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The International Cricket Council (ICC) unveiled the Men’s ODI Team of the Year 2024 on January 24, marking a year of standout performances by players from Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Afghanistan.
A year of missed opportunities for India
Interestingly, the team excluded Indian, Australian, South African and England players, with India notably failing to win any of their three ODIs played during the year. India’s exclusion from the ICC ODI Team of the Year was a result of their dismal ODI performance in 2024, losing all three matches against Sri Lanka. The absence of Indian, Australian, South African, and English players highlighted the dominance of emerging cricketing nations like Afghanistan and the resurgence of teams like Sri Lanka and Pakistan in the ODI format. This year’s selection also underscores the growing impact of players from less-traditional cricketing powerhouses, reflecting the increasingly competitive nature of ODI cricket worldwide.
ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year 2024: dominated by Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Afghanistan
Openers: Saim Ayub and Rahmanullah Gurbaz
- Saim Ayub (Pakistan): The young left-hander emerged as a revelation in 2024, scoring 515 runs in nine matches at an impressive average of 64.67. Ayub’s impactful performances included a century against Zimbabwe and standout contributions in the series against Australia.
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Afghanistan): Gurbaz’s dynamic batting at the top yielded 531 runs in 11 matches. Known for his explosive starts, he made significant contributions against teams like Ireland, South Africa, and Bangladesh.
Middle Order: Sri Lanka’s Consistent Trio
- Pathum Nissanka: Batting at No. 3, Nissanka amassed 694 runs in 12 matches at a staggering average of 106. His consistency was instrumental in Sri Lanka’s success.
- Charith Asalanka (Captain): The Sri Lankan skipper led by example, scoring 742 runs in 17 matches, showcasing his ability to anchor innings and accelerate when needed. Asalanka’s leadership qualities earned him the captaincy of the ODI XI.
- Kusal Mendis (Wicketkeeper): Mendis’ contributions as a middle-order batter and wicketkeeper were invaluable. He scored 742 runs in 17 matches, matching Asalanka in run tally and providing stability.
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All-Rounders and Finishers
- Sherfane Rutherford (West Indies): Playing the role of a finisher, Rutherford scored 429 runs in nine matches at a strike rate of 120, with a remarkable average of 106.
- Azmatullah Omarzai (Afghanistan): The dependable all-rounder scored 417 runs in 12 matches and picked up 17 wickets, proving his mettle with both bat and ball.
Spinners: Wanindu Hasaranga and Allah Ghazanfar
- Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka): Hasaranga’s spin wizardry fetched him 26 wickets in 10 matches, with a standout performance of 7/19, making him a key asset for Sri Lanka.
- Allah Ghazanfar (Afghanistan): The teenage off-spinner made waves by taking 21 wickets in 11 matches, showcasing exceptional control and maturity.
Pacers: Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf
- Shaheen Afridi (Pakistan): Known for his lethal new-ball spells, Afridi took 15 wickets in six matches, maintaining his status as one of the top fast bowlers.
- Haris Rauf (Pakistan): Complementing Afridi, Rauf claimed 13 wickets in eight matches, often delivering crucial breakthroughs for Pakistan.
