Who can deny the vital importance of the finisher? For lovers of this exciting sport, it is known that the finisher’s role in cricket is hugely significant in every match. The finisher is in charge of bringing excitement and thrill to the closing overs. By scoring crucial runs, batting first or tackling targets, he changes the public mood and creates a new story for the cricket sport. What an important role! Right? 

The big question is: who is the best finisher in cricket history? Much is said about the top finishers of all time, but can you tell exactly which of the greatest finishers in cricket is the best? Let’s find out!

What Makes a Great Finisher?

Key Attributes of the Best Finisher in Cricket

Cricket is by far the most watched sport in India. It mixes technique and professional practice and requires much mental control and focus. According to this, there are four most essential skills that a finisher requires:

• Speed: A finisher must be able to score quick runs and hit the ball with power, precision, and speed.

• Stress management: The incredible ability to handle pressure situations and make the right decisions is one of the most essential skills a finisher must have. 

• Adaptability: A finisher must confront different challenges, including various players’ styles, types of fields, weather conditions, bowling and others. 

• Interpretation: It is of utmost importance that the finisher recognizes when to play offensive or defensive regarding each match situation.

Finishing Experts in Cricket

The history of this sport has left us with many legends regarding finishers. Some of them have made their mark not only on the field but also on the fans’ hearts. Let’s review the all-time best cricket finishers!

Historical Greats Finisher in Cricket

1. Michael Bevan

An Australian cricketer and former player. With a left-handed batting, he has captivated the fans. He has been renowned for his amazing ability to finish matches, and he has been one of the world’s top ODI batters for years.  Here’s a highlight of some of the best-finished matches by Michael Bevan:

1. Australia vs. New Zealand

• Date: March 21, 2002
• Tournament: Coca-Cola Champions Trophy
• Details: Michael Bevan played a crucial inning, scoring 69 not out of 58 balls, guiding Australia to victory in a close encounter. His innings under pressure was a testament to his finishing prowess.

2. Australia vs. South Africa

• Date: March 3, 1996
• Tournament: Cricket World Cup
• Details: Bevan scored an unbeaten 75 off 80 balls, helping Australia chase a challenging target. His skills to anchor the innings and finish strong were evident.

2. MS Dhoni

He is the number one Indian cricket finisher. He led India to triumph in almost all the matches he played. His unique style and remarkable leadership have made him one of the most crucial figures ever. With incredible agility and fast footwork, he achieved crucial runs, and his role as a wicketkeeper is more than legendary. Here’s a highlight of some of the best-finished matches by MS Dhoni:

1. India vs. Sri Lanka

• Date: April 2, 2011
• Tournament: ICC Cricket World Cup Final
• Details: MS Dhoni scored 91 not out of 79 balls, leading India to a World Cup victory. His finishing touch was highlighted by hitting the winning six in the final over.

2. India vs. Pakistan

• Date: June 18, 2007
• Tournament: ICC T20 World Cup
• Details: Dhoni played a match-winning knock of 33 not out off 17 balls in a high-pressure situation during the final. His calmness and finishing skills were crucial in securing the title for India.

3. AB de Villiers

A celebrated cricketer from South Africa with over 15 years of career. He was honoured among the five Wisden cricketers in 2019. Nowadays, he is a good player and sports commentator. Here’s a highlight of some of the best-finished matches by AB de Villiers:

1. South Africa vs. India

• Date: February 18, 2010
• Tournament: ODI Series
• Details: AB de Villiers scored 105, not out of 92 balls, which took South Africa to a challenging target. His innings were a masterclass in finishing and building an innings under pressure.

2. South Africa vs. Australia

• Date: March 6, 2015
• Tournament: ICC Cricket World Cup
• Details: De Villiers scored 162, not out of 66 balls, in a stunning display of finishing power. His innings were pivotal in setting a massive target and securing victory for South Africa.

Modern-day Masters Finisher in Cricket

1. Jos Buttler

English cricketer is mostly known for his exciting and vibrant personality and playing style! He is the proud captain of the England team, showcasing leadership qualities and a strategic mindset. Definitely, an all-time best cricket finisher. Here’s a highlight of some of the best-finished matches by Jos Buttler:

1. England vs. Australia

• Date: July 11, 2019
• Tournament: ICC Cricket World Cup
• Details: Jos Buttler scored 52 not out off 34 balls, playing a crucial role in England’s chase during the semi-final. His finishing ability was critical in guiding England to the final.

2. England vs. Pakistan

• Date: June 3, 2019
• Tournament: ICC Cricket World Cup
• Details: Buttler scored 64 off 44 balls, helping England to a competitive total. His innings showcased his ability to accelerate and finish innings strongly.

2. Glenn Maxwell

He is an incredible Australian cricketer. He has been playing with the national team since 2012, and his exceptional skills in cricket have made him one of the most admired players.  Here’s a highlight of some of the best-finished matches by Glenn Maxwell:

1. Australia vs. New Zealand

• Date: February 28, 2015
• Tournament: ICC Cricket World Cup
• Details: Glenn Maxwell scored a blistering 88 off 39 balls, leading Australia to a massive total. His aggressive finishing was a highlight of the match.

