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In this post, we will check out the top 10 best finishers in cricket history.

Cricket, a sport known for its intricacies and moments of sheer brilliance, has seen some truly remarkable finishes over the years. From last-minute heroics to astonishing displays of skill, the art of finishing a cricket match in style has captivated fans around the world.

Whether it’s a batsman striking the winning runs or a bowler delivering a perfect yorker, the ability to seal the deal under pressure is what separates the great from the good.

In this article, we delve into the top 10 best finishers in cricket history, highlighting the individuals who have left an indelible mark on the game with their ability to close out matches.

These players have showcased nerves of steel, unmatched composure, and an innate understanding of the game’s ebbs and flows. Their exploits have not only brought glory to their teams but have also etched their names in the annals of cricketing folklore.

From the iconic sixes that sailed into the stands to the delicate touches that guided the ball to the boundary, these finishers have provided moments of unparalleled excitement and celebration. Their performances have become the stuff of legends, inspiring generations of cricketers to dream big and strive for greatness.

So, without further ado, let us embark on a journey through time and relive the exploits of the top 10 best finishers in cricket history. Join us as we celebrate their remarkable contributions, their ability to thrive under pressure, and the enduring impact they have had on the sport we all hold dear.

Top 10 Best Finishers In Cricket History

10 Javed Miandad

Javed Miandad is a Pakistani cricket coach, commentator, and former cricketer acknowledged for his unique style of captaincy and batting.

The player is referred to as one of the finest cricketers Pakistan has ever produced. Javed Miandad is one of the most talented right-hand batsmen in cricket history.

He played for Pakistan in Tests and One-Day Internationals between 1975 and 1996. He is well known for his unique technique and extraordinary control.

During his career as a player, he has achieved many records and achievements. Apart from having a unique playing style, he could find the gaps with ease.

He is still remembered for his historic last ball big six against India in 1986 at Sharjah. Winning that time of the game at that era is just amazing, he is also great when it comes to reverse sweep.

Javed Miandad’s performance in the world cups is also something every cricket fan must be proud of. He had scored 1083 runs in 33 games during the progression of six World Cup tournaments.

After his playing career, Miandad has continued as the coach of the Pakistan cricket team on several occasions, as well as secured important positions in the Pakistan Cricket Board.

In terms of finishing the game, he is one of the finest players in the game. His unbelievable finishing skills make him one of the best finishers in cricket history. He is number 10 in our list of the greatest 10 cricket finishers in history.

9 Jos Butler

Jos Butler is an English cricketer who is also the current vice-captain of the England One Day International (ODI) and Twenty20 International (T20I) teams.

He is rated as one of the best white-ball batsmen in the world. Their consistency with the bat makes him one of the most talented cricketers in world cricket. Jos Buttler is one of those exceptional players who have mastered both opening and finishing the game.

He can understand the situation and play both defensive and attacking cricket. Right now he is without a doubt one of the best finishers in cricket. 

Jos Butler is England’s second-most-capped T20I player behind Eoin Morgan. He holds the record with Adil Rashid for the highest seventh-wicket stand in ODIs: 177 against New Zealand during their 2015 tour of England.

He also holds a record with Dawid Malan for the highest second-wicket stand in T20Is: 167* against South Africa during England’s 2020 tour.

His strike rate and average also show how great the player is. He is England’s second-highest run-scorer in T20Is behind Morgan and also endures the England T20I record for most half-centuries with 16.

Buttler is surely one of the most acclaimed finishers in world cricket. He is number 9 in our list of the best 10 cricket finishers of all time.

8 Viv Richards

Viv Richards is a retired cricketer who served the West Indies at Test and international levels. He is considered one of the greatest batsmen of all time.

In December 2002, he was elected by Wisden as the greatest ODI batsman of all time, as well as the third greatest Test batsman of all time, after Donald Bradman and Sachin Tendulkar.

Viv Richards is one of the most prominent names in Cricket history. He is also known for his finishing skills and is one of the finest finishers in cricket history.

Viv Richards is known for his fearless approach and could destroy a bowling lineup with his attacking mindset. With Viv on the pitch, any match could be won easily.  

His constant batting display resulted in him becoming the first cricketer in ODI history to achieve 20 Man of the Match awards.

He had scored a total of 8,540 runs at an average of 50.23 in 121 Test matches, including 24 centuries. The number speaks to the greatness of Viv Richards.

As a captain, he won 27 of 50 Test matches and lost only 8. He also scored nearly 7,000 runs in One Day Internationals and more than 36,000 in first-class cricket.

