World’s Best Finisher: Who Is the Best Finisher Batsman in Cricket?

Cricket is a sport where batting under pressure separates good players from great ones. Finishing a match with poise and precision is a skill only few master. But who is the best finisher batsman in cricket right now? To answer this, we delve into some of the most consistent and impactful players who shine in high-stakes moments. Now, let’s analyze who is the best finisher in the world today by exploring some standout players in the current era.

Top Contenders for the Best Finisher in Cricket

1. MS Dhoni: The Undisputed Maestro (Legacy Lives On)

Although MS Dhoni has stepped away from international cricket, his extraordinary finishing abilities inspire the cricketing world. Renowned as the world’s No. 1 best finisher in cricket during his prime, Dhoni’s calm behaviour and sharp decision-making under pressure redefined the finisher’s role. Even in the IPL, he consistently delivers moments of brilliance, cementing his legacy as an evergreen game icon.

• Holds the record for most successful run chases in IPL history with a staggering 27 not-outs in successful chases.
• Dhoni has scored over 4,500 runs in IPL, most of which came under pressure in the death overs.
• MS Dhoni has hit the winning shot in 43 successful chases across all formats for India. Notably, he has finished 13 successful chases with a six, including the iconic six that clinched the 2011 World Cup for India.
• His strike rate 200+ in the final two overs in IPL highlights his ability to handle high-pressure situations.
• Even in the 2023 IPL, at age 41, Dhoni demonstrated his finishing prowess with late cameos that turned games around.

2. David Miller: The Killer Finisher

David Miller, often called “Killer Miller,” is synonymous with chasing down massive targets. His ability to hit sixes effortlessly in the final overs has made him a reliable match-winner for South Africa. In franchise cricket leagues like the IPL, Miller has often been the backbone of successful chases. His consistency in delivering during crucial moments makes him a strong contender for the title of the world best finisher in cricket.

• David Miller’s iconic unbeaten 101 off 38 balls came for Kings XI Punjab against Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2013, widely regarded as one of the best-finishing innings in IPL history.
• David Miller has an impressive average of over 75 in successful IPL run chases, highlighting his ability as a finisher.
• His ability to strike at 150+ in the death overs for South Africa and leagues like the IPL makes him a standout finisher.
• Played a pivotal role in Gujarat Titans’ 2022 IPL title win, finishing several games with composure and power-hitting.

3. Hardik Pandya: The Modern-Day Match-Winner

Hardik Pandya has emerged as a complete package for India in recent years. With his big-hitting capabilities and ability to handle high-pressure scenarios, Hardik is often relied upon to finish games. His performances in the IPL, where he regularly takes responsibility for closing games for Gujarat Titans, have elevated his stature as one of the best finishers in the world today.

• Pandya has a career strike rate of more than 180 in the last five overs of IPL matches, one of the best among Indian players.
• Notably, he was instrumental in leading Gujarat Titans to their maiden IPL title in 2022, showcasing his leadership and finishing skills.
• Hardik Pandya has been a reliable finisher for India, contributing significantly in successful chases, but the exact number of not-out innings in ODIs is not specified.
• His ability to bowl and bat in pressure situations adds a unique dimension, making him one of the most versatile finishers today.

4. Glenn Maxwell: The Big Show

Australia’s Glenn Maxwell is renowned for his innovative strokes and ability to dismantle any bowling attack. His explosive hitting and unpredictability make him a dangerous finisher in limited-overs cricket. Maxwell’s ability to take the game deep and unleash a flurry of boundaries at the end makes him a key asset for Australia and his IPL franchises.

• Glenn Maxwell is known for his explosive batting and has scored several quick fifties in the IPL, with his fastest being off 29 balls for Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2021.
• Known for his unconventional shots, Maxwell has a strike rate of 170+ in T20 cricket, one of the highest among finishers.
• In IPL 2021, Glenn Maxwell scored 513 runs for Royal Challengers Bangalore, playing several crucial innings and proving his ability to anchor and finish games.
• Maxwell’s adaptability to play spin and pace equally well makes him a nightmare for bowlers in the death overs.

5. Ravindra Jadeja: The Reliable All-Rounder

Ravindra Jadeja, primarily known for his all-round abilities, has become a vital finisher for India in recent years. His composure and powerful hitting in the death overs have won India several games. Jadeja’s ability to rotate the strike and capitalize on scoring opportunities ensures he is always a threat at the crease.

• Jadeja’s knock of 37 runs in a single over against Harshal Patel in IPL 2021 remains one of the most dramatic finishes in cricket.
• Ravindra Jadeja is a reliable finisher for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, known for his aggressive batting and ability to finish games under pressure.
• Jadeja’s ability to rotate the strike and find boundaries in critical moments makes him a dependable finisher, particularly in ODIs and T20s.
• Played a crucial role in CSK’s 2023 IPL victory, hitting the winning runs in a nail-biting final against Gujarat Titans.

6. Jos Buttler: The Explosive Finisher

England’s Jos Buttler has set benchmarks for finishing in white-ball cricket. With his aggressive style and passion for playing match-winning knocks, Buttler is undoubtedly among the world’s best finishers in cricket. Whether it’s for England or in franchise leagues, Buttler consistently proves his value in crunch situations.

• Buttler was the leading run-scorer in IPL 2022, with 863 runs, including four centuries, many of which came in match-winning chases.
• Jos Buttler is known for his innovative range of shots and aggressive batting, consistently delivering match-winning performances in T20Is and the IPL.
• Jos Buttler played a crucial role in England’s 2019 World Cup triumph, effecting the iconic run-out of Martin Guptill in the Super Over, which helped secure the victory.
• Buttler’s adaptability across formats and ability to handle pressure make him one of the world’s best finishers in cricket today.

Who Deserves the Title of the Best Finisher in Cricket?

While all the names above bring their unique strengths, determining who is the best finisher batsman in cricket boils down to consistency and impact. With his recent exploits in international cricket and the IPL, MS Dhoni stands out as one of the top contenders. During his prime days, he scored 8,540 runs in 124 Test matches and 6721 runs in 187 ODIs. His aggressive batting explains why he is considered one of the best finishers in the world. 

Conclusion: The Legacy of Great Finishers

The title of the world no. 1 best finisher in cricket may vary based on personal preferences. Still, players like MS Dhoni, David Miller, and Hardik Pandya have left an permanent mark on the game. As cricket evolves, the finisher’s role will continue to grow, producing more legends who can carry their teams to glory.

For now, the debate about who is the best finisher batsman in cricket remains open, but what’s certain is that these players keep the excitement alive with their extraordinary skills. Stay ahead in the game! For the latest cricket buzz and thrilling IPL updates, dive into Spin and Swing now!

FAQs