“Top 10 Most Lgendary Finishers in ODI Cricket – Past to Present”
Each section includes full biography, stats, match-winning performancesEach section includes full biography, stats, match-winning performances 1. MS Dhoni (India) – The Ultimate ODI FinisherFull Name: Mahendra Singh Dhoni
Born: July 7, 1981 – Ranchi, Jharkhand, India
Batting Style: Right-Handed
ODI Career: 2004 – 2019
ODI Matches: 350
Runs: 10,773
Average: 50.57
Strike Rate: 87.56
Hundreds/Fifties: 10/73
📌 Biography & Career Overview
MS Dhoni is widely regarded as the greatest finisher in the history of ODI cricket. Starting as a powerful hitter with a long-haired rebel image, Dhoni evolved into a master of controlled aggression and smart game awareness. As India’s most successful ODI captain, Dhoni not only finished games with the bat but also made match-winning tactical decisions.
Match-Winning Finishes
- 2011 World Cup Final vs Sri Lanka: Dhoni’s unbeaten 91 off 79 balls*, ending the game with a six, remains one of the most iconic finishes in ODI history.
- 2013 Tri-Series Final vs Sri Lanka: With 15 needed off the last over, Dhoni calmly hit two sixes and a boundary.
- ODI vs Pakistan (Lahore, 2006): Scored a breathtaking 148 to chase a big total.
What Made Him Legend?
- Exceptional calm under pressure.
- Ability to calculate run-chases like a mathematician.
- Brutal hitting power in death overs.
2. Andre Russell (West Indies) – The Powerhouse
Full Name: Andre Dwayne Russell
Born: April 29, 1988 – Jamaica
Batting Style: Right-Handed
ODI Career: 2011 – 2019
ODI Matches: 56
Runs: 1,034
Average: 27.21
Strike Rate: 130.22
Fifties: 4
📌 Biography & Career Overview
Andre Russell may not have a long ODI career, but his impact in limited matches was nothing short of explosive. Known for his muscle and unmatched six-hitting abilities, Russell often turned games around in the final 10 overs. He’s feared for his ability to clear boundaries with ease.
Match-Winning Finishes
- ODI vs Pakistan (2013): Came in with West Indies struggling at 143/5; scored 42 off 13 balls, including 4 sixes and 3 fours.
- ODI vs New Zealand (2014): Scored 42 off 13 balls*, winning the match with mere seconds left.
What Made Him legend?
- One of the fastest ODI strikers in history.
- Six-hitting in any conditions.
- Confidence under pressure.
3. Glenn Maxwell (Australia) – The Unpredictable Maverick
Full Name: Glenn James Maxwell
Born: October 14, 1988 – Melbourne, Australia
Batting Style: Right-Handed
ODI Career: 2012 – Present
ODI Matches: 141
Runs: 3,908
Average: 35.20
Strike Rate: 129.26
Hundreds/Fifties: 4/23
📌 Biography & Career Overview
Nicknamed “The Big Show,” Glenn Maxwell is known for his unorthodox stroke play and outrageous improvisation. He can switch-hit, reverse-sweep, and flick sixes with ease. He’s been one of Australia’s most dynamic ODI finishers in recent years.
Match-Winning Finishes
- 2023 World Cup vs Afghanistan: Scored a record-breaking 201 off 128 balls* — arguably the greatest ODI innings ever, rescuing Australia from 91/7.
- 2015 World Cup vs Sri Lanka: Scored a blistering 102 off 53 balls, smashing the fastest World Cup century for Australia.
What Made Him legend?
- Fearless mindset with explosive hitting.
- Can bat anywhere in the lower middle-order.
- Can bowl off-spin when needed.
4. Michael Bevan (Australia) – The Original Ice Man
Full Name: Michael Gwyl Bevan
Born: May 8, 1970 – Canberra, Australia
Batting Style: Left-Handed
ODI Career: 1994 – 2004
ODI Matches: 232
Runs: 6,912
Average: 53.58
Strike Rate: 74.16
Hundreds/Fifties: 6/46
📌 Biography & Career Overview
Bevan is often credited as the pioneer of the modern-day ODI finisher. In an era where batsmen struggled to chase high-pressure totals, Bevan stood out for his calmness and control. His ability to guide Australia home from difficult situations became legendary.
Match-Winning Finishes
- 1996 vs West Indies (SCG): Chased down the last over with an unforgettable 78 off 88 balls*.
- 2002 vs England: Scored 74 to win a tight match*, with only the tail for support.
What Made Him legend?
- Supreme game awareness and rotating strike.
- Precision hitting rather than brute force.
- Played the long game – calculated chases perfectly.
5. Jos Buttler (England) – England’s White-Ball Player
Full Name: Joseph Charles Buttler
Born: September 8, 1990 – Taunton, England
Batting Style: Right-Handed
ODI Career: 2012 – Present
ODI Matches: 179
Runs: 5,149
Average: 41.49
Strike Rate: 118.65
Hundreds/Fifties: 11/26
📌 Biography & Career Overview
Jos Buttler is the face of England’s white-ball revolution. With a perfect blend of orthodox and unconventional shots, Buttler can finish any ODI match, whether it’s a target chase or setting a formidable score. He’s England’s most destructive ODI player of the modern era.
Match-Winning Finishes
- 2022 vs Netherlands: Scored 162 off 70 balls*, smashing 7 fours and 14 sixes.
