he played an exceptional and match-winning innings, scoring an
unbeaten century of 102 against South Africa, contributing to New Zealand's
fantastic four-wicket win.
The 2000 ICC Champions Trophy final witnessed Cairns leading New Zealand to
their first ICC title victory with an unbeaten century of 102 against India,
showcasing his ability to rise to the occasion in crucial matches. Cairns is
part of an elite group, one of only eight players to have taken 210 wickets
and scored 3320 runs in Test cricket. Additionally, he achieved a second ODI
double of 201 wickets and 4950 runs, further highlighting his all-round
prowess.
Notably, Cairns' Test hitting average at position seven (44.02) ranks fifth
all-time for that position, emphasizing his consistency and impact even in
the lower order. His legacy as a dynamic and influential figure in New
Zealand cricket is underscored by his remarkable performances with both bat
and ball throughout his illustrious career.
3- Lance Klusener
Known as the "one-day wrecker," Lance Klusener stands out as one of the most
devastating hard-hitting finishers in the history of ODI cricket. Revered
for his ability to single-handedly win matches for South Africa against any
opposition, Klusener is also celebrated as one of the finest all-rounders in
ODI cricket history. His penchant for blitzing the opposition in the dying
moments of a game, and consistently guiding his team over the finish line,
marked him as a game legend during the 1990s.
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| Lance Klusener |
In the 1999 World Cup, South Africa reached the semi-finals, and Klusener
had a stellar tournament, claiming 17 wickets and scoring 250 runs,
including two half-centuries, in 8 games. His performances solidified his
reputation as a hard-hitting finisher, particularly in pressure situations.
Klusener's exceptional contributions earned him four Man of the Match awards
in the nine games and the prestigious Man of the Tournament award for the
1999 World Cup.
Several instances underscore Klusener's ability to deliver under pressure.
In the 1999 ODI series against New Zealand, with four runs needed on the
final ball, Klusener struck a last-ball six against Dion Nash, securing a
dramatic win for South Africa. A year later, in 2000, he replicated his
heroics against the same opponent, New Zealand, in the sixth ODI at Cape
Town. Klusener single-handedly rescued South Africa from a potential defeat
by scoring 59 runs off just 42 balls, including consecutive fours on the
last two balls of the match.
His outstanding performances were recognized when he was named the 2000
Wisden Cricketer of the Year. Playing for South Africa in international
cricket from 1996 to 2004, Klusener left an indelible mark, featuring in 49
Tests where he scored 1906 runs at an average of 32.86 with four centuries.
In 171 ODIs, he showcased his all-round brilliance, accumulating 3576 runs
at an impressive average of 41.10 and taking 192 wickets at 29.95, including
six five-wicket hauls. Klusener's influence on the sport during those eight
years is a testament to his exceptional skills and game-changing
performances.
2- Mahendra Singh Dhoni
Widely acclaimed as one of cricket's premier finishers, Mahendra Singh Dhoni
has left an indelible mark as not only the best captain but also one of the
finest wicket-keepers in the history of ODI cricket. Known for his strategic
acumen, Dhoni carefully crafted his approach, combining patience with
explosive hitting to exert pressure on the opposition. During the late
2000s, Dhoni redefined the finisher's role by seamlessly blending power and
finesse.
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| Mahendra Singh Dhoni |
As the captain of India, Dhoni boasts an impressive record of securing
successful run chases 47 times, remaining unbeaten while amassing 2,876
runs. After Sanath Jayasuriya, Dhoni achieved a milestone by becoming the
only batsman to surpass 10,000 ODI runs while maintaining an average
exceeding 50 runs per game.
One of Dhoni's standout performances occurred in the 2006 ODI series against
Pakistan, where he played a pivotal role in India's triumph. Scoring 72 runs
off just 46 balls in the third game, he propelled India to a 2-1 series
lead. In the fifth match, his innings of 77 runs off 56 deliveries ensured
India's series victory with a 4-1 margin. Remarkably, in 62 successful
run-chases, Dhoni boasts an extraordinary average of 104.89, the highest in
the history of One-Day Internationals.
His prowess as a finisher reached its zenith in the 2011 World Cup final
against Sri Lanka. Chasing down a challenging 275-run target, Dhoni's
unbeaten 91 not out, culminating in a historic six to finish the match,
remains one of the greatest finishing knocks of all time. His stellar
performance earned him the Man of the Match award and exemplified his
ability to steer India to victory, particularly in high-pressure situations.
Dhoni's consistent success in steering India to triumph while chasing
underscores his indispensable role in the team's victories.
1. Michael Bevan
Widely acclaimed as the ultimate finisher in the history of ODIs, Michael
Bevan not only pioneered the term "finisher" in cricket but also etched it
into the sport's lexicon with a string of match-winning displays. Known for
his meticulous and strategic approach, Bevan meticulously planned game
scenarios, assessed field placements, and crafted a winning strategy, often
culminating in triumph on the final ball. His hallmark was the ability to
rescue the team from precarious situations following top-order failures,
making him an indispensable asset for the Australian team during challenging
moments. Bevan's knack for turning impending defeats into golden victories
solidified his status as a legendary finisher.
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| Michael Bevan |
Throughout his illustrious career, Michael Bevan delivered numerous
match-winning innings that propelled Australia to victories deemed nearly
impossible and secured triumphs that seemed elusive. His impressive record
of 6,912 runs at an outstanding average of 53.58 in 232 matches and 196 ODI
innings solidified his reputation as a batting maestro. With Bevan at the
helm, Australia's chances of clinching victory significantly heightened, as
evidenced by his remarkable record of winning 155 out of 232 ODIs, with only
71 losses. This remarkable statistic translates to an impressive winning
rate of nearly 67% with Bevan in the starting XI.
Batting at the challenging number six position in ODI cricket, Bevan
showcased his prowess by amassing the majority of his runs. At this crucial
spot, he accumulated 3,006 runs at an outstanding average of 56.71 runs per
match. Even in the contemporary era, characterized by short boundaries,
powerful bats, and rules favoring batsmen, few have come close to Bevan's
remarkable ODI batting average of 53.58.
One iconic moment that epitomizes Bevan's ability to snatch victory from the
jaws of defeat occurred in the 1995-96 World Series match against West
Indies. Australia found themselves at a precarious 38 for 6 when Bevan
orchestrated a crucial 83-run partnership for the eighth wicket with Paul
Reiffel. Bevan's unbeaten 78 runs, featuring six fours, played a pivotal
role in securing the win, as he calmly hit a boundary off the last ball to
seal the victory with four runs needed. This remarkable display underscored
Bevan's ability to handle pressure and turn seemingly dire situations into
triumphant outcomes.
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