It is not the player who starts well in T20 cricket. It is the player who finishes well. The last overs of a T20 match are the most thrilling ones where one single finisher can turn a game around. Whether chasing a tough target or scoring crucial runs around the death, finishers are the real match winners of the shortest form of the game.

Lets take the top 10 best finishers in T20 cricket, team players who have converted pressure into performance again and again.

1. MS Dhoni – India

Known as “Captain Cool,” Dhoni is the gold standard of T20 finishers. He reads the game like a chess master and times his attack perfectly. Whether it’s a last ball finish or needing 20+ in the final over, Dhoni has done it all for India and Chennai Super Kings. His calm under pressure and ability to finish games with style makes him the greatest finisher in T20 history.

Finisher Highlights:

  • Famous for last-over sixes
  • Led CSK to multiple IPL titles
  • Specialist at pacing the chase

2. Kieron Pollard – West Indies

Pollard is a beast in the death-overs. His pure power allows him to clear boundaries at will, no matter the size of the ground. He’s been a key finisher for the West Indies and Mumbai Indians, turning games with his brutal hitting.

Finisher Highlights:

  • Strike rate of 150+ in T20s
  • Over 800 career sixes in T20 cricket
  • Known for explosive IPL knocks

3. Andre Russell – West Indies

Russell is pure destruction. With a strike rate that hovers around 170, he can change the game in just a few balls. Whether it’s for KKR or West Indies, Russell’s presence means no game is ever truly over.

Finisher Highlights:

  • Known for hitting sixes from ball one
  • Match-winning 48* off 13 balls vs RCB
  • The ultimate T20 game-changer

4. AB de Villiers – South Africa

“Mr. 360” could hit shots all around the ground. His creativity and self-control made him a dream finisher. Whether ramping, scooping, or smashing, AB made finishing an art form.

Finisher Highlights:

  • Innovative stroke play under pressure
  • Multiple IPL chases for RCB
  • Combined finesse with power

5. Hardik Pandya – India

Hardik has emerged as India’s new-age finisher. Calm, confident, and capable of clearing any boundary, he’s finished in many close encounters for India and the Gujarat Titans in the IPL.

Finisher Highlights:

  • Cool mindset in pressure chases
  • Huge hitting range
  • Often takes responsibility in tight finishes

6. Glenn Maxwell – Australia

Nicknamed “The Big Show,” Maxwell is unpredictable but lethal. His ability to hit big and play unorthodox shots makes him a dangerous finisher, especially when chasing totals.

Finisher Highlights:

  • Fearless approach in late overs
  • Reverse sweeps and switch-hits galore
  • Impact player in Big Bash and IPL

7. David Miller – South Africa

Known as “Killer Miller,” David is all about calm and controlled aggression. He’s pulled off many tight chases, especially in IPL, with his composed batting and powerful hitting.

Finisher Highlights:

  • Strike rate over 140 in T20s
  • Known for his six-hitting ability in death overs
  • Match-winner in global leagues

8. Dinesh Karthik – India

Karthik is the absolute definition of a comeback king. To go from not being on the team and then on to becoming a special finisher for India and RCB is amazing. Let us not forget that last over in the Nidahas Trophy that had some amazing last-over performances that will stay in our memories.

Finisher Highlights:

  • Specialist in 18th-20th overs
  • Consistently delivers under pressure
  • High strike rate in IPL 2022 and 2023

9. Jos Buttler – England

Buttler combines elegance with aggression. While he opens in many T20s, his ability to finish off innings with calm, calculated hitting makes him England’s go-to player in any situation.

Finisher Highlights:

  • Smart strike rotation + power-hitting
  • Key contributor in England’s T20 World Cup wins
  • Cool finisher in crunch games

10. Tim David – Australia

One of the rising stars in T20 cricket, Tim David is a beast in the final overs. He’s gained fame with powerful performances in franchise cricket, especially in IPL and BBL.

Finisher Highlights:

  • Strike rate over 160
  • Big match presence in pressure games
  • Future star of T20 finishing

Final Thoughts

They are the lifeblood of T20 cricket now. They play under pressure, stay focused under pressure, and deliver when their team needs them the most. From the calmness of Dhoni to the muscle of Russell, all these ten men have always come good in do-or-die situations. The role of the finisher will become even more important and thrilling, with the growing popularity of T20 cricket.

FAQs 

1. Who is considered the best T20 finisher of all time?

MS Dhoni is widely regarded as the best finisher in T20 cricket due to his unmatched consistency and calm under pressure.

2. Which T20 finisher has the highest strike rate?

Andre Russell holds one of the highest strike rates in T20 cricket, often above 170.

3. Can openers be finishers? 

Yes, many players like Jos Buttler will start as an opener but end up finishing the game. 

4. What is a good T20 finisher strike rate?

A strike rate of 150+ is elite for T20 finishers.

5. Who are some of the rising finishers? 

Tim David, Liam Livingstone, Asif Ali, and Romario Shepherd are new-age finishers to watch.