When it comes to the thrilling game of cricket, having a strong finisher can make all the difference between victory & defeat. A top-notch finisher can turn the tide of a match in the blink of an eye, delivering a powerful performance that leaves fans on the edge of their seats. In this high-stakes role, these players have the responsibility of taking their team to victory, especially when the pressure is at its peak.
In this post, we will be celebrating the mastery of the art of finishing by discussing the 10 best finishers in cricket history. These players have left an indelible mark on the sport & their names are synonymous with match-winning performances and breathtaking displays of skill.
A Closer Look at the Best Finishers in Cricket History
10. Javed Miandad: The Street Fighter
Former Pakistani cricketer Javed Miandad is considered one of the sport’s finest batsmen. His career from 1975 to 1996 brought invaluable contributions to the Pakistani team, achieving numerous victories in Test & ODI formats. Miandad’s competitive nature and fighting spirit earned him the nickname “The Street Fighter.”
His determination & ability to perform under pressure made him a formidable finisher. Miandad’s adaptability and ability to read match situations were crucial to his success. A memorable moment in his career occurred during the 1986 Austral-Asia Cup final against India. Needing four runs off the last ball, Miandad hit a six securing a historic win for Pakistan.
Miandad’s competitive nature, fighting spirit & clutch performances solidified his place among cricket’s greatest finishers.
9. Jos Buttler: The Modern-Day Finisher
Jos Buttler, a key member of the English cricket team has become a renowned modern-day finisher since his international debut in 2011. As a wicketkeeper-batsman, his aggressive style and adaptability make him a formidable opponent for bowlers.
Buttler’s innovative shots, such as the ramp shot and reverse sweep & proficiency across formats have contributed to his success. His ability to perform under pressure has made him a reliable finisher for England.
Jos Buttler’s innovative strokes, adaptability, and ability to perform under pressure have established him as one of cricket’s top modern-day finishers. His ongoing contributions to the English team make him a player to watch in the coming years.
8. Abdul Razzaq: The Dependable All-Rounder
Abdul Razzaq, former Pakistani cricketer was a reliable all-rounder during his career from 1996 to 2013. With his batting & bowling skills, he played a vital role in the Pakistani team securing numerous victories in both Test and ODI formats.
Razzaq’s all-round prowess made him a valuable asset to the team. He was versatile with the bat and a medium-fast bowler with swing, making him a wicket-taking threat. His ability to perform under pressure showcased his dependability as a finisher.
A standout moment in Razzaq’s career occurred during a 2010 ODI match against South Africa. Chasing a 289-run target, Pakistan was struggling at 203-7 in the 41st over. Razzaq scored an unbeaten 109 off 72 balls, including 10 fours and 7 sixes, securing a stunning victory and solidifying his reputation as a reliable finisher.
Abdul Razzaq’s all-round versatility and match-winning abilities have earned him a spot among cricket’s top finishers. His contributions to the Pakistani team remain celebrated by fans worldwide.
7. Michael Hussey: Mr.Cricket
Michael Hussey, fondly known as “Mr. Cricket” is a former Australian cricketer celebrated for his ability to perform under pressure and deliver match-winning performances.
Hussey’s composed demeanor & exceptional game understanding made him invaluable to the Australian team. His consistency & adaptability enabled him to score runs against diverse oppositions and in various conditions. He could switch gears as needed, rotating the strike, building partnerships or accelerating the run rate.
A memorable example of Hussey’s match-winning prowess occurred during the 2010 ICC World Twenty20 semi-final against Pakistan. Chasing a daunting 192-run target, Australia needed 87 runs off the last 45 balls. Hussey scored an astonishing 60 runs off 24 balls, including 18 runs in the final over, securing victory and solidifying his status as one of cricket’s finest finishers.
Michael Hussey’s exceptional under-pressure performances, consistency, and adaptability have earned him the title of “Mr. Cricket” and a place among the sport’s greatest finishers.
6. Shahid Afridi: The Unpredictable Powerhouse
Shahid Afridi, also known as “Boom Boom Afridi” is a former Pakistani cricketer famous for his explosive batting and unpredictable style, making him one of the most exciting finishers in cricket history. During his career, he achieved several records like the most sixes in ODI cricket.
Afridi’s aggressive approach, immense power and fearless shot-making made him a formidable force on the field. His presence at the crease was enough to unsettle the opposition, as his match-winning capabilities were well known.
Shahid Afridi’s blend of unpredictability, power & match-winning capabilities earned him a place among cricket’s greatest finishers and his thrilling performances continue to be celebrated by fans of the sport.
