ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year 2024 Highlights Players from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and the West Indies
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has revealed the prestigious Men’s ODI Team of the Year for 2024, recognizing players from four cricketing nations for their exceptional performances throughout the year. This stellar team consists of top-order batsmen, middle-order anchors, versatile all-rounders, and a lethal bowling attack, all of whom made significant contributions to their respective teams.
Key Players and Their Exceptional Performances
The Men’s ODI Team of the Year 2024 showcases the diversity of talent across the cricketing world, with players from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and the West Indies standing out. Among the honored individuals are Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf, alongside Saim Ayub, who have been pivotal for their team’s success. Afghanistan’s rising stars and Sri Lanka’s steady contributors have also cemented their spots in the squad with remarkable achievements.
Top Order Dominance: The Opening Masters
The opening batsmen of the ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year played pivotal roles in their teams’ successes throughout 2024. Saim Ayub of Pakistan had an outstanding year, accumulating 515 runs in nine matches, with an impressive strike rate of 105.53. His breakthrough performance included three centuries, including back-to-back tons against South Africa, making him one of the most exciting openers of the year.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz – Afghanistan’s Explosive Opener
Rahmanullah Gurbaz from Afghanistan was another standout performer, with an impressive tally of 531 runs at an average of 48.2. His explosive batting included three centuries, and his ability to take on top bowlers in challenging conditions played a crucial role in Afghanistan’s success against Sri Lanka, South Africa, and Bangladesh.
Pathum Nissanka – Sri Lanka’s Reliable Top-Order
Pathum Nissanka, Sri Lanka’s top-order batsman, amassed 694 runs at a remarkable average of 63.1. One of his career-defining moments came when he scored an unbeaten 210 against Afghanistan, making it one of the highest individual scores in ODI history.
Middle Order Anchors: The Pillars of Stability
Moving into the middle order, Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis dominated with the bat, leading the charts with 742 runs in 2024. Mendis’ consistency, including a match-winning 143 against New Zealand, showcased his ability to anchor innings and finish matches under pressure.
Charith Asalanka – Sri Lanka’s All-Round Star
Sri Lanka’s Charith Asalanka, who captains the side, contributed across multiple facets of the game. With 605 runs and several key wickets across 16 matches, Asalanka proved to be an invaluable asset. His leadership skills and match-winning performances made him a standout in 2024.
Sherfane Rutherford – West Indies’ Dependable Finisher
Sherfane Rutherford from the West Indies had a remarkable year in the middle order, scoring 425 runs at a strike rate of 120.1 in just nine matches. His ability to perform consistently, including five consecutive 50+ scores, marked a stellar debut year for the cricketer.
Azmatullah Omarzai – Afghanistan’s All-Rounder
Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai impressed with both bat and ball. With 417 runs and 17 wickets, he proved himself to be a true all-rounder. His match-winning knock of 70 and figures of 4/37 against Bangladesh* stood out as some of his best performances of the year.
Bowling Attack: The Dominant Pacers and Spinners
The bowling attack of the ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year 2024 was led by Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga, who was a constant threat with the ball. Hasaranga claimed 26 wickets, including a record-breaking 7/19 against Zimbabwe, which placed him among the best bowlers in ODI history.
Shaheen Shah Afridi – Pakistan’s Consistent Paceman
Despite playing only six matches, Shaheen Shah Afridi of Pakistan was a force to reckon with, claiming 15 wickets. His ability to maintain a consistent line and length, even in limited appearances, further solidified his place as one of the best fast bowlers in the world.
Haris Rauf – Pakistan’s Firebrand Bowler
Haris Rauf, another key figure for Pakistan, claimed 13 wickets in just eight matches, including a match-defining five-for against Australia in Adelaide. Rauf’s pace and aggression made him a formidable bowler in the 2024 ODI season.
AM Ghazanfar – Afghanistan’s Rising Star
AM Ghazanfar, an 18-year-old prodigy from Afghanistan, took the cricketing world by storm in 2024. He claimed 21 wickets in 11 matches, including 6/26 against Bangladesh, establishing himself as a future star for Afghanistan.
ICC Awards 2024: The Recognition of Cricketing Excellence
The ICC Awards 2024 continue to celebrate the outstanding performances of cricketers across various formats. The Men’s ODI Team of the Year announcement was one of the highlights of the week, which also saw the Women’s ODI Team of the Year, Men’s Test Team of the Year, and more accolades being revealed.
Schedule of ICC Awards 2024:
- Friday, 24 January: Men’s and Women’s ODI Teams of the Year, Men’s Test Team of the Year
- Saturday, 25 January: Women’s T20I Team of the Year, Men’s T20I Team of the Year, ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year, ICC Women’s T20I Cricketer of the Year
- Sunday, 26 January: ICC Umpire of the Year, ICC Men’s Associate Cricketer of the Year, ICC Women’s Associate Cricketer of the Year, ICC Emerging Men’s and Women’s Cricketers of the Year
- Monday, 27 January: ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year, ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year, ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year
- Tuesday, 28 January: Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year, Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy for ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year
FAQs About ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year 2024
1. Who made it to the ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year 2024?
The team includes outstanding players such as Saim Ayub (Pakistan), Shaheen Shah Afridi (Pakistan), Haris Rauf (Pakistan), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Afghanistan), Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka), and Pathum Nissanka (Sri Lanka), among others.
2. What are some of the key performances in the ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year 2024?
Notable performances include Pathum Nissanka’s 210 against Afghanistan* and Wanindu Hasaranga’s 7/19 against Zimbabwe.
3. What was Saim Ayub’s contribution to the team?
Saim Ayub had a breakthrough year with 515 runs, including three centuries, with a strike rate of 105.53, making him one of the top openers of 2024.
4. Which team had the most players in the ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year 2024?
Sri Lanka had multiple players in the team, with Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka being key contributors.
5. How are players selected for the ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year?
Selection is based on consistent high performance in ODI matches, with players chosen for their individual contributions in key matches throughout the calendar year.
