The Worldwide Cricket Council (ICC) unveiled the Males’s ODI Staff of the Yr 2024 on January 24, marking a 12 months of standout performances by gamers from Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Afghanistan.
A 12 months of missed alternatives for India
Curiously, the group excluded Indian, Australian, South African and England gamers, with India notably failing to win any of their three ODIs performed in the course of the 12 months. India’s exclusion from the ICC ODI Staff of the Yr was a results of their dismal ODI efficiency in 2024, dropping all three matches in opposition to Sri Lanka. The absence of Indian, Australian, South African, and English gamers highlighted the dominance of rising cricketing nations like Afghanistan and the resurgence of groups like Sri Lanka and Pakistan within the ODI format. This 12 months’s choice additionally underscores the rising affect of gamers from less-traditional cricketing powerhouses, reflecting the more and more aggressive nature of ODI cricket worldwide.
ICC Males’s ODI Staff of the Yr 2024: dominated by Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Afghanistan
Openers: Saim Ayub and Rahmanullah Gurbaz
- Saim Ayub (Pakistan): The younger left-hander emerged as a revelation in 2024, scoring 515 runs in 9 matches at a powerful common of 64.67. Ayub’s impactful performances included a century in opposition to Zimbabwe and standout contributions within the sequence in opposition to Australia.
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Afghanistan): Gurbaz’s dynamic batting on the high yielded 531 runs in 11 matches. Recognized for his explosive begins, he made important contributions in opposition to groups like Eire, South Africa, and Bangladesh.
Center Order: Sri Lanka’s Constant Trio
- Pathum Nissanka: Batting at No. 3, Nissanka amassed 694 runs in 12 matches at a staggering common of 106. His consistency was instrumental in Sri Lanka’s success.
- Charith Asalanka (Captain): The Sri Lankan skipper led by instance, scoring 742 runs in 17 matches, showcasing his capacity to anchor innings and speed up when wanted. Asalanka’s management qualities earned him the captaincy of the ODI XI.
- Kusal Mendis (Wicketkeeper): Mendis’ contributions as a middle-order batter and wicketkeeper had been invaluable. He scored 742 runs in 17 matches, matching Asalanka in run tally and offering stability.
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All-Rounders and Finishers
- Sherfane Rutherford (West Indies): Taking part in the position of a finisher, Rutherford scored 429 runs in 9 matches at a strike price of 120, with a exceptional common of 106.
- Azmatullah Omarzai (Afghanistan): The reliable all-rounder scored 417 runs in 12 matches and picked up 17 wickets, proving his mettle with each 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 efficiency 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 distinctive management and maturity.
Pacers: Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf
- Shaheen Afridi (Pakistan): Recognized for his deadly new-ball spells, Afridi took 15 wickets in six matches, sustaining his standing as one of many high quick bowlers.
- Haris Rauf (Pakistan): Complementing Afridi, Rauf claimed 13 wickets in eight matches, usually delivering essential breakthroughs for Pakistan.