- 2019 World Cup Final vs New Zealand: Scored a crucial 59 in the final, and played a key role in the Super Over.
What Made Him legend?
- 360-degree stroke play.
- Ability to accelerate from any position.
- Cool-headed in pressure situations.
6. AB de Villiers (South Africa) – Mr. 360
Full Name: Abraham Benjamin de Villiers
Born: February 17, 1984 – Pretoria, South Africa
Batting Style: Right-Handed
ODI Career: 2005 – 2018
ODI Matches: 228
Runs: 9,577
Average: 53.50
Strike Rate: 101.09
Hundreds/Fifties: 25/53
📌 Biography & Career Overview
AB de Villiers, often nicknamed “Mr. 360,” is considered one of the most versatile and creative ODI batsmen in history. He redefined finishing in ODIs with innovative shot-making and impossible angles.
Match-Winning Finishes
- 2015 vs West Indies: Scored the fastest ODI century (100 off 31 balls) – a world record.
- 2016 vs Australia: Scored 119 off 61 balls, dominating world-class bowlers like Starc and Hazlewood.
What Made Him Dangerous?
- Invented new shots (reverse lap, paddle sweep).
- Could finish matches from any position.
- Often scored at 100+ strike rate across long innings.
📊 Final Comparison – Strike Rate & Finishing Impact
| Player | ODI Runs | Strike Rate | Avg. | Best Finishing Knock |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS Dhoni | 10,773 | 87.56 | 50.57 | 91* vs SL (WC Final 2011) |
| Andre Russell | 1,034 | 130.22 | 27.21 | 42* off 13 vs NZ (2014) |
| AB de Villiers | 9,577 | 101.09 | 53.50 | 149 vs WI (2015) |
| Glenn Maxwell | 3,908 | 129.26 | 35.20 | 201* vs AFG (2023) |
| Jos Buttler | 5,149 | 118.65 | 41.49 | 162* vs NED (2022) |
| Michael Bevan | 6,912 | 74.16 | 53.58 | 78* vs WI (1996) |
7. Michael Bevan (Australia) – The Original Finisher
Full Name: Michael Gwyl Bevan
Born: May 8, 1970
Country: Australia
ODI Debut: 1994
ODI Stats:
- Matches: 232
- Runs: 6912
- Average: 53.58
- Strike Rate: 74.16
- Not Outs: 67
Why He’s legend:
Michael Bevan defined the role of a finisher in ODIs during the 90s. Known for his ice-cold nerves and unmatched game awareness, Bevan was the man Australia turned to in tight situations.
Iconic Innings:
- 78 vs West Indies (1996, Sydney)* – Australia was 6 down for 38 chasing 173. Bevan guided them to victory with a last-ball four.
Legacy:
Bevan wasn’t just a finisher—he was the architect of countless escapes. His high average with many not-outs proves his match-winning ability.
8. Lance Klusener (South Africa) – The Zulu Powerhouse
Full Name: Lance Klusener
Born: September 4, 1971
Country: South Africa
ODI Debut: 1996
ODI Stats:
- Matches: 171
- Runs: 3576
- Average: 41.1
- Strike Rate: 89.9
- 50s/100s: 19/2
Why He’s legend:
Nicknamed “Zulu”, Klusener brought a fearless brand of finishing. He combined raw power with explosive shot-making—especially against fast bowlers.
Iconic Performance:
- 1999 World Cup – Named Player of the Tournament for his powerful hitting and near-single-handed effort to take South Africa to the final.
Legacy:
Klusener inspired a generation of South African power-hitters. His hitting in the death overs made him a nightmare for bowlers.
9. Jos Buttler (England) – Modern Power & Precision
Full Name: Joseph Charles Buttler
Born: September 8, 1990
Country: England
ODI Debut: 2012
ODI Stats (as of 2025):
- Matches: 188+
- Runs: 5200+
- Average: 41.3
- Strike Rate: 118.5
Why He’s legend:
Jos Buttler redefined finishing with sheer power and innovation. A key figure in England’s aggressive white-ball revolution, he’s as effective at 40/4 as he is at 250/4.
Iconic Innings:
- 110 vs Pakistan (2020)* – A brutal death-over assault that turned a tight chase into a comfortable win.
Legacy:
Buttler’s range of strokes, 360-degree hitting, and fearlessness in the death overs make him one of the most feared finishers today.
10. AB de Villiers (South Africa) – Mr. 360
Full Name: Abraham Benjamin de Villiers
Born: February 17, 1984
Country: South Africa
ODI Debut: 2005
ODI Stats:
- Matches: 228
- Runs: 9577
- Average: 53.5
- Strike Rate: 101.1
Why He’s Dangerous:
AB de Villiers could destroy any bowling attack from any angle. His innovation, calmness under pressure, and explosiveness made him a once-in-a-generation finisher.
Iconic Innings:
- 149 (44 balls) vs West Indies (2015) – Fastest 100 in ODI history (31 balls).
Legacy:
AB’s versatility made him both a reliable anchor and a ruthless finisher. He could switch gears in seconds.
📝 Conclusion
The role of a finisher in ODIs has evolved drastically – from Bevan’s calmness and Dhoni’s calculated chases to Russell’s power and Maxwell’s madness. These ten legends have shown how to win games from impossible situations, making them the most legends finishers in ODI cricket history