2. Australia vs. Pakistan

• Date: March 25, 2021
• Tournament: T20I Series
• Details: Maxwell scored 70 off 31 balls in a crucial match. His explosive innings were key to Australia’s victory in a tight game.

3. Andre Russell

Andre Russell is a powerhouse. Russell can exchange the direction of a suit in some deliveries because he is regarded for his brute electricity and six-hitting potential. His performances in the T20 leagues have cemented his popularity as one of the quality finishers. Here’s a highlight of some of the best-finished matches by Andre Russell:

1. West Indies vs. India

• Date: June 27, 2019
• Tournament: ICC Cricket World Cup
• Details: Andre Russell scored 54 off 25 balls, providing a vital boost to West Indies’ innings. His finishing touch was a crucial factor in the match.

2. Kolkata Knight Riders vs. Kings XI Punjab

• Date: April 12, 2018
• Tournament: IPL 2018
• Details: Russell scored 49 off 25 balls, helping KKR chase a challenging target. His innings included several powerful shots, showcasing his finishing prowess.

Rising Stars Finisher in Cricket

1. Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant is becoming an indispensable finisher for India thanks to his fearless batting. He is a crowd favorite because of his aggressive approach and ability to play audacious shots. Pant’s youthful exuberance and confidence make him unique. Here’s a highlight of some of the best-finished matches by Rishabh Pant:

1. India vs. Australia

• Date: January 19, 2021
• Tournament: Test Series
• Details: Rishabh Pant scored 89 not out off 138 balls, leading India to a famous win at the Gabba. His innings was a remarkable display of finishing under immense pressure.

2. Delhi Capitals vs. Rajasthan Royals

• Date: October 14, 2021
• Tournament: IPL 2021
• Details: Pant scored 39 not out of 26 balls, guiding his team to a win. His finishing touch was crucial in securing the victory for Delhi Capitals.

2. Nicholas Pooran

Nicholas Pooran of the West Indies is another rising star in the finishing role. His clean hitting and ability to perform under pressure are commendable. Pooran’s knack for finishing games makes him a promising talent. Here’s a highlight of some of the best-finished matches by Nicholas Pooran:

1. West Indies vs. Australia

• Date: October 20, 2021
• Tournament: ICC T20 World Cup
• Details: Nicholas Pooran scored 59 off 43 balls, showing his finishing skills and helping West Indies set a challenging target.

2. West Indies vs. Bangladesh

• Date: January 25, 2021
• Tournament: ODI Series
• Details: Pooran scored 77 not out of 60 balls, leading West Indies to victory with his finishing ability in a closely contested match.

Comparing Finishing Techniques

Regarding the most used techniques in cricket, there are some slight differences between finishing techniques. 

• Power Hitters: They make use of the ability to clear the boundary at will, using brute force and quick scoring. Examples of these players are Andre Russell and Glenn Maxwell.
• Calculated Players: they build their innings, analyze and understand the match situation and decide the exact moment when to accelerate. 

The Roles of Finishers in Different Formats

Being a finisher is not precisely an easy role. Even with all the talent and skills in this position, there are some main characteristics of each player which set them to be a certain type of finisher. Let’s check some of them:

1. One-Day Internationals: In this format, finishers are crucial in the last 10-15 overs. They are in charge of turning good totals into match-winning ones.
   
2. T20: This type of game is high-octane, especially in the last over, when scoring quickly can be the last move to win or lose. 
   
3. Test Cricket: Even if the role of the finisher is a little less prominent in this type of sport, his participation can make a significant difference, particularly in the fourth-inning chases. 

Impact on Team Performance

The finisher’s role in cricket is not only to score quickly or be the ultimate hero of a match. Finishers usually tend to be in charge of boosting the entire team’s morale since they endure under-pressure situations and handle a lot of responsibility during the match. 

Boosting Team Morale

A reliable finisher boosts the entire team’s morale. Knowing that there’s a player who can handle pressure and steer the team to victory instills confidence in the squad.

Turning the Tide

Finished players have the unique ability to turn a match around. How they perform in crunch situations can save any team from defeat, giving them an edge.

Besides, finishers have the huge task of saving or letting a match sink. Sometimes, it depends on the finisher whether the match is won or lost. 

Conclusion

Cricket is an exhilarating and dynamic sport, making it one of the most beloved games in India and beyond! One critical element that adds to the thrill is the finisher role, which truly makes each match unforgettable.

These athletes excel in intense moments, giving us wins and bringing happiness to supporters all around the world. Although they bear the heavy burden of expectation, their achievements elevate them to genuine champions on the pitch!

Who’s your all-time favourite finisher? Share your thoughts in the comments; let’s celebrate these fantastic athletes together!

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