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

SB Score

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

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.