Why finishing skills matter more than strike rate in T20 cricket 🏏
Everyone talks about strike rate in T20 cricket, but I’ve realized something different. The real match-winners are the finishers., calm, smart, and deadly under pressure.
In my view, finishing skills matter more than raw strike rate in T20 cricket.
Strike rate looks good, finishing wins matches
A high strike rate is useful in the powerplay, but the real pressure moments usually come in the last five overs. Bowlers know their plan, fielders are perfectly placed, and one mistake can cost the match.
A finisher’s job is not to score fast from ball one, but to read the situation:
- How many runs are needed?
- How many wickets are left?
- Which bowlers still have overs?
A batter who understands these moments can win games even without flashy numbers.
Calm under pressure is a rare skill
Finishing requires composure, something statistics don’t show. Many players hit big shots when the team is already ahead. Very few can do it when the required run rate is climbing and the crowd is tense.
Players like MS Dhoni built their reputation not on strike rate alone, but on their ability to stay calm, rotate the strike, and explode only when it truly matters.
Timing matters more than speed
In the death overs, one well-timed boundary can change the match. A finisher knows when to take risks and when to simply keep the strike. This balance is far more valuable than attacking every ball and losing wickets cheaply.
That’s why teams value reliable finishers, they bring certainty in chaos.
My take
For me, a good T20 finisher is someone who:
- Can absorb pressure
- Makes smart decisions
- Finishes matches more often than not
Strike rate may impress on paper, but finishing skill wins tournaments.
What do you think.. would you prefer a batter with a higher strike rate, or one who finishes games consistently ?
written by @manish1992