Saim Ayub, Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf included in the ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year for 2024

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled the 2024 Men’s ODI Team of the Year, showcasing a blend of consistency, star power and versatility.

The team includes players from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and West Indies who will receive recognition for their outstanding contributions.

Dominance of the top order

Saim Ayub (Pakistan) had a breakthrough year, scoring 515 runs in nine games at a strike rate of 105.53. His three centuries included two tons in South Africa, cementing his place as a key opener.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Afghanistan) continued with 531 runs at an average of 48.2 including three centuries. His explosive batting helped Afghanistan achieve success in the series against Sri Lanka, South Africa and Bangladesh.

Path Nissanka (Sri Lanka) stood out with 694 runs at an average of 63.1. His unbeaten 210 against Afghanistan was one of the highest individual scores in ODI history.

Medium order anchor

Kusal mendis (Sri Lanka) topped the ODI run-scoring charts in 2024 with 742 runs, including a game-high 143 against New Zealand.

Charith Asalanka (Sri Lanka), who captained the XI, contributed 605 runs and important wickets in 16 matches, making him an invaluable all-round asset for his side.

Sherfane Rutherford (West Indies) showcased his reliability with 425 runs at a strike rate of 120.1 in just nine games. His five consecutive 50-point finishes marked a remarkable debut year.

Azmatullah Omarzai (Afghanistan) impressed as an all-rounder with 417 runs and 17 wickets. His match-winning knock of 70* and figures of 4/37 against Bangladesh were season highlights.

Bowling attack

Wanindu hasaranga (Sri Lanka) led the bowling unit with 26 wickets, including an exceptional 7/19 against Zimbabwe, the fifth best figures in ODI history.

Shaheen Shah Afridi (Pakistan) only played six games but made a big impact with 15 wickets and maintained his reputation as one of the most consistent pacers.

Haris Rauf (Pakistan) claimed 13 wickets in eight matches, including a crucial five against Australia in Adelaide.

Bin Ghazanfar (Afghanistan), an 18-year-old rising star, took 21 wickets in 11 matches. His June 26th Against Bangladesh established him as a key figure in Afghanistan’s future plans.

ICC Awards 2024: Full Announcement Schedule

The ICC Awards 2024 continue this week, celebrating individual and team achievements from an eventful year of cricket. The fans played an important role, providing over 1.5 million votes alongside the ICC voting academy.

The announcement schedule is as follows:

Friday, January 24th

• Men’s ODI Team of the Year

• Women’s ODI Team of the Year

• Men’s Test Team of the Year

Saturday, January 25th

• Women’s T20I Team of the Year

• Men’s T20I Team of the Year

• ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year

• ICC Women’s T20I Cricketer of the Year

Sunday, January 26th

• ICC Umpire of the Year

• ICC Men’s Associate Cricketer of the Year

• ICC Women’s Associate Cricketer of the Year

• ICC Emerging Men’s Cricketer of the Year

• ICC Emerging Women’s Cricketer of the Year

Monday, January 27th

• ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year

• ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year

• ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year

Tuesday, January 28th

The ICC Awards were established in 2004 to honor exceptional achievements in international cricket. The 20th edition recognizes the achievements from January 1st to December 30th, 2024 and ends with the crowning of the most prestigious individual awards on January 28th.