Top 8 Best Finishers in Cricket History (Updated 2025)
In the adrenaline-charged world of limited-overs cricket, finishers are the final word — the players who handle pressure, execute with precision, and snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. These athletes shine brightest when the match is at its tensest, and the outcome is uncertain. In 2025, cricket has seen many such heroes who became legends with their finishing prowess.
This article lists the Top 8 Best Finishers in World Cricket (as of 2025) — players known for their nerves of steel, explosive performances, and unforgettable match-winning knocks.
🏏 Top 7 World Best Finishers In Cricket (2025) – Complete Stats
| Cricketer | Birth Date | Age | Country | Test Highest Score | ODI Highest Score | T20 Highest Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS Dhoni | 07/07/1981 | 43 | India | 224 | 183* | 56 |
| Michael Bevan | 08/05/1970 | 54 | Australia | 91* | 108* | N/A |
| AB de Villiers | 17/02/1984 | 40 | South Africa | 278* | 176 | 79* |
| Michael Hussey | 27/05/1975 | 49 | Australia | 195 | 109* | 60* |
| Jos Buttler | 08/09/1990 | 33 | England | 152 | 162* | 101* |
| Vivian Richards | 07/03/1952 | 72 | West Indies | 291 | 189 | 196 |
| Hardik Pandya | 11/10/1993 | 31 | India | 108 | 92* | 71* |
1. MS Dhoni – The Ultimate Finisher
Country: India
Birth Date: July 7, 1981
Age: 43
Known For: Calm under pressure, helicopter shot, winning finishes
Career Highlights:
- 10,773 ODI runs with 50.57 average
- Led India to T20 WC (2007), ODI WC (2011), Champions Trophy (2013)
- Iconic 91* in the 2011 World Cup final
- 183* vs Sri Lanka (2005), one of the best ODI knocks ever
Why He’s a Top Finisher:
Dhoni’s unmatched calmness, decision-making, and finishing power make him arguably the greatest ever. Whether chasing or setting a target, his ability to assess the game situation and finish in style makes him a global icon.
2. Michael Bevan – The Original ODI Finisher
Country: Australia
Birth Date: May 8, 1970
Age: 54
Career Highlights:
- Averaged 53.58 in ODIs
- Notable knocks: 78* vs West Indies (1996), 74* vs NZ (2002)
- Part of 1999 and 2003 WC-winning squads
Why He’s a Top Finisher:
Bevan was the pioneer of calculated chases. He built innings patiently before accelerating when it mattered most, often remaining not out – the sign of a true finisher.
3. AB de Villiers – Mr. 360
Country: South Africa
Birth Date: February 17, 1984
Age: 40
Career Highlights:
- Fastest 50 (16 balls), 100 (31 balls), 150 (64 balls) in ODIs
- 9,577 ODI runs at 53.50 avg
- Memorable: 149 off 44 balls vs WI (2015), 101* vs ENG (2014)
Why He’s a Top Finisher:
De Villiers’ unorthodox shot range and insane acceleration in the death overs turned impossible games around. His ability to innovate under pressure made him a modern legend.
4. Michael Hussey – Mr. Cricket
Country: Australia
Birth Date: May 27, 1975
Age: 49
Career Highlights:
- 6,235 ODI runs at 48.15 avg
- Known for composure and intelligent pacing
- 60* vs Pakistan in 2010 T20 WC semifinal
Why He’s a Top Finisher:
Hussey could pace any innings and guide the tail. His finishing style combined safety with aggression, especially against spin and pace in crunch moments.
5. Jos Buttler – The Modern Powerhouse
Country: England
Birth Date: September 8, 1990
Age: 33
Career Highlights:
- 4,800+ ODI runs with 118+ strike rate
- Match-winner in England’s 2019 WC win
- 77* in 2019 WC final, 110* vs PAK
Why He’s a Top Finisher:
Buttler is among the most feared T20 and ODI batters today. His ability to launch death-over attacks with 360° play has made him a finisher par excellence.
6. Vivian Richards – The Original Destructive Force
Country: West Indies
Birth Date: March 7, 1952
Age: 72
Career Highlights:
- 8,540 Test runs @ 50.24; 6,721 ODI runs @ 47
- Fearless attacker in an era without helmets
- Iconic 291 vs England (1976), 189* in ODIs
Why He’s a Top Finisher:
Richards brought intimidation and skill to the crease. His unmatched confidence and boundary-hitting made him a natural finisher even in the long format.
Afridi’s unpredictability and sheer power made him a nightmare for bowlers. He could change the course of a game with just a few balls.
7. Hardik Pandya – India’s Modern Finisher
Country: India
Birth Date: October 11, 1993
Age: 31
Career Highlights:
- 108 in Tests, 92* in ODIs, 71* in T20Is
- Crucial role in 2018 Asia Cup, 2023 WC
- Regular finisher in IPL and international matches
Why He’s a Top Finisher:
Hardik’s confidence, versatility, and temperament in crunch situations make him a dependable closer for India. He blends brute force with maturity — a rare mix.
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🏆 Conclusion – MS Dhoni Reigns Supreme
While many players on this list have changed the course of games with their skills, MS Dhoni remains the benchmark for what it means to be a finisher in cricket. His ability to stay calm, take games deep, and then deliver under pressure is unmatched.
As cricket continues to evolve with formats like T10 and The Hundred, the demand for finishers will only grow — and so will the legends who define it.
Who is Your Favourite Finisher?
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