Cricket, often labelled as a game of skill, temperament and timing, has seen many fabled players elegance the field. Among the various roles a cricketer can play, one of the most respected is that of a finisher the player who holds his nerve under pressure, sees the team home in tense run chases, or ensures a formidable total when batting first. But when it comes to determining who the best finisher in cricket history is, the debate becomes intense, subjective and deeply passionate.
Letโs explore the evolution of the role, criteria for greatness, and ultimately, crown the most iconic finisher the sport has ever seen.
Understanding the Role of a Finisher
In cricket, a finisher is typically a middle-order batter tasked with anchoring the latter part of the innings, particularly during the death overs. This player must adapt to match situations โ whether itโs chasing a steep target under immense pressure or launching a late assault to turn a good score into a great one.
Some of the qualities that define a world-class finisher include:
- Temperament under pressure
- Ability to calculate risk
- Explosive power hitting
- Consistency in death overs
- Match-winning impact
Now, letโs meet the contenders for the title of cricketโs greatest finisher.
1. MS Dhoni (India)
When you think of finishing games, the name that almost always tops the list is Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Known for his unflappable manner, helicopter shot, and excellent tactical acumen, Dhoni redefined the role of a finisher in modern cricket.
- ODI Stats: 10,773 runs | Avg: 50.57 | SR: 87.56
- Notable Finishes:
- 91* (79) vs Sri Lanka, 2011 World Cup Final
- 44* (52) vs Australia, 2012, chasing 270 with the tail
- Wins while not out in chases (ODIs): 47 times โ India won 45 of those matches.
Dhoniโs legacy isnโt built just on stats. Itโs about moments. The calm six to seal the 2011 World Cup is debatably the most iconic finish in cricket history. His ability to judge a chase, pace his innings, and finish with flourish made him the gold standard.
2. Michael Bevan (Australia)
Long before Dhoni, Australiaโs Michael Bevan was hailed as the ultimate finisher in ODIs. Bevanโs style was different more about finesse, rotation of strike and smart running than power hitting.
- ODI Stats: 6,912 runs | Avg: 53.58 | SR: 74.16
- Notable Finishes:
- 78* (88) vs West Indies, 1996, rescuing Australia from 6 for 38
- 102* vs New Zealand, 2002, chasing 246
Bevan had a rare ability to absorb pressure and deliver results when the team was struggling. His success rate chasing low totals from precarious positions is still unmatched. Though he played in an era of lower strike rates, his consistency under pressure laid the foundation for what a finisher could be.
3. Ab de Villiers (South Africa)
If finishing a game was an art, AB de Villiers painted masterpieces. Nicknamed “Mr. 360”, his ability to hit the ball to every corner of the field made him one of the most feared finishers.
- ODI Stats: 9,577 runs | Avg: 53.50 | SR: 101.09
- Notable Finishes:
- 136 vs Australia, 2014 (chased 327)
- 162* (66) vs West Indies, 2015 World Cup โ fastest 150 in ODIs
While AB wasnโt a finisher in the traditional mold (like Dhoni or Bevan), his explosive power and ability to accelerate at will made him lethal at the death. He combined creativity, speed, and audacity like no one else.
4. Jos Buttler (England)
The modern white-ball maestro, Jos Buttler, has become Englandโs go-to finisher, especially since their ODI revolution post-2015.
- ODI Stats (as of 2024): ~5,000+ runs | Avg: ~40+ | SR: ~118
- T20I Stats: Among the top run-scorers with strike rates over 140
- Notable Finishes:
- 110* (55) vs Pakistan, 2019, chasing 340+
- 101* (67) vs Sri Lanka, 2021 T20 World Cup
Buttler brings brute force, calmness, and innovation to the crease. His range hitting and ability to control the tempo make him one of the finest active finishers today.
5. Andre Russell (West Indies)
When it comes to sheer destruction in the final overs, Andre Russell is unmatched. While not as consistent as others on this list, Russellโs impact in T20 cricket, particularly in leagues like the IPL, cannot be ignored.
- T20I Strike Rate: Over 150
- Finishing Strike Rate in IPL (last 5 overs): Often over 200
- Match Impact:
- Multiple IPL games won from seemingly lost causes (e.g., 48* off 13 balls)
Russell may not have the longevity or temperament of a Dhoni, but on pure finishing power, heโs arguably the most dangerous.
What about Other Greats?
Players like Virat Kohli, Ben Stokes, Finisher Rohit Sharma, and Hardik Pandya have also delivered crucial match-winning knocks, particularly in the last five years. Kohli, especially, has a phenomenal record in chases โ earning him the nickname “The Chase Master”. However, his finishing style is more anchor-based rather than last-over heroics.
Similarly, Stokesโ 2019 World Cup Final performance and his Ashes heroics underline his reputation as a pressure player, though he is more a clutch player than a classic finisher.
The Best Finisher โ Based on the Numbers
If we go purely by match-winning consistency, not-out percentage in successful chases, and overall impact, the data tilts in favor of MS Dhoni:
- Most not-outs in successful chases (ODIs)
- Involved in the most matches finished in the last over
- Highest average among finishers under pressure situations
- Three ICC trophies as captain and lead finisher
Moreover, Dhoniโs finishing was never just about power โ it was about chess-like calculations, precise timing, and never losing his cool.
The Legacy of a Finisher
What makes a finisher truly great isnโt just runs or strike rate โ itโs the ability to:
- Stay calm in chaos
- Inspire confidence in teammates and fans alike
- Adapt to different match conditions
- Be reliable when the stakes are highest
In this context, MS Dhoni stands alone.
Conclusion: Who is the Best Finisher in Cricket?
While cricket has witnessed many extraordinary finishers, each with their own unique approach, MS Dhoni remains the undisputed king. His blend of consistency, power, intelligence, and temperament has set a benchmark thatโs unlikely to be surpassed soon.
Honorable mentions like Bevan, AB de Villiers, and Jos Buttler deserve immense respect for redefining finishing in their own eras and formats. But when it comes to who youโd want at the crease in a last-over thriller โ the answer, for most, is still: “MS Dhoni.”
Whether youโre a fan of classic ODI drama, high-octane T20 finishes, or gritty match-saving knocks โ the finisherโs role continues to evolve. But the legends of the past, especially Dhoniโs icy finishes, will be etched in cricket folklore forever.
