by Finishing a match is an art that only a few cricketers truly master.
Think about the last over of a close game. Your team needs 22 runs. Four wickets are down.
The fastest bowler is steaming in at 150 km/h. Fielders are all on the boundary. The crowd is screaming. Every ball feels like the weight of the world.
This is when finishers become immortal.
Why Are Finishers So Important?
Cricket matches are decided in the final 10 overs. Any team can score 150 runs in 40 overs. But scoring 50 runs in the last 5 overs against world-class death bowling? That’s where finishers shine.
A true finisher doesn’t just hit sixes. They:
- Stay ice-cold and calm under massive pressure
- Know exactly when to attack and when to defend
- Rotate strike smartly to keep the scoreboard moving
- Hit boundaries even when bowlers bowl perfect yorkers
- Actually win matches, not just play entertaining cameos
The Best Finisher In The World of Cricket isn’t crowned after one brilliant innings. It’s earned through 10-15 years of consistently winning impossible matches when everyone else fails.
Modern cricket makes finishing brutally hard. Death bowling has evolved dramatically. Every team has yorker specialists.
Slower balls, wide yorkers, bouncers—bowlers have more weapons than ever. Field restrictions create challenges. Strategic timeouts break momentum.
Yet legendary finishers still find ways to win.
Best Finishers in Cricket History
Let’s explore cricket’s greatest match-winners, their mind-blowing records, iconic innings, and what separates them from ordinary batsmen.
Top 9 Finishers of 2025: The Complete Rankings
Here are the complete statistics showing who truly dominates cricket 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) |
Understanding These Numbers:
- Strike Rate (Last 10 Overs): How fast they scored when pressure was maximum
- Not Outs: How many times they stayed till the end to finish the match
- Best Finish: Their most legendary match-winning knock
MS Dhoni’s 84 not-out innings is the most remarkable stat here. He stayed till the end 84 times in ODIs—proving he didn’t just score runs, he actually finished matches.
Top 9 Cricket Finishers
1. MS Dhoni (India) – The Finishing Legend
MS Dhoni didn’t just finish cricket matches. He made the word “finisher” mean himself.
Simple Background Story:
Born in Ranchi, a small Indian city, on July 7, 1981. Started as a ticket collector in the Indian Railways. Made international debut in 2004. Played 538 matches over 15 years. Retired in 2019 as cricket’s greatest finisher.
Why He’s Called The Best:
Dhoni studied bowlers like a professor studies books. He calculated required run rates instantly in his head. He knew exactly when to hit boundaries and when to take singles. His famous “helicopter shot” became cricket’s most copied finishing weapon.
Most importantly, Dhoni never panicked. Even when India needed 18 runs off 6 balls with yorkers coming at 150 km/h, Dhoni stayed calm and found ways to win.
4 Most Iconic Finishing Knocks:
- 183 vs Sri Lanka (2005)* – Scored 145 balls, announced himself as India’s finisher to the world
- 91 in 2011 World Cup Final* – Hit the winning six over long-on, created cricket’s most iconic moment
- 113 vs Pakistan (2012 Asia Cup)* – Epic chase when India looked completely dead, brought them to victory
- 72 vs England (2013)* – Chased 327 with calm brilliance when everyone thought India would lose
MS Dhoni’s Complete Finishing Stats:
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Death overs runs (ODI) | 4,027 |
| Not-out finishes (ODI) | 84 (world record) |
| Death overs strike rate | 127.67 |
| World Cups won as a finisher | 2 (2007 T20, 2011 ODI) |
| IPL titles | 5 with Chennai Super Kings |
| Career span | 15 years (2004-2019) |
Why Fans Call Him The Finishing God:
Dhoni’s death-overs runs record of 4,027 in ODIs is unreachable. The second-place finisher hasn’t even crossed 3,000. That’s how far ahead Dhoni is from everyone else.
2. AB de Villiers (South Africa) – Mr. 360 Degrees
AB de Villiers invented cricket shots that didn’t exist before him.
Simple Background Story:
Born February 17, 1984, in Pretoria, South Africa. Started as a wicketkeeper-batsman. Became one of cricket’s most innovative batsmen. Played 420 international matches. Retired 2018 from internationals, 2021 from all cricket.
Why He’s Called Mr. 360:
AB could hit cricket balls to any part of the ground. Fine leg? AB hit there. Third man? Covered. Point? Easy. Square leg? No problem. Bowlers had zero safe zones. His 360-degree batting made him impossible to bowl to.
