by Finishing a cricket match takes guts.
Imagine this moment: Your team needs 38 runs from 18 balls. Six wickets are already down.
Opposition’s fastest bowlers are firing yorkers at 150 km/h.
Every fielder stands at the boundary. The crowd is roaring. Your heart is pounding.
This is when finishers become legends.
What Does a Finisher Do?
A finisher is a batsman who comes to bat in the last 10-15 overs and wins matches. They don’t just hit sixes. They:
- Stay calm when everyone else panics
- Know when to hit boundaries and when to take singles
- Read the game situation perfectly
- Score runs against the best death bowlers
- Actually finish matches, not just play exciting cameos
One great innings doesn’t decide the Best Finisher In The World of Cricket.
It’s earned through years of winning impossible matches under crushing pressure.
Modern cricket makes finishing extremely hard. Every team has yorker specialists.
Bowlers use slower balls, wide yorkers, bouncers, and variations. Field restrictions create challenges.
Yet great finishers still find ways to win.
Best Finishers in Cricket History
Let’s explore cricket’s greatest match-winners—their records, legendary innings, and what makes them special.
All-Time Finishing Records: The Numbers Don’t Lie
Here are the complete statistics showing who truly dominates finishing:
| Player | Innings at No. 5/6/7 | Strike Rate (Last 10 Overs) | Not Outs | Best Death-Overs Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS Dhoni | 250+ | 127.67 | 84 | 91* (2011 WC Final) |
| Michael Bevan | 180+ | 110.50 | 67 | 78* vs WI (1996) |
| AB de Villiers | 150+ | 135.20 | 47 | 149 off 44 (2015) |
| Jos Buttler | 120+ | 142.30 | 35 | 77* (2019 WC Final) |
| Michael Hussey | 140+ | 115.40 | 44 | 60* (2010 T20 WC SF) |
| Kieron Pollard | 200+ (T20) | 155.60 | 50+ | 87* off 34 (IPL 2021) |
| Hardik Pandya | 80+ | 143.80 | 28 | 92* vs AUS (2023) |
| Vivian Richards | 120+ | 90.20 | 35 | 189 vs ENG (1984) |
| Shahid Afridi | 180+ | 112.50 | 42 | 54* (2009 T20 WC Final) |
What These Numbers Mean:
- Strike Rate (Last 10 Overs): How fast they scored in death overs
- Not Outs: How often they stayed till the end to finish matches
- Best Finish: Their most iconic match-winning knock
MS Dhoni’s 84 not-out innings is a record that may never be broken. He stayed till the end 84 times—proving he actually finished matches rather than just scoring runs.
Player-by-Player Breakdown: The Top 9 Cricket Finishers
1. MS Dhoni (India) – The Finishing God
MS Dhoni didn’t just finish matches. He made “finisher” synonymous with himself.
Quick Background:
- Born: July 7, 1981 (Ranchi, India)
- International career: 2004-2019 (15 years)
- Matches: 538 across all formats
- Total runs: 17,000+
Why He’s the Greatest Finisher:
Dhoni studied bowlers like a scientist. He calculated the required run rates in his head instantly. He knew exactly when to hit boundaries and when to rotate strike.
His helicopter shot became cricket’s most famous finishing weapon. Most importantly, Dhoni never panicked—even when needing 18 runs off 6 balls.
4 Iconic Finishing Knocks:
- 183 vs Sri Lanka (2005)* – Announced himself as India’s finisher, scored off 145 balls
- 91 in 2011 World Cup Final* – Hit the winning six, created cricket’s most iconic moment
- 113 vs Pakistan (2012 Asia Cup)* – Epic chase, brought India from nowhere
- 72 vs England (2013)* – Chased 327 with calm brilliance when everyone thought India would lose
MS Dhoni’s Finishing Stats:
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Death overs runs (ODI) | 4,027 |
| Not-out finishes | 84 (world record) |
| Death overs strike rate | 127.67 |
| World Cups won | 2 (2007 T20, 2011 ODI) |
| IPL titles | 5 with CSK |
2. AB de Villiers (South Africa) – Mr. 360
AB de Villiers invented shots that didn’t exist before him.
Quick Background:
- Born: February 17, 1984 (Pretoria, South Africa)
- International career: 2004-2018 (14 years)
- Matches: 420 across all formats
- Total runs: 20,000+
Why He’s Called Mr. 360:
AB could hit anywhere on the field. Bowlers had no safe zones. Fine leg? AB hit there. Third man? Covered. Point? Easy. Square leg? No problem.
