Heinrich Klaasen Or Glenn Maxwell: Analysing Who Was The Better Finisher In ODIs



Maxi vs Klaasen finisher's battle [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/x.com]
Maxi vs Klaasen finisher's battle [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/x.com]

In a shocking turn of events, Australian all-rounder, Glenn Maxwell and South African finisher, Heinrich Klaasen decided to retire from ODIs and all forms of cricket, respectively. The two have been a stalwart for their respective teams and have been genuine match-winners in crucial games.

The two stars play in similar positions and have been a dominant force, especially in ODI cricket. Known as two of the best finishers of the modern era, we look at how the duo fare against each other in death overs as a finisher (from overs 40-50).

Klaasen Vs Maxwell: Stats in death overs in ODIs

Criterion
Klaasen
Maxwell
Innings2158
Runs5701750
Balls3301033
Strike rate172.7169.4
6s hit3578

From the 40-50 overs mark in ODIs, both Maxwell and Klaasen have stellar records. The Aussie all-rounder has played more matches than Klaasen, and has a strike-rate of 169.4. Whereas, in 21 innings, Klaasen has amassed 570 runs, but most importantly has a strike rate of 172.7.

In the slog overs, strike rate matters the most and Klaasen just edges past Maxwell in this category.

Klaasen Vs Maxwell: Vs spin and pace

Criterion
Klaasen
Maxwell
Innings13
38
Runs164
510
Balls99
284
Strike rate165.7
179.6
6s hit12
31

Klaasen and Maxwell Vs spin

Criterion
Klaasen
Maxwell
Innings21
58
Runs406
1240
Balls231
749
Strike rate175.8
165.6
6s hit23
47

Klaasen and Maxwell Vs pace

Both the players are known for tackling spin with ease and are known as spin bashers. However, if we look at their record from 40-50 overs against spin, then it is clear that Maxwell wins this bout.

The Aussie all-rounder strikes at almost 180, and has hit 31 sixes in 38 innings. On the other hand, Klaasen's strike rate is excellent (165.7) but it is nowhere close to Maxwell and hence, the Aussie star wins this round.

However, against pace, Klaasen has better numbers, striking at 175, as compared to 165.6 by Maxi.

Klaasen Vs Maxwell: In ICC tournaments

Criterion
Klaasen
Maxwell
Innings5
10
Runs182
482
Balls91
231
Strike rate200
208.7
6s hit14
27

In the death overs in ICC World Cups, Maxwell has shown his dominance with the batter having a strike rate of 208, while Klaasen strikes at exactly 200. Interestingly, Maxwell has a higher dot-ball percentage (27.3) as compared to Klaasen, however, his superior strike rate over the Proteas batter just makes him better in ICC events.

Conclusion

Overall in death overs, Klaasen is a touch better than Maxwell, however when we compare the other criteria, there is nothing to separate the two. Against spin, Maxwell is a better player, whereas Klaasen is excellent Vs pace bowlers.

However, in ICC tournaments, Maxwell has way better numbers and since he has delivered in the big stage, he barely edges past Klaasen as a better finisher.