T20 World Cup 2024: Rating top teams designated finishers based on form

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 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 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 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 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.