Best Finisher in The World (2025 List)
The best finisher in the world of cricket possesses a rare combination of skills that sets them apart from ordinary players.
When a match hangs in the balance and pressure mounts, the best finisher of the world remains composed, calculating, and confident.
These special cricketers have mastered the art of pacing an innings, knowing exactly when to defend and when to attack.
The best finishers in the world don’t just have technical batting skills—they possess extraordinary mental strength that allows them to thrive when others crumble under pressure.
Throughout cricket history, these match-winners have carved out a special place by turning seemingly hopeless situations into memorable victories.
In modern cricket, with its increasingly competitive landscape, the value of a reliable finisher has never been higher.
These players become the backbone of their teams in crucial moments, inspiring confidence in teammates and striking fear into opponents.
Best Finisher in The World
This article examines the seven greatest finishers cricket has ever produced, exploring their unique abilities, memorable performances, and the qualities that have made them legends of the game.
List Of Top 7 World Best Finishers In Cricket (2025)
This comprehensive table showcases the elite finishers in cricket history, with their key statistics 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 pinnacle of finishing excellence in cricket history. What truly distinguishes Dhoni is his remarkable ability to control the game’s tempo in the most intense situations. Unlike many batters who panic as pressure builds, Dhoni seems to grow calmer, earning his nickname “Captain Cool.” His finishing approach is characterized by a unique blend of patience and explosive power, carefully managing the required run rate before unleashing precisely calculated attacks.
Background and Career Highlights
- Transformative journey: Evolved from railway ticket collector to India’s most successful captain
- Unorthodox technique: Developed a self-taught batting style emphasizing effectiveness over conventional form
- Championship collector: Led India to victories in the 2007 T20 World Cup, 2011 ODI World Cup, and 2013 Champions Trophy
- Chase master: Successfully navigated more than 50 international run chases
Dhoni’s defining moments as a finisher include his career-defining 91* against Sri Lanka in the 2011 World Cup final, where he promoted himself above in-form batters and sealed victory with his iconic six. His 45* against Sri Lanka in the 2013 Champions Trophy semi-final demonstrated his ability to adapt his finishing approach to different formats and scenarios.
His statistical excellence in finishing situations is unmatched:
- Average of 102.71 in successful ODI run chases – the highest in cricket history
- Strike rate progression from 87 in early innings to above 150 in final overs
- Success percentage of 78% when India needed 40+ runs in the final 10 overs
- Tournament final average of 57.84 – showing his ability to perform on the biggest stages
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 |
Michael Bevan was cricket’s original finishing architect, establishing the blueprint that later specialists would follow. In an era before massive T20 scores, Bevan brought a mathematical precision to run chases that transformed one-day cricket. His ability to break down targets into manageable components and find boundaries without excessive risk made him the prototype for modern finishers.
Background and Career Highlights
- Role pioneer: First player to specifically master and define the limited-overs finisher role
- Technical perfectionist: Exceptional skills against both pace and spin in high-pressure situations
- Strategic thinker: Unmatched ability to deconstruct run chases into manageable segments
- Team cornerstone: Key contributor to Australia’s dominance in the late 1990s and early 2000s
Bevan’s most memorable finishing performance came in the famous 1996 New Year’s Day match against West Indies, scoring 78* and hitting a boundary off the final ball to win when four runs were needed. His 65* against South Africa in the 1999 World Cup Super Six stage, carefully guiding Australia to victory, further cemented his finishing credentials.
His statistical record reveals his finishing excellence:
- ODI career average of 53.58 – remained the highest in cricket history for many years
- Not out percentage of 34.2% in ODIs – showing his ability to remain until the job was done
- Average of 56.16 in successful Australian run chases
- Performance under pressure – average increases by 7 runs when batting in the second innings
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 creative evolution of finishing in cricket history. Nicknamed “Mr. 360” for his ability to hit the ball to any part of the ground, de Villiers brought an artistic dimension to the finishing role that changed batting forever. His exceptional creativity and hand-eye coordination allowed him to invent shots and scoring options that were previously unimaginable.