4 Legendary Finishing Innings:
- 149 off 44 balls vs West Indies (2015) – Fastest ODI century ever (31 balls), absolutely destroyed West Indies bowling
- 176 vs Bangladesh (2015) – Hit 17 sixes, brutal power display
- 119 vs India (IPL 2018 for RCB) – IPL finishing masterclass
- 101 vs England (2014 T20)* – T20 International destruction
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) |
| International runs | 20,000+ across all formats |
Why Fans Call Him a Genius:
AB invented reverse scoops, ramp shots, and inside-out hits. Modern batsmen copy his shots. He holds all three fastest ODI records—50, 100, and 150. Nobody else comes close.
3. Michael Bevan (Australia) – The Original Finisher
Michael Bevan perfected finishing in the 1990s before T20 cricket existed.
Simple Background Story:
Born May 8, 1970, in Australia. Made ODI debut in 1994. Played 232 ODI matches over 10 years. Retired in 2004. Poor Test career, but legendary ODI finisher.
Why He’s Called The Original:
Bevan understood something nobody else did: staying not out while scoring quickly was more valuable than hitting big and then getting out. He calculated required run rates like a computer. He played smart percentage cricket, rarely taking foolish risks.
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
- 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 all-time) |
| World Cups won | 2 (1999, 2003) |
Why Fans Call Him The Master:
Bevan’s ODI average of 53.58 with 67 not-out finishes proves he specialized in winning matches. Modern finishers learned everything from Bevan’s template.
4. Jos Buttler (England) – Modern Finishing Star
Jos Buttler represents how finishing evolved in the T20 era.
Simple Background Story:
Born September 8, 1990, in England. Made debut in 2011. Still playing in 2025. Won the 2019 ODI World Cup. Captained England to the 2022 T20 World Cup victory. Scored 12,000+ international runs.
Why He’s Modern Finishing’s Face:
Buttler combines traditional cricket shots with modern T20 innovation. Switch-hits, reverse scoops, ramp shots, power hitting—he has every weapon. He transformed 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
Jos Buttler Finishing Stats:
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| T20I death overs runs | 850+ |
| ODI strike rate | 118.55 |
| T20I strike rate | 144.20 |
| World Cups won | 2 (2019 ODI, 2022 T20) |
| Centuries in all formats | Yes (only finisher with this) |
Why Fans Call Him a Genius:
Buttler is the only top finisher with centuries in all three formats (Test, ODI, T20I). Shows perfect adaptation across cricket’s evolution.
5. Kieron Pollard (West Indies) – T20 Finishing King
Kieron Pollard finished matches in every T20 league globally.
Simple Background Story:
Born May 12, 1987, in Trinidad. Career started in 2006, continues till 2025. Played 600+ T20 matches globally—most experienced T20 finisher ever. Won 5 IPL titles with Mumbai Indians.
Why He’s T20 Royalty:
Pollard played everywhere—Mumbai Indians (IPL), West Indies, CPL, Big Bash, PSL, T10 leagues. Everywhere he played, he finished matches. Raw power, experience, calmness under pressure made him unstoppable.
3 Greatest Finishing Knocks:
- 87 off 34 balls vs CSK (IPL 2021)* – Mumbai needed 79 off 34 balls, Pollard hit 6 sixes, won the match
- 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+ (one six every 17 balls) |
| IPL titles | 5 with Mumbai Indians |
| T20 strike rate | 150+ |
Why Fans Call Him King:
Pollard’s 600+ T20 matches globally give him finishing experience nobody else has. His 5 IPL titles prove consistent excellence across 15+ seasons.
6. Hardik Pandya (India) – Modern All-Rounder
Hardik Pandya represents modern finishing—all-rounders who finish with bat AND ball.
Simple Background Story:
Born October 11, 1993, in Gujarat, India. Made debut 2016. Still playing for India in 2025. Won 2024 T20 World Cup. Captain of Gujarat Titans (IPL 2022 champions).
Why He’s India’s Modern Hope:
Hardik doesn’t just finish with bat. He bowls death overs brilliantly, too. He can win matches with bat OR ball—ultimate modern cricketer.
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 adaptability
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) |
| T20 strike rate | 143.80 |
Why Fans Call Him Future:
Hardik’s 904 T20I death-overs runs make him India’s modern finisher. He won 2the 024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy for India.
7. Michael Hussey (Australia) – Mr. Cricket
Michael Hussey started international cricket at 29 but made every innings count.
Simple Background Story:
Born May 27, 1975, in Australia. Debut at 29 years old in 2005. Retired in 2013. Played just 9 years internationally but became Australia’s most reliable finisher.
3 Key Finishing Performances:
- 60 vs Pakistan (2010 T20 World Cup SF)* – Match-winner
- 109 vs Sri Lanka (2010 ODI)* – Perfect ODI finishing
- 47 vs Sri Lanka (2007)* – Classic finishing
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.
Simple Background Story:
Born March 7, 1952, in Antigua. Career: 1974-1991 (17 years). Test runs: 8,540 / ODI runs: 6,721. ODI strike rate: 90.20.
