T20 is a format in which maintaining a healthy strike rate is more necessary than racking up runs. The aim should be to score maximum runs by playing fewer balls. While the top-order and middle-order batters mostly try to bring stability and anchor the innings, it is the responsibility of the lower middle-order batters to give the team a proper finish.
Designated as finishers, these big hitters only get a handful of deliveries to make a huge impact. In the 2024 T20 World Cup, which starts on June 2, finishers will play a major role in helping their team enjoy success. Let’s take a look at which teams have the best finishers based on current performance.
Here are the top 10 teams ranked for designated finishers based on their form ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup:
10. Bangladesh
Bangladesh is strong in terms of bowling, especially in the spin department. However, their batting unit looked a bit weak and so did their finishing. All-rounder Mahedi Hasan and veteran campaigners Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah will play their part to give a good finish to their innings.
9. Pakistan
Pakistan Cricket. (Source – Twitter/X)
Pakistan have a balanced side that has a mixture of youth and experience. They will rely on experienced players Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan and Imad Wasim to deliver a rousing conclusion to their innings. Wicketkeeper Azam Khan and leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed, who bat in the lower order, can also contribute their part.
8. Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka Team. (Photo Source: Sri Lanka Cricket)
Sri Lanka have not won the T20 World Cup since 2014. They have good bowling and batting units this time, but their finishers are not as lethal as others. Veteran cricketer Angelo Mathews and all-rounders Dasun Shanaka and Dhananjaya De Silva are the finishers in the Lankan line-up. Captain Wanindu Hasaranga can also ship in with some vital runs in the lower order.
7. New Zealand
New Zealand. (Source -Getty Images)
New Zealand will enter the tournament looking to end their quest for the limited-overs trophy. They have a solid batting unit, but when it comes to finishing, they lack some firepower. Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Jimmy Neesham and Mitchell Santner are tasked with this role. Notably, Phillips hasn’t played a single game in the 2024 IPL, while Santner has had limited opportunities in which he hasn’t done anything impressive.
6. Afghanistan
Afghanistan Cricket Team. (Photo Source: BCCI)
Afghanistan are blessed with many quality all-rounders. Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat and Nangeyalia Kharote are capable of providing a good finish to the team. The lower middle-order will have the presence of experienced campaigner Mohammad Nabi and the skipper Rashid Khan. Both are dangerous finishers who can help the team achieve a competitive total on the board.
5. India
India team (Photo Source: KL Rahul/IG)
Inaugural champions India have multiple finishing options, but their current form worries the management. All-rounders Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel have been assigned to this role. While vice-captain Pandya struggled to perform throughout the IPL, Dube failed to maintain his consistency towards the end of the season. Wicketkeepers Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson and middle-order batter Suryakumar Yadav can also provide a good finish to their innings.
4. Australia
Australia. (Photo by Alex Davidson-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)
Australia, the powerhouse in international cricket, are aiming for a second T20 title. They have multiple options for finishers who are capable of singlehandedly taking games away from opponents. Veteran players Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis will patrol the middle order, while Cameron Green and Tim David will do the needful in the lower middle order. If Josh Inglis doesn’t bat in the top order, the keeper-batter will join others in the finishing role.
3. England
England. (Photo by Ashley Allen/Getty Images)
It will be hard to pinpoint the finishers in the England squad as even their top-order batters can provide blazing finishes to their innings. Will Jacks and Jonny Bairstow are top-order contenders, but they also can bat deep at a staggering strike rate. Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone and Sam Curran will provide the team with lower-order firepower. This combination makes the team one of the best batting units in the marquee event.
2. West Indies
West Indies Cricket Team. (Photo Source: X(Twitter)
When you hear the T20 format, the first team that comes to mind is the West Indies. Their squad will always have the presence of big-hitters who are capable of thrashing opponents mercilessly. Windies have a plethora of power-hitters this time too, including Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell, Shimron Hetmyer, Powell, Jason Holder, Sherfane Rutherford and Romario Shepherd. All of them are singlehandedly capable of changing the course of the game.
1. South Africa
South Africa Team ( Source: X / Twitter )
South Africa’s primary strength is their batting unit. They have a devastating middle and lower middle order that can provide a fiery finish to their innings. Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller and young gun Tristan Stubbs have been roped in for the finisher’s role. While Miller had a decent campaign in the recently concluded 2024 IPL, Klaasen and Stubbs were ruthless throughout the tournament. When on song, bowlers will find it difficult to stop this trio. Moreover, all-rounder Marco Jansen is also a handy lower-order batter who can chip in with some crucial runs.