5. Viv Richards: The Master Blaster
Sir Vivian Richards, famously known as “The Master Blaster,” is a West Indian cricket legend who revolutionized aggressive batting. Richards left a lasting impact with his fearless approach and powerful strokeplay.
He played a vital role in the West Indies’ dominance in both Test and ODI formats, including back-to-back World Cup victories in 1975 & 1979.
Richards’ fearless approach made him a force on the field. He took on formidable bowling attacks and showcased exceptional finishing skills by dispatching deliveries effortlessly. His late-inning dominance was instrumental in many West Indies victories.
Viv Richards’ impact on cricket goes beyond his individual achievements. His fearless approach and aggressive batting style inspired a generation of cricketers who became great finishers themselves.
The Master Blaster’s legacy as one of the finest finishers in cricket history remains unchallenged, earning him awe and admiration from cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
4. Lance Klusener: The Zulu Warrior
Lance Klusener, a former South African cricketer gained fame for his aggressive batting & powerful strokes. His fearless batting and finishing abilities made him one of the most destructive finishers of his era.
As an explosive all-rounder, Klusener could change a match’s course with both bat and ball. His hard-hitting batting helped accumulate runs quickly, while his medium-pace bowling made him a valuable asset on the field.
One of his key strengths was his versatility. As a finisher, he could score quick runs, hit powerful boundaries, build partnerships & rotate the strike when necessary. His adaptability made him a challenging opponent and greatly benefited the South African team.
3. AB De Villiers: The 360-degree Player
AB De Villiers, a South African cricket legend is renowned for his innovative and versatile batting, earning him a reputation as one of the best finishers in cricket history. De Villiers holds numerous records, including the fastest ODI century (31 balls) and the fastest ODI 150.
His batting versatility as the “360-degree player,” comes from his extensive range of shots, allowing him to score in any direction. De Villiers’ innovative techniques, like the reverse sweep, paddle scoop & ramp shot have left bowlers perplexed and become iconic in cricket.
A crucial aspect of De Villiers’ game is his ability to turn matches around single-handedly. Under pressure or in challenging situations, he dominates with extraordinary shot-making and a deep understanding of game dynamics. This skill has been vital in many South African victories.
2. Michael Bevan: The Original Finisher
Before Dhoni’s era, Michael Bevan an Australian cricketer from 1994 to 2004, laid the foundation for future finishers. Known as “The Original Finisher,” Bevan contributed significantly to Australia’s dominance, especially in ODIs.
Key to his success as a finisher was Bevan’s ability to read match situations and adjust his game. His deep understanding of the game, run rate, bowling strategies and pitch conditions allowed him to pace his innings effectively, often reaching the target with balls to spare.
Bevan’s consistency and adaptability distinguished him as well. He consistently delivered match-winning performances, switching gears and rotating the strike when needed. His versatility made him a reliable finisher.
A prime example of Bevan’s finishing skills occurred during a 1996 tri-series match against the West Indies. Chasing 173 runs, Australia was struggling at 38-6. Bevan remained composed, building partnerships with tail-enders. With 6 runs needed in the final over, Bevan secured victory with a four off the last ball, cementing his status as one of cricket’s greatest finishers.
1. MS Dhoni: The Best Finisher in Cricket
MS Dhoni, known as “Captain Cool” is an Indian cricketer renowned as one of the best finishers in cricket history. Over his 15-year career, he captained India to numerous victories, including the 2007 ICC T20 World Cup, 2010 and 2016 Asia Cups and the 2011 ICC ODI World Cup.
Dhoni’s composure under pressure has been vital to his success as a finisher, enabling him to make calculated decisions and execute plans with precision. His iconic helicopter shot, characterized by a complete wrist rotation, allows him to clear boundaries with ease further showcasing his finishing prowess.
A defining moment in Dhoni’s career was the 2011 ICC ODI World Cup final against Sri Lanka. Chasing 275 runs, Dhoni entered at 114-3, maintaining his composure and partnering with Gautam Gambhir to achieve victory. Dhoni’s winning six in the final confirmed his status as a master finisher in cricket history.
Conclusion:
In summary, the 10 best finishers in cricket history, each with their unique qualities have left an indelible mark on the sport.
From MS Dhoni’s composure under pressure and Michael Bevan’s consistency to AB de Villiers’ versatility and Viv Richards’ aggressive style, these players have showcased exceptional skills and talent in finishing matches.
All-rounders like Lance Klusener, Abdul Razzaq, and Shahid Afridi demonstrated their ability to contribute with both bat and ball while modern-day finishers like Jos Buttler have adapted to different formats with innovative shots. Javed Miandad’s competitive nature and fighting spirit served as an inspiration for many players that followed.
