Azmatullah Omarzai Wins ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year Award
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Synopsis
Afghan cricketer Azmatullah Omarzai has made history by winning the ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year award for 2024, becoming the first player from Afghanistan to achieve this honor. His remarkable performances helped Afghanistan secure several ODI series victories.
Key Takeaways
- Azmatullah Omarzai named ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year 2024.
- First Afghan player to win this prestigious award.
- Scored 417 runs and took 17 wickets in ODIs for the year.
- Key performances included a stunning 149 and an impactful 86 not out.
- Contributed significantly to Afghanistan's ODI series victories.
Dubai, Jan 27 (NationPress) Afghanistan all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai has been awarded the ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year for 2024. He triumphed over the West Indies’ Sherfane Rutherford, and Sri Lankan players Kusal Mendis and Wanindu Hasaranga to take home this prestigious accolade.
By achieving this feat, Omarzai has made history as the first Afghan player to receive this esteemed award, having previously earned a position in the Men’s ODI Team of the Year. In 2024, he was the second-highest run-scorer for Afghanistan in ODIs, accumulating 417 runs at an average of 52.12.
Additionally, he secured his place as the second-highest wicket-taker for Afghanistan in the 50-over format, following AM Ghazanfar, with a total of 17 wickets in 14 matches at an average of 20.47, contributing to the team's success in winning four out of five ODI series throughout the year.
At just 24 years old, Omarzai made a stunning impression in his first ODI of the year, scoring an unbeaten 149 in a valiant effort during Afghanistan's loss to Sri Lanka. Another highlight was his explosive 86 not out off just 50 balls against South Africa, which played a crucial role in Afghanistan's commanding victory in the second ODI of the series.
However, his most outstanding display came during the third ODI against Bangladesh in Sharjah in November 2024. Omarzai bowled with precision, showcasing his skills in the death overs, including dismissing set batsman Mehidy Hasan Miraz and finishing with impressive figures of 4-37 in seven overs, preventing Bangladesh from achieving the strong finish they desired.
Facing a target of 245 to win the match and series, Afghanistan found themselves in a precarious position at 84/3 when Omarzai entered the fray. He guided his team to victory by forging a century partnership with Gurbaz and accelerated the chase effortlessly after his dismissal. Ultimately, Omarzai sealed the win with a massive six, finishing unbeaten on 70 off 77 balls, leading Afghanistan to triumph with ten balls to spare.
