7 Best Finishers in Cricket History (2025)
In cricket, a match is not always won by the highest scorer or the most popular batsman on social media. Sometimes, the most valuable players are those who maintain their courage even under heavy pressure, and finish the game when it matters most. So we can say that finishers are the players on whom the entire team trusts the most in crucial situations.
A great finisher has a lot of courage in his veins, so that he can play bold shots in the most difficult situations. Over the years, cricket has given us legendary finishers who have defined matches and written their names in cricket history.
1. Jos Buttler (England) :
Jos Buttler is one of the most dangerous finishers of modern times. He is also often described as a “360 degree player” because he has this rare ability to hit the ball to every corner of the field. What makes him special as a finisher is his ability to switch gears. He can play patiently when he sets up a chase and then suddenly unleash a storm of boundaries in the death overs. His knack of staying calm till the end and then bowling explosively has won England many games in both ODIs and T20Is.
- Career Span: 2011-Present
- Country: England
- Special Skill: 360-degree hitting
- Known For: Winning matches from any situation
2. Virat Kohli (India) :
When you think of finishers, you usually imagine middle-order batsmen who come late. But Virat Kohli has redefined the role by dominating as a top-order batsman. Known as “The Chase Master“, Kohli has been the world’s best at completing run chases. What sets him apart is his extraordinary consistency. He doesn’t just hit cameos; he makes complete innings, often remaining unbeaten to win himself. His unrivalled average in successful ODI chases is testament to his incredible skills. Whether it’s to speed up the pace of an innings or score a century in a big run chase, Kohli has mastered the art of completing at least one run.
- Career Span: 2008-Present
- Country: India
- Nickname: The Chase Master
- Best Skill: Finishing chases with centuries
3. AB de Villiers (South Africa):
AB de Villiers was a cricketing genius, capable of hitting shots that defied logic. As a finisher, it was impossible to bowl the ball against him. His nickname, “Mr. 360“, came from his ability to hit the ball in every direction, no matter where the bowler was placed. His 31-ball innings is a testament to his ability to destroy any bowling attack. What made him an exceptional finisher was not just his skill but also his fearless mentality. He could win matches in a way that left both fans and opponents stunned.
- Career Span: 2004-2018
- Country: South Africa
- Nickname: Mr. 360
- Special Skill: Hitting the ball everywhere
4. Michael Hussey (Australia):
Michael Hussey, known as “Mr. Cricket“, was a perfect example of professionalism and calm nature. Unlike explosive hitters, Hussey relied on intelligence, composure and timing to finish games. He could judge the situation perfectly and execute accordingly. He scored 22 runs in 4 balls against Pakistan in the 2010 T20 World Cup, and it still remains one of the most iconic finishes in cricket history. Hussey’s calm and reliable approach made him one of the most reliable finishers of his generation.
- Career Span: 2004-2013
- Country: Australia
- Nickname: Mr. Cricket
- Known For: Being calm and reliable
5. Abdul Razzaq (Pakistan):
For Pakistan, he was the best player in crisis situations. One of his most famous innings was against South Africa in 2010, when he easily bowled Dale Steyn and others to score a brilliant century. That innings is still remembered as one of the best finishing efforts of all time. Razzaq’s ability to single-handedly change the outcome of games made him one of the most feared lower-order batsmen in cricket.
- Career Span: 1996–2013
- Country: Pakistan
- Famous For: Incredible power-hitting
- Key Skill: Winning matches
6. Michael Bevan (Australia):
Before Hussey and Dhoni, there was Michael Bevan, often called “The Original Finisher“. Bevan had an unrivalled cricketing mind, but he was not a power-hitter. His average in ODIs was over 53, an astonishing feat for a middle-order batsman in his era. Bevan would drive his team home by turning the strike, running hard and hitting boundaries at the perfect moment. His legacy as the first true modern finisher is still disputed, and many players who came after him have praised his style of play.
- Career Span: 1994–2004
- Country: Australia
- Title: The Original Finisher
- Best Skill: The master of ODI run chases
7. MS Dhoni (India):
When we talk about finishers, one name stands above all others, our own Mahendra Singh Dhoni. He mastered the art of dragging the game to the final overs, backing himself with incredible confidence to score the winning runs. His famous helicopter shot became his ultimate symbol. The most famous example came in the 2011 World Cup final, when Dhoni sealed the game forever by hitting a six, cementing his name.
- Career Span: 2004–2019
- Country: India
- Nickname: Captain Cool
- Best Skill: Finishing with big sixes under pressure
Conclusion
Whether it is Michael Bevan’s calm calculations or Dhoni’s fearless sixes, legends have always shown us that finishing is an art of its own. In India it is no wonder, Mahendra Dhoni’s legacy lives on, inspiring new generations of cricketers to become the players who stay till the end and win.
FAQs: People Also Ask
Q1. Who is considered the greatest finisher in cricket history?
MS Dhoni is widely considered to be the greatest finisher due to his unrivaled ability to remain calm under pressure and win games with his unique style.
Q2. Why is Virat Kohli considered a finisher despite batting at the top?
Kohli’s consistency in staying till the end of run chases makes him a finisher despite being a top-order batsman.
Q3. What made Michael Bevan different from modern finishers?
Bevan relied less on power-hitting and more on smart strike rotation. This shows us his skills which laid the foundation of the modern finishing role.
Q4. Which innings of Michael Hussey is considered the best finish?
His most famous finishing effort was against Pakistan in the 2010 T20 World Cup semi-final innings, where he scored 22 runs in 4 balls.
Q5. How did Abdul Razzaq become a great finisher for Pakistan?
Razzaq’s powerful hitting and ability to win matches easily made him one of Pakistan’s best finishers.