Background and Career Highlights
- Athletic foundation: Elite talent in multiple sports contributed to his extraordinary coordination
- Technical brilliance: Combined classical batting fundamentals with innovative additions
- Shot inventor: Pioneered new scoring options including the ramp, scoop, and reverse sweep
- Format adaptability: Equally devastating in Tests, ODIs, and T20s
De Villiers’ most spectacular finishing display came against West Indies in 2015, smashing 149 off just 44 balls including the then-fastest ODI century (31 balls). His 73* off 33 balls against England in 2016 showcased his ability to completely dismantle world-class bowling attacks with seemingly impossible shot-making.
His statistical achievements underscore his finishing brilliance:
- ODI career strike rate of 101.09 while maintaining an average above 53
- Fastest to 8,000 ODI runs – demonstrating his consistent impact
- Death overs strike rate of 224.16 – the highest among established international batters
- Average of 71.18 in successful ODI run chases – second only to Dhoni
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 dedication to the game, brought a methodical reliability to the finishing role that few players could match. Despite beginning his international career at 30, Hussey quickly established himself as one of cricket’s most dependable closers through his combination of technical excellence, situational awareness, and determination.
Background and Career Highlights
- Persistence personified: Scored over 15,000 domestic runs before international recognition
- Analytical approach: Known for detailed preparation and deep tactical understanding
- Versatile performer: Equally effective as anchor or accelerator based on match situations
- All-format excellence: Delivered consistently across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is
Hussey’s defining moment as a finisher came in the 2010 T20 World Cup semi-final against Pakistan, scoring 60* off 24 balls including 18 runs in the final over when exactly 18 was required. His 65* against England in a crucial ODI, guiding Australia from 109-5 to victory, showcased his ability to rebuild and finish an innings.
His statistical profile confirms his finishing quality:
- ODI average of 48.15 with a strike rate increasing dramatically in death overs
- T20I strike rate of 136.29 – exceptional for a player of his era
- Average of 77.64 in successful ODI run chases
- A success percentage of 73% when facing required run rates over 7 per over
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 modern finishing evolution, combining traditional skills with contemporary power and innovation. The youngest player on this list, Buttler has already established himself among cricket’s elite finishers with his exceptional ball-striking ability and vast scoring range. His remarkable wrist strength and creative mindset allow him to access shots few others can execute.
Background and Career Highlights
- Early innovator: Developed his unorthodox batting approach from youth cricket
- Dual specialist: Combines elite wicketkeeping with world-class batting
- Tournament performer: Key figure in England’s 2019 ODI World Cup triumph
- Franchise value: Among the most sought-after T20 players globally
Buttler’s breakthrough performance as a finisher came with his vital 77* in the 2019 World Cup final against New Zealand, keeping England competitive in a tense chase that led to their historic victory. His 110* against Pakistan in 2015, rescuing England from a precarious 14-3, demonstrated his ability to adapt his finishing approach across different scenarios.
His statistical record highlights his finishing excellence:
- ODI strike rate of 118.96 combined with an average exceeding 40
- T20I strike rate of 143.19 – among the highest for established international players
- Boundary percentage of 57% in death overs – elite-level scoring efficiency
- Chase success rate of 65% when batting in the final five overs
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 was the original finishing force who transformed cricket with his dominant approach decades before modern limited-overs tactics developed. What separated Richards from his contemporaries was his commanding presence – his mere arrival at the crease could psychologically defeat bowling attacks. His finishing style combined intimidating power with supreme confidence and technical brilliance.
Background and Career Highlights
- Mental revolutionist: Introduced a psychological dimension to batting that changed cricket forever
- Intimidation master: Often won matches through his dominating aura alone
- Team leader: Central figure in the most dominant West Indies teams of all time
- All-condition performer: Exceptional against all bowlers in any environment
Richards’ most spectacular finishing display came with his 189* against England in 1984, dismantling bowling attacks with escalating ferocity. His 138* in the 1979 World Cup final showcased his big-match temperament and ability to completely control the game’s momentum.