Richards is one of the greatest batsmen of all time. There are several batsmen in the history of the game however Richards was the most destructive and entertaining batsman to watch during his era.

He could change the course of the game in the blink of an eye. Richards can frighten and rip any bowling attacks to pieces. He’s still rated as one of the greatest finishers the world cricket has ever seen.

7 Abdul Razzaq

Abdul Razzaq is a Pakistani former cricketer, who played all formats of the game. He is a right-arm fast-medium bowler and a right-handed batsman.

The Pakistan international is one of the excellent all-rounders in cricket. Abdul Razzaq is a player quietly effective in both batting and bowling.

Razzaq is one of the best finishers in cricket history. He has finished the game multiple times for his country.

Razzaq was part of the Pakistan Cricket Team who won the ICC World Twenty20 2009. He played 265 ODIs and 46 Tests. In the death overs, if someone could finish the game with ease is none other than Abdul Razzaq.

His hard-hitting ability could take down any bowling attack in any situation. The right-handed batsmen are a treat to watch towards the end of the inning.

He is one of the most dangerous batsmen in Pakistan. Abdul Razzaq played a total of 265 ODI matches and scored 5080 runs and was a not-out on 57 different occasions. 

He was a player capable of making big shots. Abdul Razzak’s unforgettable innings vs England are still impossible to be matched again. He scored 47 runs in just 11 balls, however, he is unable to make the record of the fastest fifty.

Abdul Razzaq is one of the most flamboyant finishers and is rated as number 7 in our list of the top 10 greatest finishers in cricket history.

6 Lance Klusener

Lance Klusener is one of the best finishers for the South African team. He was appreciated for his aggressive batting and his fast-medium swing bowling.

Klusener was one of the most exciting left-handed batsmen and is also considered one of the most elegant one-day international all-rounders in cricket history.

He had finished the game multiple times for his country. A talent that is still not replaced in the South African team. He brings life to the game when the others thought the game is over.

Klusenar started his career with the team in 1991 and established himself as one of the greatest finishers throughout his career.

He had played a total of 49 test matches and scored 1,906 runs with a top score of 174. However, in ODI’s he had played 171 matches and scored 3576 runs while being not out on 50 occasions.

He is also referred to as one of the greatest one-day international all-rounders the world has ever seen. His game understanding and finishing skills have always been a threat to the opposition team. He is number 6 in our list of the top 10 best finishers in cricket history.

5 Michael Hussey

Micheal Hussey is a former international cricketer, who impersonated all forms of the game. Hussey is also popularly known by his nickname ‘Mr. Cricket’.

The Left-handed player is one of the most prolific players or Australia in all forms of the game. Though he came late to the international stage however his impact is irreplaceable.

He is well known for his technique, all-around gameplay, finishing, and understanding of the game. He had played a total of 79 matches and scored 6235 runs with an implacable average of 51.5

His record in ODI’s is equally impressive. He played 185 matches and scored 5442 runs while being not out on 44 occasions.

He had a highly thriving international career, being the top-ranked ODI batsman in the world in 2006. The cricket fans still have not forgotten his epic innings vs Pakistan when 18 required off from the last six balls.

The left-hander shattered Ajmal’s spin bowling and secured back-to-back sixes to help the team win the game. His devastating batting and unbelievable finishing skills make him one of the best finishers in cricket history.

4 Shahid Afridi

Shahid Afridi is a Pakistani cricketer and the former captain of the Pakistan national cricket team. Afridi is broadly recognized as one of the most successful and destructive cricketers.

He is also one of the top all-rounders the world has ever seen. Afridi holds the record for having hit the most sixes in the history of ODI cricket.

He grew in popularity mostly because of his hitting ability and finishing the game with ease in the toughest of situations. Afridi is one of the most popular Pakistani cricketers in world cricket.

Afridi was the player of the match in the 2009 T20 World Cup Final of the 2009 T20 World Cup scoring an unbeaten 54 and has also been the player of the tournament in the 2007 edition.

He also helped Pakistan to reach the semi-final of the 2011 Cricket World Cup where they have been beaten by the arch-rival India. He also won multiple matches for Pakistan because of his exceptional finishing ability.

Afridi is one of the most confident players in world cricket as he knows that he can pull off any game from any situation. His aggressive playing style and the ability to hit six can switch the game in his favor at any ground in any situation.

One of the most memorable games which show his finishing skills was against India at the Asia Cup when he hit two consecutive sixes that too against one of the best spinners in cricket (Ashwin) to help Pakistan win the Asia Cup.

