Best Finishers In Cricket 2024
Cricket, often considered a game of glorious uncertainties, is a sport cherished for keeping spectators on the edge of their seats until the very last ball. Among the many roles that players undertake in cricket, the role of a finisher holds immense importance. Let’s delve deeper into the world of cricket finishers and explore some of the best to have graced the game.
Introduction to Cricket Finishers
In Cricket, a finisher is a player typically positioned towards the end of the batting order, tasked with steering the team to victory in the dying stages of a match. These players possess unique skills that enable them to accelerate the run rate when required and finish the game with flair and finesse.
Definition of a Cricket Finisher
The Best finisher in Cricket is a batsman who excels in closing out innings, often in high-pressure situations, by scoring quick runs and ensuring victory for their team. These players are adept at handling the pressure of tight run chases and can make calculated decisions under duress.
Importance of a Good Finisher in Cricket
The presence of a reliable finisher in a cricket team can be the difference between victory and defeat. A good finisher not only adds depth to the batting lineup but also provides assurance to the team in crunch situations. Their ability to turn the tide of a match with a flurry of boundaries or well-timed singles is invaluable.
Characteristics of a Great Finisher
Power Hitting
One of the hallmark traits of a great finisher is their ability to clear the boundaries with ease. They often demoralize the opposition with their aggressive stroke play.
Ability to Handle Pressure
Cricket is a game of immense pressure, especially in close run chases. A great finisher thrives under pressure, displaying nerves of steel when the stakes are high.
Adaptability
Whether adjusting to different match situations or reading the bowler’s intentions, adaptability is critical for a finisher to succeed consistently.
Consistency
Consistency is the bedrock of a great finisher’s success. They are reliable performers who deliver when it matters the most, earning the trust of their teammates and fans alike.
Top Finishers in the History of Cricket
10. Javed Miandad – Pakistan
Position: Right-Handed Batsman / Right-Arm Leg Break Bowler
National Side: Pakistan
Test Debut: 9th October 1976 vs. New Zealand
ODI Debut: 11th June 1975 vs. West Indies
Perhaps Pakistan’s most gifted right-hand batsman is Javed Miandad. Miandad is from a country renowned for its legendary bowlers. When he made his debut, Pakistan’s first Test captain, Abdul Hafeez Kardar, called him “the find of the decade.” Kardar was correct. In addition, he is one of the all-time greatest Muslim athletes.
Miandad pursued his course, doing things his way in Cricket and bats. In addition to his impressive innings, he was capable of some beautiful strokes. His deft reverse sweep drew everyone’s attention. Javed Miandad has helped Pakistan win more games than anyone else.
His hitting prowess would be a formidable opponent for any bowling lineup. Not only is Miandad combative, but he’s one of Cricket’s best finishers. Being a part of the 1992 World Cup-winning team brought him prominence on a global scale.
He was pressured because he was Pakistan’s finest batsman, but he rose to the occasion. He hit three half-centuries in nine innings, including fifty in the semifinal and final, to send Pakistan to victory. He played Cricket for Pakistan on the international scene from 1975 until 1996.
9. Jos Buttler – England
Position: Right-Handed Batsman / Wicketkeeper
Test Debut: 27th July 2014 vs. India
ODI Debut: 21st February 2012 vs. Pakistan
T20I Debut: 31st August 2011 vs. India
Jos Buttler, a right-hander, has demonstrated his abilities in the three game types. Because of his adaptability, his occasional promotion to open in T20 cricket works against him. Still, he’s one of Cricket’s top finishers because of the variety of shots he plays towards the conclusion of the innings.
Buttler can slice full-length deliveries into the slot to scoop bowlers even though he nails his yorkers. He has access to both the power and touch games at any time. Buttler’s average strike rate when batting first is 126, and his average when chasing is 110.
Both of these are rather ludicrous by One Day International cricket standards. For instance, in a 2016 match against Pakistan at Trent Bridge, he amassed 90 runs in just 51 balls. Because of this accomplishment, he is regarded by many as one of the best batsmen in cricket history.
Jos Buttler is the best finisher in world cricket because of his exceptional temperament and ability to hammer the ball to all parts of the ground. He has a unique skill set because he is an all-around batsman. In cricket parlance, he is described as a 360-degree batsman.
8. Michael Hussey – Australia
Position: Left-Handed Batsman / Right-Arm Medium Pace Bowler
Test Debut: 3rd November 2005 vs. West Indies
ODI Debut: 1st February 2004 vs. India
T20I Debut: 17th February 2005 vs. New Zealand
Michael Hussey was one of the nation’s most productive left-handed hitters. He was born on May 27, 1975. Even though he debuted in international Cricket at 28, he didn’t have a remarkable career. Another term for him is “Mr.” These days, most people agree that he is among the all-time great left-handed batsmen.
Michael Hussey, popularly known as “Huss” or “Cricket,” was the top batsman in the world in 2006. Hussey was selected for the Australia ODI team against India in 2004 after showcasing his tremendous potential during the ING Cup. He scored 17 runs throughout the game, which helped the team win.
