Being a batsman who can hit sky-high shots is commendable. However, being able to hit those shots in the last few overs while soaking up the pressure is the art that only a few batsmen know perfectly.
Imagine millions of people betting on you to save the night and the trophy for your team and nation. Not every cricketer can live up to the expectations and pressure, and those who do are remembered forever in the history of cricket.
In this article, we will look at eight of such legends who changed the course of the game in the last few overs and led their team to victory with their exceptional finishing skills. Let’s begin.
The Top 8 Finishers in the History of Cricket
- MS Dhoni (India)
It would be unfair to start this list without Mahendra Singh Dhoni who is the best finisher in cricket. The former captain of the team India is known for his composure and determination even under gruelling pressure. Hence, he is often recalled as “Captain Cool” by fans and fellow cricketers.
Dhoni is a flexible player. Hence, you might have seen him batting at different orders as per what the situation demanded at the moment. However, he is best known for batting at middle or lower orders.
- AB De Villiers (South Africa)
One of the most prominent South African batsmen, AB de Villiers has a huge fan base across the world. Mr. 360 is easily one of the best finishers that the history of cricket ever witnessed.
He is the only batsman of his time to average over 50 and had a strike rate of over 100. He has now retired from all formats, accumulating 19,000+ runs for his nation. With his batting prowess and composure, he has chased down many targets and led his team to victory several times.
- Michael Bevan (Australia)
Michael Bevan is best known for playing well under pressure. He chased big scores as smoothly as running a knife on butter. He is remembered by fans for his significant contribution to the victory of his nation in the 1999 and 2003 World Cups.
- Shahid Afridi (Pakistan)
If there was one name that could define the modern Pakistani cricket team in its full glory, it would be Shahid Afridi. His contribution to his nation as a captain and an all-rounder player is ineffable.
He has chased big scores and won matches several times, displaying his “boom-boom” batting prowess and ability to soak up the pressure.
- Michael Hussey (Australia)
Another Australian on the list, Michael Hussey is known for his calm personality and ability to hit big shots even under pressure. He is a middle-order batsman, displaying his batting prowess and composure. He has scored over 12,000 international runs in his entire career.
- Abdul Razzaq (Pakistan)
Abdul Razzaq is a bowling all-rounder who is the best finisher too. He has won many matches for his nation with his impressive batting. He is remembered for hitting 109* runs off 72 balls against South Africa, including 10 sixes. He is one of the finest all-rounders and finishers that Pakistan has ever had.
- Vivian Richards (West Indies)
Vivian Richards was the one name that everyone could bet on to win a losing game. He has amassed over 15000 runs in his career, with a strike of 90 in the ODI cricket.
- Jos Butler (England)
Jos Butler is one of the most prominent players of the modern cricket era. He has mastered the art of finishing games, establishing himself as one of the finest English cricketers in the history of cricket. Moreover, he has an outstanding strike rate of 118 in ODIs and 141 in Test Cricket.
