The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the Men’s ODI Team of the Year 2024, featuring a stellar lineup of players from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and the West Indies. This year’s team is a mix of star power, consistency, and versatility, recognizing standout performances across the cricketing world.
Top Order Brilliance Leading the top order is Saim Ayub from Pakistan, who had an exceptional year, amassing 515 runs in just nine matches with a strike rate of 105.53. His three centuries, including back-to-back hundreds in South Africa, have secured his place as one of the top openers. Afghanistan’s Rahmanullah Gurbaz also dazzled with 531 runs at an average of 48.2, including three centuries, while Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka’s unbeaten 210 against Afghanistan remains one of the highest individual scores in ODI history.
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Middle Order Anchors Kusal Mendis from Sri Lanka topped the ODI charts with 742 runs, and his match-winning 143 against New Zealand stood out as a memorable performance. Captain Charith Asalanka contributed 605 runs and crucial wickets, making him an essential all-rounder for the team. The West Indies’ Sherfane Rutherford also had a brilliant debut year, scoring 425 runs at a strike rate of 120.1, with five consecutive 50-plus scores.
All-Round and Bowling Prowess Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai displayed his all-round capabilities with 417 runs and 17 wickets, with standout performances against Bangladesh. The bowling attack is led by Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga, who took 26 wickets, including a remarkable 7/19 against Zimbabwe, while Pakistan’s pace duo, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf, delivered impressive spells, combining for 28 wickets in limited appearances. Afghanistan’s 18-year-old AM Ghazanfar rounded off the attack with 21 wickets, proving himself as a future star.
ICC Awards 2024 Schedule The ICC Awards week continues, recognizing cricketing excellence from 1 January to 30 December 2024. Fans have cast over 1.5 million votes, with the following categories yet to be announced:
- 24 January: Women’s ODI Team of the Year, Men’s Test Team of the Year
- 25 January: T20I Teams and Cricketers of the Year
- 26 January: Umpire of the Year, Associate Cricketers of the Year, Emerging Cricketers of the Year
- 27 January: Men’s and Women’s ODI Cricketers of the Year, Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year
- 28 January: Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for Men’s Cricketer of the Year, Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy for Women’s Cricketer of the Year