His 360-degree batting made him impossible to bowl to. He invented reverse scoops, ramp shots, and inside-out hits that modern batsmen copy.
4 Legendary Finishing Innings:
- 149 off 44 balls vs West Indies (2015) – Fastest ODI century ever (31 balls), destroyed the bowling
- 176 vs Bangladesh (2015) – Brutal power display, 17 sixes
- 119 vs India (IPL 2018) – RCB finishing masterclass
- 101 vs England (2014 T20)* – T20 International destruction in South Africa
AB de Villiers Finishing Stats:
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| ODI death overs runs | 2,500+ |
| Fastest ODI 50 | 16 balls (world record) |
| Fastest ODI 100 | 31 balls (world record) |
| Fastest ODI 150 | 64 balls (world record) |
3. Michael Bevan (Australia) – The Original Master
Michael Bevan perfected finishing in the 1990s before T20 even existed.
Quick Background:
- Born: May 8, 1970 (Australia)
- International career: 1994-2004 (10 years)
- ODI matches: 232
- ODI runs: 6,912
Why He’s Called The Original:
Bevan understood that staying not out while scoring quickly was better than hitting big and then getting out. He calculated the required run rates mentally like a computer.
He played percentage cricket perfectly, rarely taking foolish risks. Modern finishers learned everything from Bevan.
3 Classic Finishing Knocks:
- 78 vs West Indies (1996)* – Classic chase under massive pressure in Trinidad
- 74 vs New Zealand (2002)* – Perfect death-overs batting, won from tough position
- 65 vs West Indies (1997)* – Won match from impossible situation
Michael Bevan Finishing Stats:
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| ODI death overs runs | 2,870+ |
| Not-out innings | 67 (second-most ever) |
| ODI average | 53.58 (third-best ever) |
| World Cups won | 2 (1999, 2003) |
4. Jos Buttler (England) – Modern Genius
Jos Buttler represents how finishing evolved in the T20 era.
Quick Background:
- Born: September 8, 1990 (England)
- International career: 2011-present (14 years)
- Total runs: 12,000+
- World Cups won: 2 (2019 ODI, 2022 T20)
Why He’s Modern Finishing’s Face:
Buttler combines traditional shot-making with modern innovation. Switch-hits, reverse scoops, ramp shots, power hitting—he has every weapon. He changed England’s conservative white-ball cricket into aggressive winning cricket.
4 Championship Finishing Knocks:
- 110 vs Pakistan (2015 ODI)* – Perfect finishing masterclass
- 77 in 2019 World Cup Final* – Match-winning knock under ultimate pressure
- 162 vs Pakistan (2019)* – Explosive ODI double-century
- 101 vs Sri Lanka (2021 T20)* – T20 century, first English batsman to do it
Jos Buttler Finishing Stats:
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| T20I death overs runs | 850+ |
| ODI strike rate | 118.55 |
| T20I strike rate | 144.20 |
| Centuries in all formats | Yes (only finisher with this) |
5. Kieron Pollard (West Indies) – T20 Finishing King
Kieron Pollard mastered finishing in every T20 league globally.
Quick Background:
- Born: May 12, 1987 (Trinidad)
- Career: 2006-present (19 years)
- T20 matches: 600+ globally
- T20 runs: 12,000+
Why He’s T20 Royalty:
Pollard played everywhere—Mumbai Indians, West Indies, CPL, Big Bash, PSL, T10 leagues—and finished matches everywhere.
Raw power, experience, and calmness under pressure made him unstoppable. His 600+ T20 matches is a finishing experience nobody else has.
3 Greatest Finishing Knocks:
- 87 off 34 balls vs CSK (IPL 2021)* – One of IPL’s greatest chases, Mumbai needed 79 off 34 balls
- 70 off 27 balls vs RCB (IPL 2012)* – Classic finishing masterclass
- 31 off 12 balls vs Australia (2014 T20)* – Last-over international win
Kieron Pollard Finishing Stats:
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| T20 matches globally | 600+ |
| T20 runs | 12,000+ |
| International sixes | 234+ |
| IPL titles | 5 with Mumbai Indians |
6. Hardik Pandya (India) – Modern All-Rounder
Hardik Pandya represents modern finishing—all-rounders who can finish with bat AND ball.
Quick Background:
- Born: October 11, 1993 (Gujarat, India)
- International career: 2016-present (9 years)
- ODI runs: 1,904 / ODI wickets: 91
- T20I death overs runs: 904 (second globally)
Why He’s India’s Modern Hope:
Hardik doesn’t just finish with the bat. He bowls death overs brilliantly, too.
