Introduction
In cricket, there are batters, there are power-hitters, and then there are finishers—players who thrive under pressure and deliver victory from the jaws of defeat. The role of a finisher is one of the most difficult in the game: to stay calm under pressure, read the match situation, Best Finisher in the World? and seal the win with nerve, skill, and precision.
Over the decades, we’ve seen many players earn the tag of “the best finisher in the world,” but in 2025, who truly deserves that title? In this article, we rank the top 10 cricket finishers—past and present—who’ve defined Best Finisher in the World? and redefined this high-pressure role.
Let’s dive into the legendary list of names who’ve made finishing an art form.
What Makes a Great Finisher in Cricket?
Before we reveal the rankings, let’s understand what defines a world-class finisher:
- Consistency in chases
- High strike rate
- Calmness under pressure
- Ability to play both roles: anchor and aggressor
- Match-winning performances in crucial situations
- Strong performance across formats, especially ODIs and T20s
Now, here are the Top 10 Best Finishers in the World (2025 Edition):
1. MS Dhoni (India) – The Icy Commander
Career Span: 2004–2020
Matches (ODI/T20I): 350/98
Strike Rate: 87.56 (ODI), 126.13 (T20I)
Not Outs in Chases: 47 (ODIs)
MS Dhoni is widely regarded as the greatest finisher in cricket history. His ability to absorb pressure and finish games with calm aggression was unmatched. The 2011 World Cup final six still echoes through Indian cricket history. Whether it was a small chase or a massive target, Dhoni’s calculated aggression Best Finisher in the World? and cool mind made him the ultimate closer
2. AB de Villiers (South Africa) – Mr. 360
Career Span: 2004–2018
Matches (ODI/T20I): 228/78
Strike Rate: 101.09 (ODI), 135.17 (T20I)
AB de Villiers revolutionized finishing in limited-overs cricket. Known as “Mr. 360,” he could hit boundaries at will from any angle. AB played some of the most breathtaking finishes in IPL and international cricket, combining creativity with raw power. He was the definition of fearles
3. Michael Bevan (Australia) – The Original Finisher
Career Span: 1994–2004
Matches (ODI): 232
Average: 53.58
Not Outs: 67
Before Dhoni and AB, there was Michael Bevan. He was the original master of chasing—calm, smart, and surgical. His ability to guide Australia to victories from impossible situations in the 90s Best Finisher in the World? and early 2000s remains the blueprint for all modern finishers.
4. Hardik Pandya (India) – The 2025 Finisher
Career Span: 2016–Present
Matches (ODI/T20I as of 2025): 97/114
Strike Rate: 112+ (ODI), 143+ (T20I)
Hardik Pandya has evolved into India’s most reliable finisher post-Dhoni. As of 2025, he has consistently finished games in the IPL and for India. Whether chasing 200+ totals in T20s or holding Best Finisher in the World? the innings together in ODIs, Pandya has become a well-rounded match-winner.
5. Jos Buttler (England) – The Explosive Artist
Career Span: 2011–Present
Matches (ODI/T20I): 180+/120+
Strike Rate: 118+ (ODI), 145+ (T20I)
Jos Buttler is England’s most explosive finisher in the white-ball format. His power hitting at the death and unorthodox shot-making have redefined how England approach chases. He played a crucial role in England’s 2019 and 2022 World Cup campaigns Best Finisher in the World? and continues to dominate T20 leagues worldwide.
6. Kieron Pollard (West Indies) – The Muscle Man
Career Span: 2007–2022
Matches (ODI/T20I): 123/101
Strike Rate: 94.42 (ODI), 135.14 (T20I)
Pollard’s ability to clear boundaries at will made him a T20 icon. While he didn’t play many ODI classics, his finishing skills in T20s—from CPL to IPL—were legendary. One of the few players who could win a game with just 3 overs left Best Finisher in the World? and 50+ required.
7. Andre Russell (West Indies) – The Six-Machine
Career Span: 2011–Present
Matches (ODI/T20I): 56/67
Strike Rate: 130+ (T20I), 120+ (ODI)
Andre Russell is arguably the most destructive finisher in T20 cricket today. While injuries have limited his international appearances, his performances in franchise cricket, especially the IPL and BBL, make him a finisher Best Finisher in the World? with brute force unmatched by most.
8. David Miller (South Africa) – The Killer Finisher
Career Span: 2010–Present
Matches (ODI/T20I): 170+/120+
Strike Rate: 102+ (ODI), 140+ (T20I)
Nicknamed “Killer Miller,” David Miller has been South Africa’s go-to man at the death. His ability to clear the ropes Best Finisher in the World? and stay calm under pressure earned him legendary status, particularly after his record-breaking fastest century in ODIs (off 35 balls).
9. Glenn Maxwell (Australia) – The Entertainer
Career Span: 2012–Present
Matches (ODI/T20I): 135+/100+
Strike Rate: 125+ (ODI), 155+ (T20I)
Maxwell may be unconventional, but he is deadly. Known for his aggressive, almost reckless style, he has played many last-over thrillers for Australia and RCB. His 2023 World Cup knock against Afghanistan, where he won the game single-handedly with a double century, remains iconi
10. Ravindra Jadeja (India) – The Underrated Finisher
Career Span: 2009–Present
Matches (ODI/T20I): 190+/70+
Strike Rate: 90+ (ODI), 127+ (T20I)
While known for his all-round ability, Jadeja’s finishing skills in tight matches have become increasingly valuable. He doesn’t hit sixes every ball but finds boundaries with ease, rotates strike smartly, and finishes with composure—particularly in low-scoring thrillers.
Honourable Mentions
Here are some more names who narrowly missed the top 10 but deserve recognition:
- Finisher from Pakistan: Asif Ali and Shadab Khan have shown glimpses of brilliance in T20s.
- Liam Livingstone (England): Raw power, still growing in consistency.
- Rinku Singh (India): The rising finisher with IPL heroics in 2023 and 2024.
- Ben Stokes (England): His World Cup 2019 and Ashes performances are among the best under pressure.
- Dinesh Karthik (India): Known for the 2018 Nidahas Trophy final finish.
Best Finishers by Format (2025)
| Format | Best Finisher (2025) |
|---|---|
| ODI | Hardik Pandya / Jos Buttler |
| T20I | Andre Russell / Maxwell |
| Test (Rare Role) | Ben Stokes (Clutch Player) |
| Overall (All-Time) | MS Dhoni |
The Evolution of the Finisher Role
In earlier decades, finishing meant guiding a team home with steady hands—think Michael Bevan. The 2000s saw the rise of calculated aggression with Dhoni. The T20 era, however, demands explosive hitting, and players like Russell, Maxwell, and Pandya now combine power with temperament.
In 2025, finishing is no longer about the last 10 balls. Finishing now often starts in the last 6 overs, where one mistake can cost the game. It’s a test of mental resilience and striking ability.
Conclusion: Who Is the Best Finisher in the World in 2025?
While many names come close, MS Dhoni remains the benchmark. However, Hardik Pandya, Jos Buttler, and Andre Russell have taken the legacy forward in the modern game.
Each finisher brings something different:
- Dhoni: Ice-cold nerves and laser-sharp match reading.
- AB de Villiers: Innovation and audacity.
- Pollard & Russell: Power and pressure-handling.
- Pandya & Buttler: Balance of intelligence and muscle.
Ultimately, the best finisher is not just about big sixes—it’s about delivering under pressure, winning matches, and owning the moment when millions are watching.
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