2024 ICC Men's ODI Team of the Year Excludes Indian and Australian Players
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Synopsis
The ICC Men's ODI Team of the Year for 2024 has been announced, led by Sri Lankan all-rounder Charith Asalanka. Notably, no players from India or Australia made the cut, highlighting the remarkable achievements of other international stars in the cricketing landscape.
Key Takeaways
- No Indian or Australian players in 2024 ODI Team of the Year.
- Charith Asalanka leads the team.
- Saim Ayub and Rahmanullah Gurbaz excel in their performances.
- Kusal Mendis scores the most runs in ODIs for 2024.
- Wanindu Hasaranga achieves a historic bowling feat.
Dubai, Jan 24 (NationPress) In a surprising turn, the ICC Men's ODI Team of the Year for 2024 does not include any cricketers from India or Australia, with Sri Lankan all-rounder Charith Asalanka at the helm. The International Cricket Council has revealed the ODI Team of the Year, which honors the exceptional players who demonstrated a remarkable mix of star power, consistency, and versatility.
The team, led by Asalanka, features Saim Ayub (Pakistan), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Afghanistan), Pathum Nissanka (Sri Lanka), Kusal Mendis (wk) (Sri Lanka), Sherfane Rutherford (West Indies), Azmatullah Omarzai (Afghanistan), Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka), Shaheen Shah Afridi (Pakistan), Haris Rauf (Pakistan), and AM Ghazanfar (Afghanistan).
Saim Ayub had a phenomenal breakout season, securing a spot at the top of the order in the ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year. After debuting in November, he scored a total of 125 runs across three ODIs in Australia before achieving his first ODI century in Zimbabwe. Remarkably, three out of his last five innings resulted in centuries, including two in South Africa in December, averaging 78.3.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz continues to establish his reputation as a game-changer, having scored 531 runs at an average of 48.2 in 11 matches, with a top score of 121. He achieved three centuries and two half-centuries, showcasing his prowess during Afghanistan's 2024 series against Sri Lanka, Ireland, South Africa, and Bangladesh.
Pathum Nissanka made headlines with an unbeaten 210 against Afghanistan in February, marking the 6th-highest score by an opener in ODI history. He finished the year as one of the top run-scorers for Sri Lanka, trailing only teammate Kusal Mendis.
Kusal Mendis topped the charts with 742 runs in ODIs for 2024, including a striking 143 against New Zealand in November, which ranks as the 27th-highest total by a wicketkeeper in ODI history. He concluded the year with a flourish, amassing 217 runs in two matches against the Black Caps.
Charith Asalanka had a solid start to the year with a century against Zimbabwe, his only one of the year, but was consistent with four fifties, two of which were in the 90s. He also claimed three wickets in two of Sri Lanka’s three matches against India.
Sherfane Rutherford, who debuted in December 2023, played nine ODIs in 2024 and scored 425 runs at a blistering pace, averaging over a run-a-ball from seven innings. His streak of five consecutive innings scoring 50 runs is the 13th-best in ODI history.
Azmatullah Omarzai contributed significantly to Afghanistan throughout the year, delivering impressive batting and bowling performances. Notably, he took 4-37 and scored 70 not out in a crucial ODI against Bangladesh, leading his team to a five-wicket victory.
Wanindu Hasaranga achieved a remarkable 7-19 against Zimbabwe in January, marking the fifth-best bowling performance in ODI history. He averaged 2.6 wickets per game throughout 2024, maintaining a bowling average below 20.
Shaheen Shah Afridi showcased his prowess with only six ODIs, demonstrating one of the best bowling strike rates in world cricket and proving to be a consistent performer.
Haris Rauf ended the year on a high note, claiming 10 wickets in three ODIs against Australia, which included a five-wicket haul in Adelaide, a match won comfortably by the touring side.
AM Ghazanfar, at just 18 years old, had an exceptional 2024 after debuting in March against Ireland. The off-spinner became the fifth-youngest player to take a five-wicket haul in an ODI, recording 6/26 against Bangladesh in November. He capped off the year with another five-wicket haul of 5/33 in December.
