Many legendary players have left a strong mark in the world of cricket. Among them, a special breed of cricketers stands out – the finishers. These stars thrive under pressure, turn the tide when the going gets tough, and transform tension into triumph.
Any cricket finisher is the love of fans and punters. They rank high on sports websites and attract a lot of bets during matches. You can, too, taste Indian sites by Mighty Tips by placing a bet with one of the suggested bookmakers. The sites are highly reliable and offer tons of bonuses and rewards.
The world has seen many stars in the 'gentleman's game.' However, who is the best finisher in cricket?
Let's explore.
The Superman AB de Villiers
De Villiers is the finisher in cricket who is the most versatile and innovative. He redefined the art of finishing matches with his audacious stroke play. His 360-degree batting and ice-cold nerves make him stand out in world cricket.
De Villiers's trademark was assessing situations quickly and adapting his game accordingly. He always had a solution, whether chasing a daunting target or rescuing his team from a precarious position.
His fearless approach and innovative shot-making made him a nightmare for any bowler in the death overs. A memorable instance of de Villiers' prowess was the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup. It was a crucial encounter against the West Indies.
South Africa needed 64 runs from the last 30 balls. De Villiers played a breathtaking innings, scoring an unbeaten 162 off just 66 balls. His contribution as a batsman steered his team to a remarkable victory.
The Cool Captain MS Dhoni
MSD is the best wicket-keeper, batsman, and captain to act as a finisher. His calm demeanour, astute cricketing brain, and incredible finishing abilities earned him immense fame in ODI cricket.
Dhoni's finishing skills were on full display during the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup final. India was chasing 275 runs against Sri Lanka in a high-pressure situation.
Dhoni promoted himself up the order and played an unbeaten innings of 91 runs. His iconic six to seal the victory is etched in cricketing history. It was a masterclass in keeping one's composure when the stakes were at their highest.
Dhoni's ability to calculate risks and rewards made him among the greatest ODI finishers. It also enabled him to make the right decisions under pressure. He is a maestro when finishing matches with a boundary or two.
The Original Finisher Michael Bevan
Michael Bevan was proficient in finishing matches much before Dhoni or de Villiers. The Australian left-hander was a pioneer in mastering the art of chasing down targets. He shined in limited-over formats and would have been a hit in IPL T20.
Bevan had an uncanny ability to rotate the strike and find gaps, even during the dying moments of a game. He was a silent assassin who went about his business quietly but effectively.
He earned the nickname "The Finisher" through countless match-winning performances.
One of the most iconic moments of Bevan's career came in 1996. Australia was facing West Indies in a tri-series final and needed four runs off the last ball. Bevan calmly dispatched the delivery for a boundary to secure an improbable victory. The match epitomized his ice-cold temperament and finishing prowess.
The Ashes Hero Ben Stokes
Ben Stokes is a modern-day finisher, even if he doesn't have the highest average. He delivers miraculous performances when England needs it the most.
Stokes' aggressive style of play and unwavering self-belief have made him a force to be reckoned with. The defining moment of Stokes' career came during the third Ashes Test in 2019 at Headingley. England was chasing an improbable 359 runs to win and was down and almost out.
However, Stokes played a knock for the ages and scored an unbeaten 135 not out. He also built a dramatic last-wicket partnership that secured a one-wicket victory. His ability to keep cool under immense pressure and play fearless cricket was on display.
Stokes' heroics weren't limited to just one match. He has consistently delivered in crunch situations with the bat and ball.
He is a great fielder and all-rounder, too, says Kartikeya Date. Additionally, he earned a reputation as one of the most valuable players in world cricket.
Final Thoughts
Finishers are a unique breed, like an umpire. They decide the direction of a match and make the impossible happen. From Dhoni to Bevan, the world has seen remarkable champions turning the tide of cricket matches. They make the sport more exciting and worth watching.
