Discover the Top 10 Best Finishers in Cricket, from MS Dhoni’s legendary coolness under pressure to AB de Villiers’ explosive skills. Explore their match-winning performances and statistics.
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Top 10 Best Finishers in Cricket
Cricket is a game of strategy, skill, and nerves of steel. While batsmen often grab the headlines for their explosive centuries and elegant strokes, it’s the finishers who can make or break a game with their ability to remain cool under pressure and finish matches in style. Over the years, we’ve witnessed some incredible finishers in the world of cricket. In this article, we’ll count down the top 10 best finishers in cricket, taking into account their remarkable match-winning performances.
1. MS Dhoni (India)
Matches: 350
Innings: 294
Not Outs: 83
Runs: 10773
Average: 50.57
Strike Rate: 87.56
The former Indian captain, MS Dhoni, is widely regarded as one of the greatest finishers of all time. His ability to stay calm in high-pressure situations and his incredible finishing skills make him a true legend. Dhoni’s unforgettable innings in the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup final, where he hit the winning runs, will forever be etched in cricketing history.
2. Michael Bevan (Australia)
Matches: 232
Innings: 196
Not Outs: 67
Runs: 6912
Average: 53.58
Strike Rate: 74.16
Michael Bevan, often referred to as the “Finisher,” was a master of chasing down targets. His precision in finding gaps and rotating the strike made him a nightmare for opposition bowlers. Bevan’s unbeaten 74 against New Zealand in 2002, where he took Australia from a precarious position to victory, is still talked about today.
3. AB de Villiers (South Africa)
Matches: 228
Innings: 218
Not Outs: 53
Runs: 9577
Average: 53.50
Strike Rate: 101.09
AB de Villiers’ innovative strokeplay and ability to clear boundaries will make him one of the most dynamic finishers in modern cricket. His 89 not out against India in the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup was a testament to his incredible finishing skills, taking South Africa to a thrilling win.
4. Kapil Dev (India)
Matches: 225
Innings: 198
Not Outs: 39
Runs: 5248
Average: 23.79
Strike Rate: 95.07
Kapil Dev, the legendary Indian all-rounder, often played the role of a finisher for his team. His iconic unbeaten 175 against Zimbabwe in the 1983 World Cup, rescuing India from 17/5 to victory, is still considered one of the greatest ODI innings of all time.
5. Lance Klusener (South Africa)
Matches: 171
Innings: 137
Not Outs: 54
Runs: 3576
Average: 41.10
Strike Rate: 89.91
Lance Klusener was known for his explosive hitting and ability to turn the tide of a game in the dying moments. His unforgettable performances in the 1999 ICC Cricket World Cup, where he was named the Player of the Tournament, showcased his incredible finishing ability.
6. Yuvraj Singh (India)
Matches: 301
Innings: 251
Not Outs: 40
Runs: 8701
Average: 36.55
Strike Rate: 87.68
Yuvraj Singh was a match-winner for India on numerous occasions. His six consecutive sixes off Stuart Broad in the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup in 2007 remain etched in cricketing folklore as one of the greatest finishing displays.
7. Jos Buttler (England)
Matches: 155
Innings: 145
Not Outs: 28
Runs: 4854
Average: 39.61
Strike Rate: 119.02
Jos Buttler’s aggressive approach and remarkable adaptability have made him a vital asset for England in limited-overs cricket. His stunning century against Pakistan in 2019, where he led England to an incredible win while chasing a challenging target, stands as a testament to his finishing prowess.
8. Inzamam-ul-Haq (Pakistan)
Matches: 378
Innings: 350
Not Outs: 53
Runs: 11739
Average: 39.52
Strike Rate: 74.24
Inzamam-ul-Haq was a giant of Pakistani cricket and a reliable finisher. His memorable knock of 60 not out against New Zealand in the 1992 Cricket World Cup semifinal helped Pakistan secure a spot in the final, which they eventually won.
9. Mike Hussey (Australia)
Matches: 185
Innings: 157
Not Outs: 44
Runs: 5442
Average: 48.15
Strike Rate: 87.16
Mike Hussey, affectionately known as “Mr. Cricket,” was known for his composure in crunch situations. His unbeaten 60 against Pakistan in the 2010 ICC World Twenty20 semifinal helped Australia reach the final and eventually win the tournament.
10. Shahid Afridi (Pakistan)
Matches: 398
Innings: 369
Not Outs: 27
Runs: 8064
Average: 23.57
Strike Rate: 117.00
Shahid Afridi, with his explosive hitting and ability to turn games with both bat and ball, was a true match-winner. His blistering 102 off 40 balls against India in 2005 showcased his ability to finish games in style.
Here’s a table summarising the top 10 best finishers in cricket, along with their key statistics:
| Rank | Player | Matches | Innings | Not Outs | Runs | Average | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MS Dhoni (India) | 350 | 294 | 83 | 10,773 | 50.57 | 87.56 |
| 2 | Michael Bevan (Australia) | 232 | 196 | 67 | 6,912 | 53.58 | 74.16 |
| 3 | AB de Villiers (South Africa) | 228 | 218 | 53 | 9,577 | 53.50 | 101.09 |
| 4 | Kapil Dev (India) | 225 | 198 | 39 | 5,248 | 23.79 | 95.07 |
| 5 | Lance Klusener (South Africa) | 171 | 137 | 54 | 3,576 | 41.10 | 89.91 |
| 6 | Yuvraj Singh (India) | 301 | 251 | 40 | 8,701 | 36.55 | 87.68 |
| 7 | Jos Buttler (England) | 155 | 145 | 28 | 4,854 | 39.61 | 119.02 |
| 8 | Inzamam-ul-Haq (Pakistan) | 378 | 350 | 53 | 11,739 | 39.52 | 74.24 |
| 9 | Mike Hussey (Australia) | 185 | 157 | 44 | 5,442 | 48.15 | 87.16 |
| 10 | Shahid Afridi (Pakistan) | 398 | 369 | 27 | 8,064 | 23.57 | 117.00 |
These statistics provide an overview of the top finishers in cricket and their impressive records in one-day internationals (ODIs).
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Conclusion
These legendary finishers have left an indelible mark on the world of cricket with their ability to thrive under pressure and win matches for their teams. They are a testament to the excitement and unpredictability that make cricket one of the world’s most beloved sports.
Originally posted 2023-10-05 22:29:59.
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