Few things in a cricket match the thrill of a last-over finish — the tension, the roar of the crowd, and the high-stakes drama that makes the IPL so addictive. In these final moments, heroes are made not by chance, but by ice-cold nerves and explosive skill.
In a tournament where form fluctuates and conditions vary wildly, consistently finishing games in the last over requires more than just brute force — it demands nerve, foresight, and a deep understanding of the game. Whether it’s MS Dhoni’s signature calm, Pollard’s sheer muscle, or AB de Villiers’ unorthodox genius, these finishers have built a legacy on last-ball drama.
This blog dives into the elite club of Top 5 IPL batters who’ve registered the most last-over finishes, rewriting scripts under pressure and redefining what it means to be a finisher in the game’s most exciting league.
5. Dinesh Karthik
Last-Over Finishes: 10+
Team(s): KKR, RCB, DC, MI, PBKS, GL
A journeyman in the IPL, DK has reinvented himself as a specialist finisher. His late-over clarity and ability to find gaps under pressure made him a match-winner, especially for RCB in 2022.
Notable Finish: 2022 vs DC — A clinical 66* (34) helped RCB chase 189, sealed in the final over.
4. Hardik Pandya
Last-Over Finishes: 12+
Team(s): Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Titans
Hardik is among the new-generation finishers who can absorb pressure and go ballistic when needed. His all-around prowess and confidence in the final overs have helped his teams clinch tight chases multiple times.
Notable Finish: 2019 vs KKR — Almost pulled off a miraculous chase scoring 91(34); fell short but left a mark.
3. AB de Villiers
Last-Over Finishes: 15+
Team: Royal Challengers Bangalore
“Mr. 360” wasn’t just about innovation — he was a certified finisher. AB de Villiers could hit any ball anywhere, making him lethal in final-over chases. His chemistry with Virat Kohli often saw RCB pull off dramatic wins.
Notable Finish: 2020 vs RR — Scored 35 runs off his last 11 balls to chase down 179 in the final over.
2. Kieron Pollard
Last-Over Finishes: 17+
Team: Mumbai Indians
Pollard has been the ultimate match-winner for the Mumbai Indians. With his brute power and unshakable temperament, he often finishes games single-handedly. Known for big sixes in the final overs, Pollard was MI’s go-to man in crunch situations.
Notable Finish: 2021 vs CSK — 87* off 34, chasing 219, Pollard finished it off with a boundary in the last over.
1. MS Dhoni
Last-Over Finishes: 27+
Team(s): Chennai Super Kings, Rising Pune Supergiant
The undisputed king of calm under pressure, MS Dhoni, has made finishing an art form. With a cool head and powerful finishing ability, Dhoni has time and again turned impossible situations into memorable wins. Whether it’s a helicopter shot off the last ball or calmly guiding a chase, “Thala” has the most last-over finishes in IPL history.
Notable Finish: 2016 vs Punjab Kings — 23 needed off the final over, Dhoni smashed 22 off the last 4 balls.
Stats Table
| Rank | Player | Team(s) | Last-Over Finishes | Strike Rate (Death Overs) | Best Known Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MS Dhoni | CSK, RPS | 27+ | 180+ | 2016 vs PBKS – 23 needed off last over |
| 2 | Kieron Pollard | Mumbai Indians | 17+ | 190+ | 2021 vs CSK – 87* off 34 in a 219 chase |
| 3 | AB de Villiers | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 15+ | 200+ | 2020 vs RR – 55* off 22, 3 sixes in last over |
| 4 | Hardik Pandya | Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Titans | 12+ | 195+ | 2020 vs RR – 60 off 21 with late over flurry |
| 5 | Dinesh Karthik | KKR, RCB, MI, DC, PBKS, GL | 10+ | 175+ | 2016 vs PBKS – 23 needed off the last over |
The IPL is a tournament of flair, firepower, and unpredictability — but when it comes to closing games in the final over, only a few players stand tall as true finishers. What makes these batters special isn’t just their strike rates or power-hitting — it’s their ability to read the game, stay composed, and execute under pressure. In an era where finishing matches is as celebrated as setting up innings, these five have redefined the role of a modern-day match-winner. They’ve shown that legends aren’t just made at the top of the innings — sometimes, they’re made when the clock is ticking, the odds are stacked, and only one over remains.
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