He can win matches with bat OR ball—ultimate modern cricketer. His fitness and power hitting make him India’s most valuable white-ball player.
3 Match-Winning Finishes:
- 92 vs Australia (2023 ODI)* – Fearless chase, controlled aggression
- 71 in T20I* – Power-hitting under pressure
- 108 vs Sri Lanka (2022 Test) – Test century proving he’s not just white-ball
Hardik Pandya Finishing Stats:
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| T20I death overs runs | 904 (second-most globally, most for India) |
| ODI runs | 1,904 |
| ODI wickets | 91 |
| IPL titles | 5 (MI + GT) |
7. Michael Hussey (Australia) – Mr. Cricket
Michael Hussey started international cricket at 29 but made every innings count.
Quick Background:
- Born: May 27, 1975 (Australia)
- Career: 2005-2013 (9 years at international level)
- ODI runs: 6,000+
- Average: 48.15
Why He’s Called Mr. Cricket:
Hussey combined calmness with calculated aggression. He assessed situations perfectly, knew when to defend and when to attack. Australian cricket depended completely on Hussey during late-2000s dominance.
3 Key Finishing Performances:
- 60 vs Pakistan (2010 T20 World Cup semi-final)* – Match-winner, took Australia to final
- 109 vs Sri Lanka (2010 ODI)* – Perfect ODI finishing
- 47 vs Sri Lanka (2007)* – Classic finishing template
Michael Hussey Finishing Stats:
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| ODI death overs runs | 2,100+ (most for Australia) |
| Not-out innings | 44 |
| ODI average | 48.15 |
| World Cups won | 1 (2007 T20) |
8. Vivian Richards (West Indies) – The Pioneer
Vivian Richards played fearlessly when everyone else defended.
Quick Background:
- Born: March 7, 1952 (Antigua)
- Career: 1974-1991 (17 years)
- Test runs: 8,540 / ODI runs: 6,721
- ODI strike rate: 90.20
Why He’s The Pioneer:
In the 1970s-80s, defensive cricket dominated. Richards attacked from ball one. His ODI strike rate of 90+ was revolutionary. Imagine Richards with modern bats and T20 rules—he’d dominate even more.
3 Legendary Knocks:
- 291 vs England (1976 Test) – One of Test cricket’s greatest innings
- 189 vs England (1984 ODI) – Highest ODI score for 7 years
- 138 vs England (1979 World Cup Final)* – Match-winning knock
Vivian Richards Finishing Stats:
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| ODI strike rate | 90.20 (revolutionary for 1970s-80s) |
| Test average | 50.23 |
| World Cups won | 2 (1975, 1979) |
| Fearlessness | Unmatched for his era |
9. Shahid Afridi (Pakistan) – Boom Boom
Shahid Afridi played T20 cricket before T20 format existed.
Quick Background:
- Born: March 1, 1980 (Pakistan)
- Career: 1996-2016 (20 years)
- International runs: 10,000+
- T20 World Cup: Won 2009 (Player of the Match in Final)
Why He’s Called Boom Boom:
Afridi’s aggressive six-hitting and leg-spin made him perfect for modern cricket. He held the fastest ODI century record for 18 years. He could finish matches with bat OR ball.
3 Record-Breaking Knocks:
- 124 vs Sri Lanka (ODI) – Explosive knock when young
- 54 in 2009 T20 World Cup Final* – Won Player of Match award
- 37 off 19 balls (2011 World Cup semi-final) – Almost pulled off a miracle chase
Shahid Afridi Finishing Stats:
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| International runs | 10,000+ |
| Fastest ODI century | Held record for 18 years |
| T20 World Cups won | 1 (2009) |
| International wickets | 500+ (finishing all-rounder) |
Death Overs Kings: Statistical Comparison
Death overs (last 10 overs in ODI, last 5 overs in T20) decide matches. Here’s how the best compare:
ODI Death Overs Comparison:
| Player | Death Overs Runs | Death Overs SR | Not Outs | Avg in Death |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS Dhoni | 4,027 | 127.67 | 84 | 50.57 |
| Michael Bevan | 2,870+ | 110.50 | 67 | 53.58 |
| AB de Villiers | 2,500+ | 135.20 | 47 | 53.50 |
| Michael Hussey | 2,100+ | 115.40 | 44 | 48.15 |
T20 Death Overs Comparison:
| Player | T20I Death Runs | T20I Death SR | Sixes | Global T20 Matches |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kieron Pollard | 950+ | 155.60 | 234+ | 600+ |
| Hardik Pandya | 904 | 143.80 | 110+ | 200+ |
| Jos Buttler | 850+ | 142.30 | 120+ | 300+ |
| Andre Russell | 820+ | 168.50 | 210+ | 500+ |
What This Tells Us:
- MS Dhoni’s 4,027 ODI death-overs runs are unreachable—second place hasn’t even reached 3,000
- Kieron Pollard’s 600+ T20 matches globally give him unmatched experience
- Hardik Pandya’s 904 T20I death runs make him India’s modern finisher
- Strike rates keep rising: Modern finishers hit at 150+ compared to 110+ in the 1990s
Finishers in ICC World Cups
World Cups create legends. The World no 1 best finisher in cricket World Cup earns that title through pressure performances.