His statistical brilliance reveals his finishing excellence:
- ODI average of 47 in an era when 30 was considered exceptional
- ODI strike rate of 90.20 when the format was played much more conservatively
- Boundary frequency was nearly double the average of his contemporaries
- Fourth innings Test average of 45.56 – proving his finishing skills extended across formats
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 dramatic and unpredictable. What distinguishes Afridi is his fearless approach – never afraid to take enormous risks regardless of the match situation. While less consistent than others on this list, his game-changing potential in brief spells made him one of cricket’s most feared finishers.
Background and Career Highlights
- Record breaker: Held the record for fastest ODI century for 18 years (37 balls)
- All-round value: Added effective leg-spin bowling to his finishing abilities
- Fan favorite: His unpredictable style made him one of cricket’s most popular figures
- Format pioneer: Helped define the aggressive approach now standard in T20 cricket
Afridi’s defining performances as a finisher include his 54 off 28 balls against Bangladesh in the 2014 Asia Cup final and his 34 off 18 balls against India in a high-pressure 2014 match. His ability to hit consecutive sixes against elite bowlers made him uniquely threatening in tight finishes.
His statistical profile tells the story of his unique finishing style:
- ODI strike rate of 117 – revolutionary for his era
- T20I strike rate of 150 – among the highest in international cricket
- Six frequency of one every 14 balls – unmatched during his peak years
- Match-winning impact – Pakistan’s win percentage increased by 27% when he scored 30+ runs
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do great finishers maintain composure under extreme pressure?
Great finishers develop specific mental techniques including compartmentalizing the situation, focusing only on the next ball rather than the entire target, practicing mindfulness and breathing exercises, relying on muscle memory from extensive practice, and drawing confidence from past successes. These approaches help them maintain clear thinking when others might panic.
- What physical abilities make someone well-suited to be a finisher?
Key physical attributes for finishers include exceptional hand-eye coordination for executing precise shots, good footwork to access different parts of the pitch, strong wrists for generating power and manipulating the ball, quick running between wickets, and stamina to maintain performance when fatigue sets in during long innings or challenging conditions.
- How has data analysis changed the approach to finishing in modern cricket?
Data analysis has transformed finishing by providing batters with detailed insights on bowlers’ tendencies in death overs, identifying optimal scoring zones against specific bowling types, calculating exact risk-reward ratios for different shots, informing strategic decisions about which bowlers to target, and helping finishers prepare specific plans for different match scenarios.
- What makes Dhoni’s finishing technique different from other players?
Dhoni’s finishing technique is distinguished by his unique bottom-handed grip that generates tremendous power, his ability to remain still until the last moment before committing to a shot, his famous helicopter shot that counters yorkers, his strategic use of the crease to create different angles, and his exceptional ability to pick bowlers’ variations and slower balls.
- How do teams develop the next generation of finishing specialists?
Teams develop future finishers through specialized training programs that simulate high-pressure scenarios, using advanced analytics to identify players with appropriate temperaments and skill sets, providing mentorship from established finishers, creating specific practice environments that replicate death-over challenges, and gradually exposing promising players to finishing roles in less critical matches before high-stakes situations.
Also Check:
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 clearly stands as cricket’s greatest finisher of all time.
What elevates Dhoni above other elite finishers is his unmatched consistency under pressure and his extraordinary success rate in challenging situations.
While players like de Villiers might have more flair and Richards more raw power, Dhoni’s ability to repeatedly deliver when it matters most separates him from all others.
His strategic 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 executing with precision at the perfect moment. His legendary composure – famously dubbed “Captain Cool” – allowed him to maintain clear decision-making when others would succumb to pressure.
Beyond individual performances, Dhoni’s leadership legacy as a finisher sets him apart. He not only finished games himself but mentored others in this specialized role, creating a school of finishing that continues in Indian cricket.
His tournament success – winning all major ICC trophies as captain – further solidifies his status as the ultimate finisher.
As cricket continues to evolve, with new finishing specialists emerging to meet the demands of changing formats, Dhoni’s blueprint for successful finishing – combining technical skill, tactical awareness, and mental fortitude – remains the gold standard against which all future finishers will be 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.
