ICC Announces Men’s ODI Team of the Year 2024

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the Men’s ODI Team of the Year 2024. Interestingly, no Indian player made the list. However, Sri Lanka’s Charith Asalanka was appointed as the team captain.

A Year of Standout Performances

The team features players from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and the West Indies. Here’s a closer look at the selected cricketers:

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Openers: Saim Ayub and Rahmanullah Gurbaz

• Saim Ayub (Pakistan): The left-hander scored 515 runs in 9 matches, including three centuries. His ability to dominate bowlers made him a standout performer.
• Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Afghanistan): The Afghan wicketkeeper-batter smashed 531 runs in 11 matches, with three centuries and two fifties.

Middle Order: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, and Charith Asalanka

• Pathum Nissanka (Sri Lanka): Nissanka’s incredible 694 runs included a career-best 210*, the second-highest ODI tally in 2024.
• Kusal Mendis (Sri Lanka): Mendis topped the ODI run charts with 742 runs, with one century and six fifties.
• Charith Asalanka (Sri Lanka): The captain led from the front, scoring 605 runs and contributing with key all-round performances.

Lower Middle Order: Sherfane Rutherford and Azmatullah Omarzai

• Sherfane Rutherford (West Indies): Rutherford’s explosive batting saw him average 106.2 across nine matches, scoring 425 runs with a strike rate of 120.1.
• Azmatullah Omarzai (Afghanistan): Omarzai was amazing for Afghanistan throughout the year. The all-rounder scored 417 runs and took 17 wickets.

Bowlers: Wanindu Hasaranga, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and AM Ghazanfar

• Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka): Hasaranga claimed 26 wickets, with a stunning 7/19 against Zimbabwe, showcasing his game-changing abilities.
• Shaheen Shah Afridi (Pakistan): Afridi was impactful despite playing only six matches, taking 15 wickets at an average of 17.6.
• Haris Rauf (Pakistan): Rauf’s fiery spells earned him 13 wickets in eight matches, including a five-wicket haul in Adelaide.
• AM Ghazanfar (Afghanistan): The 18-year-old prodigy grabbed 21 wickets, with two five-wicket hauls, making him one of the year’s breakout stars.

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