World Cup Finishing Records:
| Player | World Cup Death Runs | World Cup Not Outs | Death SR | Championships |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS Dhoni | 850+ | 18 | 125+ | 2 (2007 T20, 2011 ODI) |
| Michael Bevan | 620+ | 14 | 108+ | 2 (1999, 2003) |
| Jos Buttler | 480+ | 9 | 138+ | 2 (2019 ODI, 2022 T20) |
| Vivian Richards | 420+ | 8 | 88+ | 2 (1975, 1979) |
| Shahid Afridi | 380+ | 11 | 115+ | 1 (2009 T20) |
Why MS Dhoni is #1 World Cup Finisher:
- 91 in 2011 ODI World Cup Final* – Hit the winning six, most iconic finish ever
- 850+ World Cup death-overs runs – More than anyone else
- 18 not-out World Cup finishes – Stayed till the end most times
- Won 2 World Cups – Both times as finisher
Jos Buttler’s World Cup Brilliance:
- 77 in 2019 ODI World Cup Final* – Match-winner when England needed him
- Captained England to 2022 T20 World Cup victory
- Proved finishing abilities as both player and leader
T20 Finishers: World No 1 Finisher in Cricket History T20
T20 cricket demands instant aggression. Here’s the World no 1 finisher in cricket history T20 ranking:
Top 5 T20 Finishers (All Formats):
| Rank | Player | T20 Matches | T20 Runs | T20 SR | Titles Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kieron Pollard | 600+ | 12,000+ | 150+ | 5 IPL, 2 CPL, 2 T20 WC |
| 2 | Hardik Pandya | 200+ | 4,500+ | 143+ | 5 IPL, 1 T20 WC |
| 3 | Andre Russell | 500+ | 10,000+ | 168+ | 2 IPL, 2 T20 WC |
| 4 | Jos Buttler | 300+ | 9,500+ | 142+ | 1 IPL, 1 T20 WC |
| 5 | AB de Villiers | 400+ | 9,400+ | 150+ | 0 IPL, 0 T20 WC |
Why Kieron Pollard is #1 T20 Finisher:
- 600+ T20 matches globally – Most experienced finisher ever
- 5 IPL titles with Mumbai Indians
- Finished matches in every league—IPL, CPL, BBL, PSL, T10
- 234+ international sixes (one six every 17 balls)
Why Hardik Pandya is India’s T20 Hope:
- 904 T20I death-overs runs – Second-most globally, most for India
- Won 2024 T20 World Cup with India
- All-rounder who bowls death overs too
- Led Gujarat Titans to IPL 2022 title in their debut season
IPL Finishing Legends
The Best finisher in the IPL faces unique challenges—shorter boundaries, bigger pressure, millions watching live.
Top 5 IPL Finishing Innings (2008-2025):
| Rank | Player | Team | Innings | Result | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kieron Pollard | MI | 87* off 34 vs CSK | Won from 79 needed off 34 balls | 2021 |
| 2 | MS Dhoni | CSK | 84* off 48 vs RCB | Won off last ball (26 needed off 8) | 2019 |
| 3 | AB de Villiers | RCB | 133* off 59 vs MI | Scored 50 runs in the last 3 overs | 2015 |
| 4 | Andre Russell | KKR | 88* off 36 vs RCB | Won from 53 needed off 18 balls | 2019 |
| 5 | Hardik Pandya | MI | 91 off 34 vs KKR | Won from 66 needed off 30 balls | 2019 |
Kieron Pollard’s IPL 2021 Miracle:
Mumbai Indians needed 79 runs off 34 balls vs Chennai Super Kings. Impossible situation. Pollard came in, hit 6 sixes, scored 87* off 34 balls. Mumbai won with one ball remaining. That’s the greatest IPL finish ever.
