In the thrilling world of cricket, few moments rival the tension of a final-over finish. It’s in those nail-biting last six balls that true legends are born. The players who thrive under pressure, stay cool-headed, and deliver when the game hangs by a thread — they are known as finishers. In this article, we bring you the 29 best finishers in cricket history — the players who have time and again turned impossible into inevitable and taken their team home in the dying moments.
What Makes a Great Finisher in Cricket?
A great finisher is more than just a big hitter. It’s someone who reads the game, calculates risks, and adapts their style to the situation. Whether it’s chasing a daunting target or setting a competitive total, finishers are game-changers. Their ability to soak pressure, stay composed, and deliver in the clutch defines their legacy.
Now, let’s dive into the list of 29 cricketers who have proven themselves time and again as the best finishers in cricket.
1. MS Dhoni (India)
No conversation about finishers is complete without MS Dhoni. Known for his icy temperament and explosive final overs, Dhoni made the “helicopter shot” famous and won countless games for India and Chennai Super Kings.
2. Michael Bevan (Australia)
One of the original finishers in ODI cricket, Bevan mastered the art of pacing a chase. His knack for taking the game deep and finishing with singles and twos was unmatched.
3. AB de Villiers (South Africa)
Mr. 360° could hit any ball anywhere. De Villiers combined creativity, power, and calm to pull off stunning finishes for South Africa and Royal Challengers Bangalore.
4. Ben Stokes (England)
From the 2019 World Cup final to Ashes heroics, Stokes is the embodiment of grit and glory. His fearless approach under pressure is the stuff of legend.
5. Kieron Pollard (West Indies)
Pollard’s brute force and experience make him a top-tier finisher. His T20 records speak volumes, especially his incredible ability to clear boundaries at will.
6. Hardik Pandya (India)
An aggressive all-rounder who thrives under pressure, Pandya has repeatedly shown he can anchor a chase or finish with a flourish.
7. Jos Buttler (England)
Buttler’s ability to shift gears instantly makes him a dangerous finisher. He’s lethal in T20s and has pulled off several thrilling chases for England.
8. David Miller (South Africa)
Nicknamed “Killer Miller” for a reason — when in form, Miller can single-handedly dismantle any bowling attack in the death overs.
9. Andre Russell (West Indies)
With his explosive power and no-holds-barred attitude, Russell is a nightmare for bowlers in the final overs. His strike rate says it all.
10. Glenn Maxwell (Australia)
A master of unorthodox shots, Maxwell’s unpredictability and hitting range make him a constant threat in any run chase.
11. Ravindra Jadeja (India)
Jadeja’s recent heroics with the bat have elevated him among cricket’s elite finishers. He blends power with cricketing intelligence seamlessly.
12. Lance Klusener (South Africa)
Back in the late 90s, Klusener was the original power-hitter in the death overs, often rescuing South Africa with his fearless batting.
13. Michael Hussey (Australia)
Nicknamed Mr. Cricket, Hussey was known for his calm under pressure and consistency in closing out games, especially in ODIs.
14. Nicholas Pooran (West Indies)
Pooran’s left-handed flair and aggressive intent make him one of the best modern-day finishers in limited overs cricket.
15. Shimron Hetmyer (West Indies)
Hetmyer has delivered some stunning late-order cameos and can take on even the best bowlers with ease when the game is on the line.
16. Shahid Afridi (Pakistan)
Boom Boom Afridi was known for his fearless style and ability to turn games in a few balls, especially in crunch situations.
17. Marcus Stoinis (Australia)
Stoinis has the strength and skill to pace an innings and then explode in the final few overs, especially in T20 leagues.
18. Rinku Singh (India)
Rinku Singh’s heroics in the IPL, including five sixes in a single over, have already etched his name among the best finishers in cricket.
19. Dinesh Karthik (India)
Karthik’s late-career resurgence has been incredible, with many match-winning cameos in the IPL and for Team India.
20. Tim David (Australia)
A T20 specialist, Tim David brings brute strength and clarity of purpose to the finishing role, often swinging games in his team’s favor.
21. Carlos Brathwaite (West Indies)
“Remember the name!” — his four consecutive sixes in the 2016 T20 World Cup final were the ultimate finisher’s moment.
22. Rahul Tewatia (India)
Tewatia has gained a cult following thanks to his last-over miracles in the IPL. He never says die, no matter the equation.
23. Eoin Morgan (England)
As captain and finisher, Morgan’s calm presence and clinical hitting have brought England back from the brink many times.
24. Asif Ali (Pakistan)
Known for his clean hitting, Asif has played key roles in several tense T20 finishes for Pakistan.
25. Suryakumar Yadav (India)
With his innovative stroke play and fearless mindset, SKY is capable of anchoring and finishing innings with style.
26. James Faulkner (Australia)
In his prime, Faulkner was Australia’s go-to man for late-over heroics. His all-round ability made him a crucial asset.
27. Colin de Grandhomme (New Zealand)
His muscular batting and calm demeanor under pressure helped New Zealand in many close finishes.
28. Thisara Perera (Sri Lanka)
Perera’s finishing abilities, particularly in ODIs, saw him seal numerous tight games for Sri Lanka.
29. Moeen Ali (England)
Moeen combines touch and power, offering England a dependable finisher in both white-ball formats.
Why Finishers Matter More Than Ever
With modern cricket evolving at breakneck speed, finishers are more important than ever. Teams plan their batting line-ups to ensure they have power and experience at the death. In tournaments like the IPL, BBL, and World Cups, a solid finisher can be the difference between glory and heartbreak.
Final Thoughts
The best finishers in cricket aren’t just hard-hitters — they’re tacticians, ice-cold thinkers, and performers who thrive in chaos. Whether it’s MS Dhoni calmly hitting the winning six in a World Cup final or a young gun like Rinku Singh shocking the world, these players make cricket unforgettable.
Next time the scoreboard shows 20 needed off 6, and one of these legends walks out — sit back and watch the magic. Because when the pressure peaks, the best finishers in cricket rise.