The Top 10 Best Finishers in Cricket: Legends Who Define the Game's Climax
Throughout the history of cricket, some players have excelled at this role more than others, earning a place in the hearts of fans and the record books. In this article, we’ll delve deep into the top 10 best finishers in cricket, analyzing their achievements, style of play, and contributions that have made them legends of the game.
Also read: 6 Ball 6 Six Record in Cricket
What Makes a Great Finisher?
A great finisher is not just someone who hits big sixes or scores quick runs; it's about the ability to remain composed when the game is on the line. There are certain attributes that distinguish an exceptional finisher from an average one:
Composure: The best finishers have nerves of steel. They thrive under pressure, often guiding their team to victory in the final overs when everyone else is watching.
Match Awareness: A finisher must read the game well, knowing when to accelerate and when to take a step back, depending on the match situation.
Adaptability: Whether it's adjusting to different formats (ODIs, T20s, or Tests) or countering various types of bowlers, finishers adapt quickly to the demands of the game.
Boundary-Hitting Ability: A finisher should be capable of hitting big sixes and fours when required, to ensure that the required run rate is maintained.
Who is the Best Finisher in Cricket
Now, let’s look at the top 10 finishers in cricket, who have consistently proven themselves as the best in the business.
MS Dhoni (India)
When it comes to finishing, MS Dhoni stands head and shoulders above the rest. Known for his calm demeanor under pressure, Dhoni has been instrumental in several iconic chases for India, both in domestic and international cricket. His ability to absorb pressure, calculate the required runs, and execute his plan to perfection is unmatched.
Not only did Dhoni finish games with remarkable consistency, but his finishing touches also often involved high-stakes moments, such as in the 2007 ICC World Twenty20 final and the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup final. His trademark “helicopter shot” and sharp cricketing mind made him the go-to man for India in the dying moments of a match.
Michael Bevan (Australia)
Long before Dhoni, there was Michael Bevan, the Australian middle-order batsman who set the gold standard for finishers. Bevan's ability to chase down daunting targets, particularly in ODIs, earned him legendary status. He was known for his impeccable timing, calmness, and ability to rotate the strike efficiently while keeping the scoreboard ticking.
Bevan’s record speaks for itself; he has one of the highest averages in ODIs for players with over 100 matches. His methodical approach to finishing games, often guiding Australia home in tight situations, changed the role forever. His exceptional batting skills made him a match-winner in all formats.
AB de Villiers (South Africa)
AB de Villiers, one of the most versatile and innovative players in cricket, has been a game-changer in the role of a finisher. De Villiers is capable of playing shots all around the park, whether it's a switch-hit, a reverse sweep, or a conventional six down the ground. His unorthodox approach to finishing made him a nightmare for bowlers, particularly in the death overs.
He could accelerate from the word go and had the ability to single-handedly change the outcome of matches in the final overs. His performances in IPL matches and international cricket have solidified his place as one of the finest finishers of his generation.
Kieron Pollard (West Indies)
Kieron Pollard, the West Indian powerhouse, has earned a reputation for being one of the most destructive finishers in T20 cricket. Pollard’s sheer power and aggressive approach make him a formidable force at the back end of innings. Whether it's clearing the boundary or hitting quick-fire sixes, Pollard has a wide range of shots that allow him to dominate bowlers in the final overs.
Pollard has been a key player for the Mumbai Indians in the IPL, where his big hitting has regularly turned games around. His fearless batting makes him an exciting finisher in both domestic and international T20 formats.
Jacques Kallis (South Africa)
Jacques Kallis was not just one of the best all-rounders in cricket, but also one of the best finishers. With both bat and ball, Kallis made significant contributions to South Africa’s cricketing success. His ability to play through pressure and finish games with both consistency and power made him an invaluable asset to the team.
Kallis was particularly known for his composure in tight situations, handling the bat with finesse while keeping the required run rate in check. His ability to play the anchor role in chases and still accelerate when required makes him one of the all-time great finishers.
Chris Gayle (West Indies)
When you think of Chris Gayle, you think of big hits. The West Indian batsman has a unique ability to finish matches in spectacular fashion, often hitting towering sixes that leave the crowd in awe. Gayle’s power-hitting in the final overs has been a hallmark of his T20 career, where he has regularly turned games on their head with his explosive batting.
Known for his jovial personality and fearless approach, Gayle has taken his T20 expertise to multiple leagues around the world, where he continues to be one of the top finishers in the game.
Hardik Pandya (India)
Hardik Pandya, the dynamic all-rounder from India, has rapidly grown into one of the most reliable finishers in modern cricket. His ability to accelerate the scoring rate in the final overs, while maintaining composure, has made him a go-to player for India in tight situations.
Pandya’s fearless hitting and adaptability in various formats have made him one of the most sought-after finishers in world cricket. His performances in crucial chases, particularly in T20 and ODI formats, have proven his prowess as a finisher.
Dwayne Bravo (West Indies)
Dwayne Bravo, the West Indian all-rounder, is known for his cleverness in the death overs. While his batting may not always be the most explosive, Bravo’s ability to read the game and finish with controlled aggression sets him apart from other finishers.
He is particularly dangerous with the ball in hand but has also established himself as a capable finisher with the bat, playing some memorable knocks for the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL. His experience in T20 leagues across the world has made him a standout player in the finishing department.
Robin Uthappa (India)
Robin Uthappa might not always make headlines, but his ability to finish games, particularly in the Indian Premier League, has been impressive. Uthappa is known for his excellent technique, timing, and calmness in high-pressure situations. As a result, he has helped his teams to many victories, particularly in the T20 format.
Uthappa’s adaptability to the demands of the game and his capability to play a wide range of shots make him a dependable finisher, especially in situations where the required run rate is high.
Mohammad Nabi (Afghanistan)
Mohammad Nabi, the experienced all-rounder from Afghanistan, has been a standout finisher in the T20 format. Nabi has the temperament to handle pressure situations, and his ability to strike boundaries in the death overs has made him an essential player for his team.
Whether it’s the T20 World Cup or the IPL, Nabi has consistently proven that he can handle the responsibility of finishing matches with poise and skill. His strategic approach and calm demeanor make him a formidable finisher in any format.
Conclusion
The role of a finisher in cricket is critical, and over the years, these players have exemplified what it means to close out a game under pressure. From MS Dhoni's cool-headed tactics to the explosive hitting of Kieron Pollard and Chris Gayle, each of these finishers has left an indelible mark on the game. Their contributions, often in the most critical moments, have defined cricket’s most thrilling finishes, cementing their place as some of the best finishers the world has ever seen.
These legends not only contributed to their team's success but also elevated the art of finishing a match to new heights, influencing generations of players to come.