Cricket
Who is the Best Chase Master in T20 Cricket? A Ranking
Unlike Test cricket or ODIs, T20 cricket brings its own set of pressures, none more so than batting second. Mounting a successful run chase requires being composed, but also explosive during key moments to keep the scoreboard ticking over. The T20 cricket clutch players who are held in high affection have come to the rescue when nerves were otherwise shredded. Our examination of the top batsmen in T20 run chases met our criteria of scoring at least 1,000 runs, and there are a few familiar faces that feature, such as Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, and Jos Buttler. But who is the best chase master in T20 cricket? We’ve been rigorous in our approach by blending raw data with expert opinions to reach a concrete conclusion.
Virat Kohli of India plays a shot//Getty Images
SB Market Index: How We Evaluate T20’s Greatest Chase Masters
This evaluation combines a detailed statistical analysis of T20 cricket’s best finishers batting second with expert and media perception to provide a comprehensive ranking. Fusing these elements formed the 'SB Market Index’, a unique, custom-built system where results were accurate and devoid of bias.
Industry Insights
A curated analysis from the top 10 cricketing and sports media sources measures how prominently each player is featured in discussions of the “greatest chasers” or “most clutch finishers” in T20 cricket history.
Industry Insights
| Source Name | V Kohli | Babar Azam | DA Warner | Mohammad Rizwan | RG Sharma | GJ Maxwell | JC Buttler | PR Stirling | R Sandaruwan |
| ESPNcricinfo – “The Chase Master” feature | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Wisden – “Analyzing T20’s Best Finishers” | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Cricbuzz – “Deconstructing the Modern T20 Chase” | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Sky Sports – “Cricket’s Most Clutch Moments” | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| The Guardian – “The Art of the Run Chase” | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Cricket.com.au – “Top 10 T20 Finishers” | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Reddit r/Cricket – “Best Chaser in T20” poll | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Sportskeeda – “5 Batsmen Who Thrive Under Pressure” | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| The Cricketer – “Masters of the Second Innings” | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| talkSPORT – “Cricket’s Ultimate Match-Winners | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Total Mentions | 10 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 1 | 9 | 9 | 1 | 0 |
SB Score
| Player | Runs | Ave | SR | SB Score |
| JC Buttler | 1213 | 63.84 | 151.24 | 1.000 |
| V Kohli | 1651 | 78.61 | 135.43 | 0.999 |
| GJ Maxwell | 1231 | 39.70 | 160.28 | 0.865 |
| R Sandaruwan | 1156 | 37.29 | 159.44 | 0.829 |
| Mohammad Rizwan | 1273 | 60.61 | 128.58 | 0.825 |
| DA Warner | 1326 | 39.00 | 150.16 | 0.811 |
| PR Stirling | 1173 | 46.92 | 137.67 | 0.755 |
| Babar Azam | 1403 | 46.76 | 130.26 | 0.713 |
| RG Sharma | 1252 | 27.82 | 131.92 | 0.559 |
This score is calculated based on three key T20I run chase metrics: Batting Average (40% weightage), Strike Rate (40% weightage), and Total Runs (20% weightage).
SB Market Index
| Rank | Player | SB Score | Industry Insights | SB Market Index |
| 1 | V Kohli | 0.999 | 10 | 8.200 |
| 2 | GJ Maxwell | 0.865 | 9 | 7.373 |
| 3 | JC Buttler | 1.000 | 9 | 7.400 |
| 4 | DA Warner | 0.811 | 6 | 4.962 |
| 5 | Babar Azam | 0.713 | 5 | 4.143 |
| 6 | Mohammad Rizwan | 0.825 | 5 | 4.165 |
| 7 | PR Stirling | 0.755 | 1 | 0.951 |
| 8 | RG Sharma | 0.559 | 1 | 0.912 |
| 9 | R Sandaruwan | 0.829 | 0 | 0.166 |
Virat Kohli: The Undisputed Chase Master
A legendary top-order batsman known for his gap-picking skills and running hard between the wickets, Virat Kohli’s chase stats indicated he was formidable in the shortest format. He won countless Player-of-the-Match awards, and he boasted a brilliant cover drive.
Kohli lived every ball, and he was always probing the opposition picking up quick singles. The T20I batting records for chasing showed he scored more runs than any other player on our list (1,651), and his batting average (78.43) eclipsed his rivals.
His near-perfect ‘SB Score’ combined with his flawless ‘Industry Insights’ rating showed he was virtually untouchable, and he thrived in high-pressure contests.
The Explosive Finishers: Maxwell and Buttler
Known as the “Big Show” for entertaining the fans, Glenn Maxwell’s finisher instincts made him syand out in the T20 arena. One of the fastest scorers in the game’s shortest format, Maxwell could single-handedly win games, and he registered the highest strike rate (160.28). His excellent ‘SB Score’ and ‘Industry Insights’ mark underline the contributions he made for Australia.
As the poster boy of ‘Bazball cricket’, Jos Buttler’s strike rate was extraordinary (151.24), and he was an undisputed T20 run machine. He was ruthless, with only Rohit Sharma amassing more T20I sixes. Buttler was instrumental in England’s T20 World Cup win over New Zealand in 2019, and his excellent ‘SB Score’ along with a strong ‘Industry Insights’ rating highlighted his exploits.
The Statistical Standouts
Pakistan duo Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are often closely compared, but the latter boasted a much better average (60.61), and he is one of the pull shot kings. Rizwan’s consistency was incredible, and he led his country with distinction. A decent ‘Industry Insights’ mark was countered by a superb ‘SB Score’.
Ravija Sandaruwan may not have as big a global profile, but he has proved to be one of the finest run chasers with an exceptional strike rate. He brought the fireworks, and his excellent ‘SB Score’ offset his low ‘Industry Insights’ mark.
Conclusion on T20’s Ultimate Pressure Players
In summary, our model, which leaned heavily into statistical dominance in chases along with expert consensus, crowned Virat Kohli as the undisputed run chase master. His diligent approach set him apart, and he scored off virtually any delivery.
However, the other players mentioned merited their status as the greatest T20 run chasers. They showed plenty of flair and their diverse skillsets haul their countries over the line in exhilarating run chases.
They often anchored an innings well and relieved any anxiety, so they should be celebrated for their achievements.
Charles Perrin is a highly experienced sports betting content writer with over six years of working with some of the leading sportsbooks in the UK, including bet365 and William Hill.