Finisher is one of the most demanding as well as crucial job in today’s cricket. Finisher is the player who comes at later stage of match in last overs and win the wested matches for his team. When fans discuss the world’s greatest finisher, they tend to refer to a player who can keep his cool under pressure, score runs at breakneck pace and win games with eerie regularity.
There have been a host of great cricketers who have done the role of a finisher over the years. Some did it with power hitting, others with canny shot selection and cool thinking. In this piece, we go into detail about what makes a finisher a perfect one and also the players who are often spoken in the same breath with those great finishers to have graced the game of cricket.
This glossary is designed to convey the technical definitions in very simple language which beginners can easily understand.
What Is a Finisher in Cricket?
A finisher is a cricketer who bats in the lower middle order (lower order) and is expected to make significant contributions with the bat towards the end of the innings. The primary task of a finisher is not to score a century, but ensure that the team chases down the target.
Key Responsibilities of a Finisher
- Bat in high-pressure situations
- Score runs in the last overs
- Treat bowlers like yorkers and slower balls
- Play the game deep till last over
- Stay cool even as wickets tumble
A true finisher wins matches, not just admiration.
Why the Finisher’s Role Is So Important
Cricket has evolved, particularly in limited-overs formats such as ODIs and T20s. Matches move quicker, pressure becomes greater and mistakes are more costly. This is why teams rely so much on their finishers.
A good finisher can:
- Turn a loss into a win
- Reduce pressure on top-order batsmen
- Increase the team’s winning percentage
- Boost team confidence
For all these reasons, the debate surrounding who is the best finisher in the world never gets old for fans and experts alike.
Qualities of the Best Finisher
Big hitters aren’t always great finishers. The world’s best finisher generally has some combination of skills and mindset.
1. Calm Mind
A finisher needs to be composed even if the required run rate is quite high.
2. Game Awareness
It’s very important to have an idea when you need to hit boundaries and when to take singles.
3. Strong Technique
Good batting technique is particularly skillful against fast bowlers and spinners.
4. Power and Timing
Finishers have to hit over the top at times, with power or impeccable timing.
5. Consistency
One or two wins won’t cut it. Consistent performance defines greatness.
Players Often Called the Best Finisher in the World
Many legendary players have played the finisher’s role brilliantly. Let us look at some of the most famous names.
MS Dhoni – The Benchmark of Finishing
When it comes to the best finisher in the world, everyone’s first name is MS Dhoni. Ex-Indian skipper MS Dhoni is one of the best finishers that cricket has ever witnessed.
Why MS Dhoni Is Special
- Exceptional calmness under pressure
- Brilliant helicopter shot
- Smart game reading
- Countless match-winning innings
Many a times, Dhoni won matches till the end
MS Dhoni Finishing Stats (ODIs)
| Category | Record |
|---|---|
| ODI Matches | 350 |
| Runs | 10,773 |
| Not Outs | 84 |
| Successful Chases | 50+ |
| Average in Chases | Very High |
Dhoni’s unbeaten innings in chases is why a lot of experts debate he has been the best finisher in world cricket.
Michael Bevan – The Original Finisher
Prior to the emergence of T20 as a lucrative format, Australia’s Michael Bevan had carried the mantle for being most dependable finisher in ODIs.
Why Bevan Was Exceptional
- Rarely got out while chasing
- Excellent strike rotation
- Strong mental toughness
Bevan wasn’t a power player like the modern-day cricketers, but he was a model of consistency.
AB de Villiers – 360 Degree Finisher
AB de Villiers redefined finishing with his novel strokes.
Strengths as a Finisher
- Was capable of hitting in all areas.
- It proved to be a track that was as good for spinners as well for pace bowlers.
- Adapted to any match situation
AB de Villiers was not only a finisher but also a match-winner at any position.
Kieron Pollard – Power Finishing King
Kieron Pollard is infamous for his raw power and big hitting in the death overs.
Pollard’s Finishing Style
- Massive six-hitting ability
- Fearless approach
- Match-winning cameos
P across T20 leagues around the globe
Jos Buttler – Modern-Day Finisher
Jos Buttler of England is among the sharpest finishers in modern cricket.
What Makes Buttler Special
- Excellent hand-eye coordination
- Can accelerate quickly
- Plays fearless cricket
Buttler’s ability to finish was key to England winning in white-ball cricket.
Comparing Top Finishers
Below is a simple comparison table of some famous finishers:
| Player | Format | Finishing Style | Consistency |
| MS Dhoni | ODI/T20 | Calm & Smart | Very High |
| Michael Bevan | ODI | Technical | Very High |
| AB de Villiers | All | Innovative | High |
| Kieron Pollard | T20 | Power | High |
| Jos Buttler | ODI/T20 | Aggressive | High |
Who Truly Deserves the Title?
The best closer in the world depends on the format and your own personal preference. But when it comes to handling pressure, successful chases and sustained consistency, it is MS Dhoni.
He completed games in contrasting conditions, against top bowlers and in World Cup matches. That’s why he is regarded as the greatest finisher of all time by many former players and analysts.
Read More: India National Cricket Team vs Australian Men’s Cricket Team Timeline
Finisher’s Role in T20 Cricket
The role of a finisher becomes critical in T20 match.
- Less time to settle
- Higher required run rates
- More risks involved
Today’s finishers must score immediately off the first ball. This role has been mastered by players like Dhoni, Pollard and Hardik Pandya.
Mental Strength – The Hidden Skill
One of the qualities that distinguishes good finishers from great ones is mental strength. The frequency with which some great athletes can blot out noise, crowd pressure and expectations is rare.”
The greatest finisher in the world always thinks he can win a game no matter how bleak the situation.
Fan Perspective and Popular Opinion
Finishers tend to be judged by highlight moments:
- Last-ball sixes
- Match-winning boundaries
- Calm celebrations after victory
MS Dhoni’s six in the 2011 World Cup final is still seen as one of the greatest finishings ever in cricket.
Read More: CSK vs RR Head to Head in IPL / Chennai Super Kings vs Punjab Kings Timeline
Conclusion
There will always be a debate about who is the greatest finisher in the world and it can never settle, because cricket fans like me have an opinion on their favourite players with emotions and preference. Yet, in terms of cool-headedness, reliability under pressure and match-winning potential, MS Dhoni is unanimously recognised as the best finisher cricket has seen.
Finishers are match-winners. They are the ones who feel the weight of a nation in the last ticks of a game. That is what makes this role so special and revered in the game of cricket.
FAQs
Q. Who is the world’s best finisher?
A. MS Dhoni is popularly known to be the best finisher in the world because of his cool head playing and winning matches.
Q. Can a finisher be the top-order batsman as well?
A. Yes, there have been players like AB de Villiers who has won matches batting at the top of the order.
Q. Is there any value for finishes in Test cricket?
A. Investing is crucial in ODIs and T20s, but even in Tests t you need players who can finish.
Q. What makes MS Dhoni special as a finisher?
A. When they pursued successfully, MS Dhoni remained not out in more chases than most and coped with pressure better than many.
Q. Do power hitters always make strong closers?
A. Not always. It is the understanding of the game and a calm mind that are required of good finishers, not raw power.