Read More: Top 10 Best Spin Bowlers of All Time
Following a prosperous 2005, Hussey amassed five half-centuries and went undefeated in four of them. He rapidly gained a reputation as one of the most dependable finishers. He scored one run and twenty-nine in the second innings of his test debut against the West Indies 2005. He scored straight hundreds in the next two contests.
A 2007 encounter with New Zealand was only one of many occasions when Hussey saved his team from defeat. Australia needed help to pursue 155. As the wickets fell around him, Hussey scored 65 runs without conceding an edge to lead his team to victory.
7. Lance Klusener – South Africa
Position: Left-Handed Batsman / Right-Arm Medium Fast Bowler
Role: All-Rounder
Test Debut: 27th November 1996 vs. India
ODI Debut: 19th January 1996 vs. England
Former South African all-rounder Lance Klusener was frequently underestimated and underappreciated for his Proteas contributions. However, from his early years, he had all the makings of one of the best all-rounders in cricket history. When Klusener’s team got into trouble, they usually used the willow to pull themselves out.
He had a talent for giving some of the games he lost his life by scoring runs with such precision in mind. He is among the top finishers in Cricket because of his extraordinary abilities. In 49 matches, he had a maximum score of 174; in several test matches, he held the most excellent wicket average of 8/64.
He scored 3,576 runs at an average of 41.1 in 171 ODIs, with the top performance being 6/49 and the highest score of 103 runs and 192 wickets. His contributions to the One Day International series are what people will remember him for the most. Lance rose to prominence as one of Cricket’s most dangerous batters during the 1999 World Cup. He was named Man of the Tournament.
Before the World Cup, Lance showed glimmers of his explosive striking in the years before. More fans than any other participant in the event were won over by their booming hitting and backlift in the baseball style. Among his many achievements is the Wisden Cricketer of the Year award 2000.
6. Viv Richards – West Indies
Position: Right-Handed Batsman / Right-Arm Off-Break Bowler
Role: Batsman
Test Debut: 22nd November 1974 vs. India
ODI Debut: 7th June 1975 vs. Sri Lanka
During Test matches, Viv Richards was the cricket player who posed the greatest threat to his opponents. His incredible body was complemented by his robust attitude, which was highly inspiring. He was delighted to be the first Antiguan to represent the West Indies. He is among the greatest finishers in cricket history because of his capacity to alter the outcome of any game. Viv Richards made a name for himself as one of the best batsmen in the world and one of the all-time greats in Cricket very rapidly.
He amassed a run of impressive runs throughout his remarkable year of 1976, including 192 in the second Test played away from India. In Australia, Richards’ opening opponents were Denis Lillee and Jeff Thomson.
He eventually placed third behind Gordon Greenidge and Desmond Haynes. During the incredible series he played in England, he amassed 829 runs in just four Test matches, including 291 runs at The Oval.
He could hit it over the top for four or six if you brought it in, or he could run two if you put the field out. Viv had an incredible batting style that was all her own. He played across his front pad and worked the ball to leg, giving those who were bowling straight at him hope. Though he rarely missed a bowl, his opponents believed he would.
His power was another thing that caught your attention. He was not very tall, at five feet and ten inches, but he had boxer-muscular shoulders. He amassed over 36,000 runs in first-class Cricket, including 114 centuries and the top score of 322. Furthermore, he amassed around 7,000 runs, of which eleven hundred came from a One Day score of 189*, the best in cricket history.
5. Michael Bevan – Australia
Position: Left-Handed Batsman / Slow Left-Arm Wrist Spin Bowler
Role: Batsman
Test Debut: 28th September 1994 vs. Pakistan
ODI Debut: 14th April 1994 vs. Sri Lanka
Bevan became the global cricket team’s most excellent finisher for ten years, which is why he was referred to as “The Finisher.” Australia emerged victorious in the two World Cup finals he participated in (1996 and 1999).
Bevan stopped his test career before it started, but he became one of the most critical players in ODI history.
Bevan had a very different style of batting in one-day internationals. From the beginning, he seemed in control, and the pressure made him perform at his peak. Bevan was not just a threatening batter, but also a decent bowler, and his slow wrist spinners from his left arm could be very useful at times. In addition, he is one of cricket history’s best fielders.
Bevan played his maiden ODI at Sharjah in 1994 against Sri Lanka. Although he didn’t have to bat in his debut game, he made several significant cameos and was a vital member of the squad for the remaining games. After making his test debut against Pakistan, he made his first noteworthy contribution.
In Australia’s final innings of the Wills triangular series, which also featured South Africa, the rookie batted undefeated for 52 balls. It was his first fifty in an ODI. Australia gave a fantastic performance, but after 50 overs, they could not reach 269 points. Soon after his debut, Bevan’s career consisted primarily of ODIs. He routinely closes up his inning with cameos full of big hits.
4. Shahid Afridi – Pakistan
Position: Right-Handed Batsman / Right-Arm Leg Spinner
Test Debut: 22nd October 1998 vs. Australia
ODI Debut: 2nd October 1996 vs. Kenya
T20I Debut: 28th August 2006 vs. England
Boom Boom, sometimes known as Shahid Afridi, rose to fame as a hard-hitting batsman and finisher for Pakistan in one-day international Cricket. He quickly and unexpectedly dismissed the bowler, and there was no stopping him. His ability to finish powerfully won Pakistan numerous matches. At times, matches continued until Afridi reopened the pavilion.
