Originally posted 2023-10-05 22:13:50.
Explore the 10 Best Finishers in World Cricket History, from MS Dhoni’s Captain Cool to AB de Villiers’ Mr. 360. Discover their legendary match-winning performances and their impact on the cricketing world.
Table of Contents
The 10 Best Finishers in World Cricket History
Cricket, often referred to as a game of uncertainty, has produced some of the most thrilling finishes in the history of sports. In the realm of this glorious game, certain players have earned the title of “finishers” due to their remarkable ability to win matches for their teams in the most challenging situations. Here, we take a closer look at the 10 best finishers in world cricket history.
1. MS Dhoni: Captain Cool
Match Detail: ICC World T20 Final, 2007
MS Dhoni’s cool demeanour and exceptional finishing abilities came to the forefront during the ICC World T20 final in 2007. Chasing 157, Dhoni scored an unbeaten 22 off just 13 balls to help India clinch their maiden T20 World Cup, hitting the winning runs with a memorable six.
2. Michael Bevan: The Original Finisher
Match Detail: Australia vs. West Indies, 1996 World Cup
Michael Bevan was the original finisher, known for his ability to anchor an innings. In the 1996 World Cup, he played a crucial role against the West Indies, scoring an unbeaten 78 from 88 balls, guiding Australia to victory with just two balls to spare.
3. Lance Klusener: The Hero of 1999
Match Detail: South Africa vs. Pakistan, 1999 World Cup
Lance Klusener was a true match-winner for South Africa. His heroic performance against Pakistan in the 1999 World Cup remains etched in memory. He scored 46 not out, taking South Africa to a dramatic win when they needed 16 runs from the last eight balls.
4. Mahela Jayawardene: Master of Finesse
Match Detail: ICC World T20 Final, 2014
Mahela Jayawardene’s class and composure were on full display during the 2014 ICC World T20 final. Chasing 131 against India, Jayawardene scored an elegant 24 not out from 24 balls, leading Sri Lanka to their first T20 World Cup victory.
5. Jos Buttler: England’s Powerhouse
Match Detail: England vs. Pakistan, 2019
Jos Buttler is known for his explosive batting, and in the 2019 series against Pakistan, he showcased his finishing prowess. He smashed 110 not out off 55 balls in the third ODI, taking England to a dramatic win while chasing 341.
6. Clive Lloyd: The Original Finisher
Match Detail: ICC World Cup Final, 1975
Clive Lloyd’s leadership and finishing abilities were evident in the inaugural ICC World Cup final in 1975. He scored an unbeaten 102 against Australia, steering West Indies to their first World Cup triumph.
7. Andrew Symonds: The Bulldozer
Match Detail: Australia vs. Pakistan, 2003 World Cup
Andrew Symonds was a powerhouse for Australia, and in the 2003 World Cup, he played a remarkable knock against Pakistan. Scoring an unbeaten 143 off 125 balls, Symonds ensured Australia chased down 310 with ease.
8. Kapil Dev: The 175* Hero
Match Detail: India vs. Zimbabwe, 1983 World Cup
Kapil Dev’s iconic 175* against Zimbabwe in the 1983 World Cup is etched in cricketing history. He rescued India from a precarious position, and his unforgettable innings laid the foundation for India’s first World Cup victory.
9. AB de Villiers: Mr. 360
Match Detail: South Africa vs. India, 2015
AB de Villiers, famously known as “Mr. 360,” displayed his versatility in a remarkable chase against India in 2015. He smashed an unbeaten 133 off just 59 balls, orchestrating an incredible victory.
10. Inzamam-ul-Haq: Calm Under Pressure
Match Detail: Pakistan vs. Bangladesh, 2003 World Cup
Inzamam-ul-Haq’s calm under pressure was evident in the 2003 World Cup when he scored 60 not out to guide Pakistan to victory over Bangladesh, taking them to the final.
here’s a table summarizing the information about the 10 best finishers in world cricket history:
| Rank | Player | Nickname | Match Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MS Dhoni | Captain Cool | ICC World T20 Final, 2007 |
| 2 | Michael Bevan | The Original | Australia vs. West Indies, 1996 World Cup |
| 3 | Lance Klusener | The Hero of 1999 | South Africa vs. Pakistan, 1999 World Cup |
| 4 | Mahela Jayawardene | Master of Finesse | ICC World T20 Final, 2014 |
| 5 | Jos Buttler | England’s Powerhouse | England vs. Pakistan, 2019 |
| 6 | Clive Lloyd | The Original | ICC World Cup Final, 1975 |
| 7 | Andrew Symonds | The Bulldozer | Australia vs. Pakistan, 2003 World Cup |
| 8 | Kapil Dev | The 175* Hero | India vs. Zimbabwe, 1983 World Cup |
| 9 | AB de Villiers | Mr. 360 | South Africa vs. India, 2015 |
| 10 | Inzamam-ul-Haq | Calm Under Pressure | Pakistan vs. Bangladesh, 2003 World Cup |
| Rank | Player | Nickname | Match Detail | Runs Scored | Balls Faced | Not Out | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MS Dhoni | Captain Cool | ICC World T20 Final, 2007 | 22* | 13 | Yes | India won by 5 runs |
| 2 | Michael Bevan | The Original | Australia vs. West Indies, 1996 World Cup | 78* | 88 | Yes | Australia won by 4 runs |
| 3 | Lance Klusener | The Hero of 1999 | South Africa vs. Pakistan, 1999 World Cup | 46* | 32 | Yes | South Africa won by 1 wicket |
| 4 | Mahela Jayawardene | Master of Finesse | ICC World T20 Final, 2014 | 24* | 24 | Yes | Sri Lanka won by 6 wickets |
| 5 | Jos Buttler | England’s Powerhouse | England vs. Pakistan, 2019 | 110* | 55 | Yes | England won by 12 runs |
| 6 | Clive Lloyd | The Original | ICC World Cup Final, 1975 | 102* | 85 | Yes | West Indies won by 17 runs |
| 7 | Andrew Symonds | The Bulldozer | Australia vs. Pakistan, 2003 World Cup | 143* | 125 | Yes | Australia won by 82 runs |
| 8 | Kapil Dev | The 175* Hero | India vs. Zimbabwe, 1983 World Cup | 175* | 138 | Yes | India won by 31 runs |
| 9 | AB de Villiers | Mr. 360 | South Africa vs. India, 2015 | 133* | 59 | Yes | South Africa won by 214 runs |
| 10 | Inzamam-ul-Haq | Calm Under Pressure | Pakistan vs. Bangladesh, 2003 World Cup | 60* | 37 | Yes | Pakistan won by 3 wickets |
This table provides a more detailed overview of the players, including their runs scored, balls faced, not out status, and the match result in which they demonstrated their finishing skills.
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Conclusion
These 10 legendary finishers have left an indelible mark on the cricketing world, proving time and again that they possess the rare ability to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. Their memorable match-winning performances continue to inspire cricket enthusiasts across the globe.
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