By When it comes to Cricket, nothing gets fans on the edge of their seats quite like a nail-biting finish. And in these moments, the role of a finisher is crucial. These players have a unique ability to remain calm under pressure, delivering when it matters most. Today, letâs dive into some of the some of the finishers, highlighting their contributions and what made them the best finisher in Cricket.
The Art of Finishing
Before we jump into our list, let’s discuss what makes a great finisher. A finisher is not just about hitting big sixes or playing flashy shots; itâs about strategy, patience, and the mental fortitude to chase down targets or defend small totals. These players often come in during crucial stages of the game and are tasked with steering their teams to victory, often with the crowd holding its breath.
 MS Dhoni
Often hailed as the best finisher in Cricket, MS Dhoniâs calm demeanour and cricket acumen have earned him legendary status. Heâs famous for his helicopter shot and, more importantly, for leading India to victory in the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup. In the 2011 final, Dhoniâs iconic six to seal the match remains etched in Cricketing folklore. His ability to absorb pressure and finish games makes him the gold standard for all finishers.
Michael Bevan
If youâre looking for consistency in a finisher, Michael Bevan is your man. The Australian maestro was known for his exceptional ability to rotate the strike and finish games with a cool head, making him the best finisher in Cricket of his time. Bevan averaged over 50 in ODIs and played numerous match-winning innings, including crucial performances in World Cups. His knock against the West Indies in the 1996 World Cup quarterfinal, where he scored 69 runs in a tense situation, makes him one of the best finishers in Cricket.Â
AB de Villiers
Known for his unorthodox shots and explosive batting, made AB De Villiers a game-changer in many matches. His ability to score runs quickly while also staying composed under pressure makes him one of the best finishers in Cricket. Whether itâs a T20 match or a World Cup game, de Villiers has often stepped up in critical situations. His famous 162 against England in 2016 and his quick-fire knocks in World Cup matches highlight his finishing skills.
Javed Miandad
Going back in time, we canât overlook Javed Miandad, whose famous last-ball six against India in the 1986 Austral-Asia Cup remains one of the most iconic moments in Cricket history. Miandad was a master of chasing down totals, often leading his team from the front. His ability to read the game and finish matches made him one of the best finishers in Cricket during his era.
Yuvraj Singh
Yuvraj Singhâs name is synonymous with explosive batting and finishing games in style. His match-winning performance against England in the 2007 T20 World Cup, where he scored 58 off 16 balls, is a testament to his finishing ability. Moreover, his contributions in the 2011 World Cup, where Yuvraj was named Player of the Tournament, further solidified his status as one of the best finishers in Cricket. His aggressive style and knack for delivering under pressure make him a fan favourite.
Carlos Brathwaite
In the realm of modern Cricket, Carlos Brathwaite has made a name for himself as one of the best finishers in Cricket, particularly with his memorable performance in the 2016 T20 World Cup final. Coming in at a crucial time, Brathwaite hit four consecutive sixes to seal victory for the West Indies, showcasing the essence of a finisherâdelivering when it matters most.
Mark Waugh
Mark Waugh was another Australian finisher known for his elegant stroke play and ability to score runs in tight situations. His calm demeanour and quick run-scoring ability in the final overs often made a difference for Markâs team. Waughâs contributions to the Australian side, especially during the World Cups, helped cement his reputation among the best finishers in Cricket.
Andre Russell
In modern T20 Cricket, Andre Russell has gained fame for his explosive batting and ability to turn games around in the final overs. His power-hitting makes him one of the most dangerous finishers in the game today.
 Joss Buttler
Joss Buttler has emerged as one of the best finishers in Cricket in recent years. Known for his aggressive batting and ability to chase targets, his performances in ODIs and T20s have made him a key player for England, especially in World Cup scenarios.
 Ben Stokes
Ben Stokes is known for his remarkable ability to perform in clutch situations. His performances in the 2019 World Cup, especially the final against New Zealand, highlighted his knack for finishing under pressure.
The Best Finisher in Cricket World Cup History
While many players have shone in various formats, the title of the best finisher in Cricket World Cup history often goes to MS Dhoni. His performances across multiple tournaments and his knack for finishing matches under immense pressure have set him apart from the rest. Whether it was a quick single, a boundary, or a monumental six, Dhoni consistently led his team to victory, particularly in the 2011 World Cup.