It was still believed that matches were not finished until Afridi was on the pitch. That’s how great an aura Afridi has in world cricket. He is number 4 in our list of the top 10 best finishers in cricket history.

3 Michael Bevan

Michael Bevan is a former Australian cricketer. He is a top-class left-handed batsman and a slow left-arm wrist-spin bowler. He has been recognized for inducting the art of finishing matches. 

Bevan played for the Australian national cricket team from 1994 to 2004 and left an indelible mark on the game with his exceptional ability to finish matches.

Bevan’s career was defined by his remarkable composure and astute decision-making under pressure. He possessed an incredible understanding of the game and a keen eye for reading the match situation.

Bevan often found himself walking out to bat with the team requiring quick runs or with the game on a knife’s edge. In these tense situations, he remained calm, assessed the situation, and meticulously constructed his innings.

What set Bevan apart from his contemporaries was his proficiency in playing the role of a finisher. He had a unique ability to pace his innings perfectly, ensuring that he took the game deep and kept his team in the hunt.

Bevan was a master of rotating the strike, finding the gaps in the field, and manipulating the fielding positions to his advantage. He had an extensive repertoire of shots and was equally adept at playing orthodox strokes and innovative shots, depending on the demands of the situation.

One of Bevan’s most remarkable achievements was his exceptional average in One Day International (ODI) cricket. He finished his career with a batting average of 53.58 in ODIs, a statistic that underscores his consistency and ability to score runs consistently.

Michael Bevan’s impact as a finisher goes beyond mere statistics. He was an inspiration to countless cricketers who aspired to excel in similar roles. His ability to absorb pressure, make calculated decisions, and execute his plans with precision made him a true legend of the game.

He was elected as a batsman in Australia’s “greatest ever ODI team.” Bevan is part of the Australian team in three world cups in which Australia won the tournament twice. He played 232 Day Internationals (ODIs) for Australia.

Bevan has done justice and performed quite effectively as a finisher for Australia for the majority of his career. In ODIs, he had plenty of unforgettable innings.

2 AB De Villiers

AB De Villiers is a former South African professional cricketer. He owns the record for fastest 50,100 and 150 in ODI cricket and he is the only batsman ever to average above 50 with a strike rate of above 100 (batsmen with minimum 5000 runs).

He is popularly considered as one of the greatest batsmen of all time. AB De Villiers is known for his record-breaking skills. He has produced fabulous records in the history of cricket.

De Villiers was elected as the ICC ODI Player of the Year three times during his 15-year international career and was one of the five Wisden cricketers of the decade at the end of 2019.

AB de Villiers is known by the name Mr. 360 and has been one of the finest finishers the world cricket has ever seen. He has won many matches for his club and the country with his capability of scoring runs in every part of the ground.

He batted at different positions in the batting order but mostly played a part in the middle order. Considered one of the most innovative and devastating batsmen in the modern era.

De Villiers has been a yielding run-scorer for the team during his career. He is one of the very few batsmen in the world who have a batting average of over fifty in both forms of the game.

AB de Villers has surely made cricket worth watching for the fans. He is number 2 in our list of the top 10 best finishers in cricket history.

1 MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni is a former Indian international cricketer who captained the Indian national team in limited-overs formats from 2007 to 2017 and in Test cricket from 2008 to 2014.

He is one of the most dependable and attacking batsmen of all time. History has known him as the only captain to win all the ICC trophies.

Other than that when it comes to finishing this man has no competition. He is the man for different occasions. His tendency of being calm, confident, and reading of the game makes him one of the most destructive batsmen to bowl in death overs.

Dhoni is one of the highest run-scorers in One Day Internationals (ODIs) with more than 10,000 runs scored and is regarded as a powerful ‘finisher’ in limited-overs formats.

He has a different style of playing. He targets the bowlers based on their weaknesses and stimulates the opponent to make mistakes, which eventually led the side to victory in a tough situation.

Dhoni had directed several matches in India’s favor with his game-changing abilities. He is dangerous and destructive in death overs when comes to finishing the game.

Dhoni holds numerous captaincy records which include the most wins by an Indian captain in ODIs and T20Is, and the most back-to-back wins by an Indian captain in ODIs. 

Dhoni has been the recipient of many awards, including ICC ODI Player of the Year in 2008 and 2009.

Due to his deadly and attacking abilities at the end of the game, he is considered the most reliable finisher and one of the most flourishing captains in cricket history.