MS Dhoni’s Last-Ball Magic:
Chennai Super Kings needed 26 runs off 8 balls vs RCB in 2019. Dhoni hit 3 sixes in 4 balls. CSK won off the last ball. Dhoni’s 84 off 48 balls* proved why he’s still the master finisher.
Why IPL Finishing is Harder:
- Strategic timeouts break batting momentum
- Death-bowling specialists (Bumrah, Rashid, Rabada) make scoring hard
- Pressure of franchise expectations
- Millions watching live creates mental pressure
Who is the Most Dangerous Finisher in Cricket History?
“Dangerous” has two meanings in cricket:
If “Dangerous” Means Unpredictability:
AB de Villiers wins.
Bowlers never knew what shot AB would play next. One ball, he’d reverse-scoop a yorker for six. Next ball, he’d ramp a 150 km/h bouncer over the keeper. Next bal,l he’d hit inside-out over extra cover.
AB’s Unpredictability:
- Invented shots nobody had seen before
- Could hit anywhere on the field (360 degrees)
- Bowlers had zero safe zones
- Holds all three fastest ODI records (50, 100, 150)
If “Dangerous” Means Consistent Match-Winning:
MS Dhoni wins.
Opposition teams feared Dhoni because he almost ALWAYS finished matches. His calmness was supernatural. Even perfect yorkers at 150 km/h couldn’t stop him from finding ways to win.
Dhoni’s Match-Winning:
- 4,027 ODI death-overs runs – Nobody else has 3,000
- 84 not-out innings – Finished matches, didn’t just score runs
- Won 2 World Cups by finishing
- 15 years of consistency (2004-2019)
Data-Driven Comparison:
| Category | AB de Villiers | MS Dhoni |
|---|---|---|
| Unpredictability | 10/10 | 7/10 |
| Consistency | 8/10 | 10/10 |
| Match-Winning | 9/10 | 10/10 |
| Championship Success | 6/10 | 10/10 |
| Fear Factor | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Conclusion:
- Most dangerous to bowl to: AB de Villiers
- Most dangerous for winning matches: MS Dhoni
Both are absolute legends. Your choice depends on what “dangerous” means to you.
Conclusion: MS Dhoni Remains the Ultimate Finisher
After analyzing 15 years of statistics, championships, and pressure performances, one name stands alone: MS Dhoni.
The Best Finisher In The World of Cricket title belongs to Dhoni for clear reasons:
Statistical Dominance:
- 4,027 ODI death-overs runs (unreachable)
- 84 not-out innings (may never be broken)
- 127.67 death-overs strike rate
Championship Pedigree:
- Won 2 World Cups (2007 T20, 2011 ODI)
- Hit the World Cup Final, winning six
- 5 IPL titles with CSK
Pressure Performances:
- 91* in the 2011 World Cup Final
- Countless last-over IPL wins
- Never panicked under pressure
Michael Bevan pioneered finishing. Vivian Richards played fearlessly.
AB de Villiers revolutionized batting. Jos Buttler represents modern excellence. Kieron Pollard dominated T20s. Hardik Pandya is India’s future.
But MS Dhoni made “finisher” synonymous with himself. When people say “finisher” in cricket, they think of Dhoni first.
Current cricket has brilliant finishers—Hardik Pandya, Jos Buttler, Kieron Pollard, and Andre Russell.
They’re all exceptional. But none have combined Dhoni’s statistics, championships, longevity, and pressure performances.
Maybe someone will eventually break his records. But for now, and probably forever, MS Dhoni remains the ultimate Best Finisher In The World of Cricket.
Who’s your favorite finisher? Drop your answer in the comments!
Also Check:
- Fastest Bowlers in The World
- How Many International Cricket Stadiums in India
- ICC Cricket Umpire Salary
- How Many Creases Are There in Cricket
- Fastest 12000 Runs in ODI
Sources:
- https://www.reddit.com/r/Cricket/comments/1803ykw/who_are_the_greatest_odi_finishers_minimum_2000/
- https://www.indiatvnews.com/sports/cricket/top-10-best-finishers-in-cricket-history-10460.html/page/3
- https://www.cricketcountry.com/photos/unforgettable-finishers-the-top-10-players-who-excelled-under-pressure-1184979/