He delivered one of the most remarkable innings in cricket history against India at the Asia Cup, hitting two straight sixes off Ashwin to propel Pakitan over the finish line and establish himself as one of the sport’s best finishers.
At the age of 16 years and 217 days, Afridi made the fastest one-day international century off just 37 balls in his debut one-day innings. In addition to hitting six fours and eleven sixes, his 102 helped Pakistan defeat Sri Lanka by 82 runs. The right-hander hit six fours and eleven sixes to support his third ranking.
The 2013 World Cup encounter in Guyana illustrates Afridi’s versatility as a Pakistani all-around player. The leg-spinners took the Windies for just 98 in nine outstanding overs, showing no mercy as they plundered them for 55 balls, 76 runs, and 224 for nine. He has one of the highest strike rates in cricket history, but to change the subject.
3. Abdul Razzaq – Pakistan
Position: Right-Handed Batsman / Right-Arm Medium Pace Bowler
Test Debut: 5th November 1999 vs. Australia
ODI Debut: 1st November 1996 vs. Zimbabwe
T20I Debut: 28th August 2006 vs. England
Abdul Razzaq is a Pakistani footballer who has played in completely unexpected games. In Cricket, he is among their greatest finishers. Razzaq has remarkable long-range shooting skills. His inability to have a criminal record does not detract from his skill as a cricket player. He played South Africa in Sharjah and scored an incredible 109 off 72 balls.
He gained notoriety and a place among the all-time great finishers because of his innings, which are regarded as among the finest ODI innings ever. When Abdul Razzak played for Pakistan from 1999 to 2013, he had a reputation for smashing cricket balls. Additionally, he holds the record for the most sixes in an ODI game.
Apart from being an indispensable batsman during the final overs, Razzak also hit enormous totals for his team and got them out of difficult situations. Of the 53 players who have amassed 1,000 runs and claimed 100 wickets, he is the eighth player from Pakistan.
At 20, Razzaq achieved the youngest test cricket hat-trick against Sri Lanka in 2000. He has hit in every position in the lineup, from the opener to the eleventh.
2. AB De Villiers – South Africa
Position: Right-Handed Batsman / Wicketkeeper
Test Debut: 17th December 2004 vs. England
ODI Debut: 2nd February 2005 vs. England
T20I Debut: 24th February 2006 vs. Australia
After MS Dhoni, AB De Villiers will likely be the most dominant finisher. But his actual batting ability is revealed in the final overs of the game. This batsman, one of South Africa’s most explosive, can financially conclude games. His century in Ahmedabad was the seventh quickest in ODI cricket history, coming in at an undefeated 102 off just 59 balls.
AB is regarded as one of Cricket’s finest finishers and a specialist at chasing runs. In one-day internationals, he now holds the marks for fastest fifty (16 balls), fast hundred (31 balls), and fast hundred and fifty (62 balls). Because of his batting approach, he has become known as “MR.360.” He is capable of scoring from any position on the field.
No one else but AB de Villiers can return to the field after five months of cricket play and still demolish the world’s greatest bowlers. In ODIs, AB’s average strike rate was 66.01, more than 107 runs per inning when he helped the team win. Because of this accomplishment, he is also considered one of the cricket world’s most dangerous hard-hitters.
AB de Villiers has frequently done the unthinkable for South Africa. Throughout his career, he has anchored falling wickets and independently salvaged games. He continues accomplishing several feats that other cricket players could never dream of.
1. MS Dhoni – India
Position: Right-Handed Batsman / Wicketkeeper
Test Debut: 2nd December 2005 vs. Sri Lanka
ODI Debut: 23rd December 2004 vs. Bangladesh
T20I Debut: 1st December 2006 vs. South Africa
Dhoni was the picture of composure when it came to a run-chase. The man was so sure of his skills that he could pull off a near-fatal run-chase at his height. He destroyed Suranga Lakmal in the last over of the 2013 tri-series final, or he destroyed Clint McKay in Adelaide in 2012.
Whether it was the 13 runs that he scored in the 2013 tri-series final over or his numerous finishing displays against Pakistan (particularly in 2006), he showed a hard mentality.
Despite his declining batting over the past two to three years, Dhoni is still regarded as the world’s top wicketkeeper-batsman because he can still lead his team beyond the finish line in mediocre run chases. He did best when he could push the boundaries of the game.
During his ODI career, Dhoni participated in 112 successful run chases. He amassed 2556 runs at an average of 91.28, scored 19 half-centuries, and scored a century. He is thought to be the best finisher in cricket history. Because of his accomplishments, he is considered by many to be among the best wicketkeepers in cricket history.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cricket finishers play a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of matches, often turning the tide in favour of their teams with their match-winning performances. Whether it’s the explosive power-hitters of yesteryears or the dynamic finishers of the modern era, these players have left an indelible mark on the game with their ability to finish matches in style.