3 Legendary Knocks:
- 291 vs England (1976 Test)
- 189 vs England (1984 ODI)
- 138 vs England (1979 World Cup Final)*
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) |
9. Shahid Afridi (Pakistan) – Boom Boom
Shahid Afridi played T20 cricket before T20 existed.
Simple Background Story:
Born March 1, 1980, in Pakistan. Career: 1996-2016 (20 years). Won the 2009 T20 World Cup.
3 Record-Breaking Knocks:
- 124 vs Sri Lanka (ODI)
- 54 in 2009 T20 World Cup Final*
- 37 off 19 (2011 World Cup SF)
Shahid Afridi Finishing Stats:
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| International runs | 10,000+ |
| Fastest ODI century | Held the record for 18 years |
| T20 World Cups won | 1 (2009) |
| International wickets | 500+ |
Old-Era vs New-Era Finishers: Evolution of Cricket
Finishing cricket matches has changed dramatically across decades:
| Era | Main Finishers | Batting Style | Strike Rate | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1970s-1980s | Vivian Richards, Clive Lloyd | Fearless aggression | 70-90 | Pioneered aggressive cricket |
| 1990s-2000s | Michael Bevan, MS Dhoni | Smart calculated cricket | 95-120 | Made finishing a specialized skill |
| 2010s | AB de Villiers, Jos Buttler | 360-degree hitting | 130-160 | Invented new shots |
| 2020-2025 | Hardik Pandya, Andre Russell | Ultra-aggressive power | 150-180 | All-rounders who bowl too |
What Changed Across Eras:
- 1970s: No specific finisher role existed; aggressive batsmen just hit naturally
- 1990s: Teams started picking death-overs specialists; Bevan pioneered smart finishing
- 2000s: MS Dhoni made finishing synonymous with himself
- 2010s: T20 revolution brought 360-degree batting; boundaries shorter, bats heavier
- 2020s: Modern finishers must be all-rounders; death bowling improved dramatically
Top 10 Best Finishers in the World: Complete Rankings
Based on career achievements, statistics, championships, and pressure performances:
| Rank | Player | Country | Death Overs Runs | Not Outs | Championships |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MS Dhoni | India | 4,027 (ODI) | 84 | 2 WC, 5 IPL |
| 2 | AB de Villiers | South Africa | 2,500+ (ODI) | 47 | 0 WC, 0 IPL |
| 3 | Michael Bevan | Australia | 2,870+ (ODI) | 67 | 2 WC |
| 4 | Jos Buttler | England | 850+ (T20I) | 35 | 2 WC |
| 5 | Kieron Pollard | West Indies | 950+ (T20I) | 50+ | 5 IPL, 2 T20 WC |
| 6 | Vivian Richards | West Indies | 420+ (WC) | 35 | 2 WC |
| 7 | Michael Hussey | Australia | 2,100+ (ODI) | 44 | 1 WC |
| 8 | Hardik Pandya | India | 904 (T20I) | 28 | 5 IPL, 1 T20 WC |
| 9 | Shahid Afridi | Pakistan | 380+ (WC) | 42 | 1 T20 WC |
| 10 | Andre Russell | West Indies | 820+ (T20I) | 40+ | 2 IPL, 2 T20 WC |
World No 1 Finisher in Cricket History: The Ultimate Ranking
MS Dhoni stands alone as the greatest finisher cricket has ever seen.
Why MS Dhoni is #1:
- 4,027 death-overs ODI runs – Nobody else has even 3,000
- 84 not-out ODI innings – Record that may never be broken
- Won 2 World Cups (2007 T20, 2011 ODI) as finisher
- 5 IPL titles with Chennai Super Kings
- 15 years of consistency (2004-2019)
Who Comes Close:
- AB de Villiers (#2): Genius innovator, holds all three fastest ODI records
- Michael Bevan (#3): Original master, pioneered smart finishing
- Jos Buttler (#4): Modern finishing excellence, won 2 World Cups
- Vivian Richards (#5): Pioneer who played fearlessly before his time
Best Finisher in the IPL: Franchise Cricket Kings
The Best finisher in the IPL faces unique challenges—shorter boundaries, massive pressure, millions watching.
Top 5 IPL Finishing Innings:
| Rank | Player | Team | Innings | Result | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kieron Pollard | MI | 87* off 34 vs CSK | Won from 79 off 34 | 2021 |
| 2 | MS Dhoni | CSK | 84* off 48 vs RCB | Won off last ball (26 off 8) | 2019 |
| 3 | AB de Villiers | RCB | 133* off 59 vs MI | 50 runs in last 3 overs | 2015 |
| 4 | Andre Russell | KKR | 88* off 36 vs RCB | Won from 53 off 18 | 2019 |
| 5 | Hardik Pandya | MI | 91 off 34 vs KKR | Won from 66 off 30 | 2019 |
Why IPL Finishing is Harder:
- Death-bowling specialists (Bumrah, Rashid Khan, Rabada)
- Strategic timeouts break momentum
- Franchise pressure, millions watching
- Every team has world-class death bowlers
Format-Wise Rankings: ODI, T20 & World Cup
World No 1 Finisher in Cricket History ODI
MS Dhoni dominates ODI, finishing:
| Player | ODI Death Runs | Not Outs | Death SR | Championships |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS Dhoni | 4,027 | 84 | 127.67 | 2 World Cups |
| Michael Bevan | 2,870+ | 67 | 110.50 | 2 World Cups |
| AB de Villiers | 2,500+ | 47 | 135.20 | 0 World Cups |
| Michael Hussey | 2,100+ | 44 | 115.40 | 1 World Cup |
World No 1 Finisher in Cricket History T20
Kieron Pollard leads T20 finishing:
| Player | T20I Death Runs | T20 SR | Global T20 Matches | Titles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kieron Pollard | 950+ | 155.60 | 600+ | 5 IPL, 2 T20 WC |
| Hardik Pandya | 904 | 143.80 | 200+ | 5 IPL, 1 T20 WC |
| Jos Buttler | 850+ | 142.30 | 300+ | 1 IPL, 1 T20 WC |
| Andre Russell | 820+ | 168.50 | 500+ | 2 IPL, 2 T20 WC |
World No 1 Best Finisher in Cricket World Cup
MS Dhoni’s World Cup finishing is legendary:
| Player | WC Death Runs | WC Not Outs | Death SR | Titles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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) |
Why Dhoni is #1 World Cup Finisher:
- 91 in the 2011 World Cup Final* – Hit a winning six
- 850+ World Cup death runs – More than anyone
- 18 not-out World Cup finishes – Most times staying till the end
- Won 2 World Cups as a finisher
Who is the Most Dangerous Finisher in Cricket History?
“Dangerous” has two different meanings:
If “Dangerous” Means Unpredictability:
AB de Villiers wins.
Bowlers never knew what shot AB would play. One ball: reverse-scoop a yorker for six. Next ball: ramp a bouncer over the keeper. Next ball: inside-out over cover.
AB’s Danger Factors:
- Invented shots nobody had seen
- 360-degree hitting (could hit anywhere)
- Holds all three fastest ODI records (50, 100, 150)
- Bowlers had zero safe zones
If “Dangerous” Means Consistent Match-Winning:
MS Dhoni wins.
The opposition feared Dhoni because he almost ALWAYS finished matches. His calmness was supernatural.
Dhoni’s Danger Factors:
- 4,027 ODI death-overs runs (unreachable)
- 84 not-out innings (never gave a wicket away)
- Won 2 World Cups by finishing
- 15 years of consistency (2004-2019)
Data 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 |
Final Answer:
- Most dangerous to bowl to: AB de Villiers
- Most dangerous for winning: MS Dhoni
Conclusion: MS Dhoni’s Legacy Lives Forever
After analyzing 15 years of statistics, championships, and pressure performances, one name stands completely alone: MS Dhoni.
The Best Finisher In The World of Cricket title belongs to Dhoni for undeniable reasons:
Statistical Dominance:
- 4,027 ODI death-overs runs (unreachable record)
- 84 not-out innings (may never be broken)
- 127.67 death-overs strike rate
Championship Success:
- Won 2 World Cups (2007 T20, 2011 ODI)
- Hit the World Cup Final, winning six
- 5 IPL titles with Chennai Super Kings
Pressure Performances:
- 91* in the 2011 World Cup Final
- Countless last-over IPL victories
- Never panicked under any pressure
Michael Bevan pioneered finishing. Vivian Richards played fearlessly before his time. AB de Villiers revolutionized batting with 360-degree shots.
Jos Buttler represents modern finishing excellence. Kieron Pollard dominated T20 leagues globally. Hardik Pandya is India’s modern hope.
But MS Dhoni made “finisher” mean himself. When people say “finisher” in cricket, they automatically think of Dhoni first. That’s his eternal legacy.
Current cricket has brilliant finishers—Hardik Pandya, Jos Buttler, Kieron Pollard, and Andre Russell. They’re all exceptional talents.
But none have combined Dhoni’s statistics, championships, longevity, and pressure performances into one complete package.
Maybe someone will eventually break his records. But for now, and probably forever, MS Dhoni remains the ultimate Best Finisher in Cricket History.
Also Check:
- Fastest 12000 Runs in ODI
- Fastest Bowlers in The World
- Smallest Cricket Stadium In India
- India’s Second-Largest Cricket Stadium
- Who Was The First Player To Be Given Out By The Third Umpire
- Longest Sixes In Cricket History
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/
