ICC Men’s ODI Team Of the Year 2024: No Indian Star to Steal the Limelight

The ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year 2024 is a testament to the brilliance, consistency, and versatility displayed by cricketers over the past year. This prestigious lineup showcases players who not only dominated the field but also left an indelible mark on the cricketing world. From breakout talents to seasoned performers, this team has a perfect blend of star power and balance. You can bet on cricket matches here
Saim Ayub (Pakistan) – Pakistan’s Southpaw Sensation
- Matches: 9
- Runs: 515
- Highest Score: 113*
- Average: 64.37
- Strike Rate: 105.53
- Centuries: 3
- Half-Centuries: 1
Saim Ayub’s meteoric rise in international cricket has been nothing short of spectacular. Making his ODI debut in November, Saim wasted no time in proving his mettle. His series in Australia saw him score 125 runs across three games, laying the foundation for what would be a breakout year.
The highlight of his season was his maiden ODI century in Zimbabwe, which was followed by two more centuries in South Africa. With an average of 64.37 and a strike rate exceeding 100, Saim has established himself as a reliable opener who can anchor innings and accelerate when needed.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Afghanistan) – The Afghan Game-Changer
- Matches: 11
- Runs: 531
- Highest Score: 121
- Average: 48.2
- Strike Rate: 89.7
- Centuries: 3
- Half-Centuries: 2
Rahmanullah Gurbaz continued to live up to his reputation as a game-changer. Known for his explosive batting, Gurbaz showcased his consistency in 2024, scoring three centuries and two half-centuries across series against Sri Lanka, Ireland, South Africa, and Bangladesh.
His ability to deliver under pressure was on full display throughout the year. Whether setting a platform or finishing strong, Gurbaz ensured Afghanistan had a dependable presence at the top of the order.
Pathum Nissanka (Sri Lanka) – The Lankan Run Machine
- Matches: 12
- Runs: 694
- Highest Score: 210*
- Average: 63.1
- Strike Rate: 106.4
- Centuries: 3
- Half-Centuries: 2
Pathum Nissanka’s remarkable consistency saw him finish as one of the highest run-scorers of the year. His unbeaten 210 against Afghanistan was not only the sixth-highest score by an opener in ODI history but also a statement of intent.
Nissanka’s ability to build long innings and accelerate when required made him a crucial player for Sri Lanka in 2024. With three centuries and two half-centuries, he was a cornerstone of their batting lineup.
Kusal Mendis (WK) (Sri Lanka) – The Run-Scoring Maestro
- Matches: 17
- Runs: 742
- Highest Score: 143
- Average: 53
- Strike Rate: 90.6
- Centuries: 1
- Half-Centuries: 6
Kusal Mendis topped the ODI run charts in 2024 with 742 runs. His consistency was unmatched, failing to reach double figures only once in 17 innings. The wicketkeeper-batter’s 143 against New Zealand was a masterclass in stroke play and patience.
Mendis’ ability to anchor the innings while keeping the scoreboard ticking made him indispensable for Sri Lanka. With one century and six half-centuries, he was a constant thorn in the opposition’s side.
Kusal Mendis (WK) (Sri Lanka) – The Run-Scoring Maestro
- Matches: 17
- Runs: 742
- Highest Score: 143
- Average: 53
- Strike Rate: 90.6
- Centuries: 1
- Half-Centuries: 6
Kusal Mendis topped the ODI run charts in 2024 with 742 runs. His consistency was unmatched, failing to reach double figures only once in 17 innings. The wicketkeeper-batter’s 143 against New Zealand was a masterclass in stroke play and patience.
Mendis’ ability to anchor the innings while keeping the scoreboard ticking made him indispensable for Sri Lanka. With one century and six half-centuries, he was a constant thorn in the opposition’s side.
Charith Asalanka (C) (Sri Lanka) – The Captain Courageous
- Matches: 16
- Runs: 605
- Highest Score: 101
- Average: 50.2
- Strike Rate: 97.1
- Centuries: 1
- Half-Centuries: 4
Charith Asalanka’s leadership and consistent performances were pivotal for Sri Lanka in 2024. Starting the year with a century against Zimbabwe, Asalanka continued to chip in with crucial runs throughout the season. His ability to guide the team during pressure situations made him a standout performer.
Asalanka also contributed with the ball, taking key wickets against India, showcasing his all-round capabilities. Under his captaincy, Sri Lanka enjoyed a strong year in ODIs.
Sherfane Rutherford (West Indies) – The Middle-Order Maverick
- Matches: 9
- Runs: 425
- Highest Score: 113
- Average: 106.2
- Strike Rate: 120.1
- Centuries: 1
- Half-Centuries: 4
Sherfane Rutherford’s ODI journey began in late 2023, but his performances in 2024 cemented his place in the West Indies team. Scoring at a brisk pace with an average of 106.2 and a strike rate of 120.1, Rutherford was a revelation in the middle order.
His unbeaten innings and ability to convert starts into big scores made him a vital cog in the West Indies batting lineup. Rutherford’s power-hitting and calm demeanour were instrumental in their success.
Azmatullah Omarzai (Afghanistan) – The Dynamic All-Rounder
- Matches: 12
- Runs: 417
- Highest Score: 149
- Average: 52.1
- Strike Rate: 105.6
- Wickets: 17
- Best Bowling: 4/18
Azmatullah Omarzai’s all-round brilliance was a major factor in Afghanistan’s success in 2024. With the bat, he scored crucial runs, including a match-winning 70 not out against Bangladesh. With the ball, his 4/18 in the same series decider showcased his ability to deliver under pressure.
Omarzai’s ability to contribute in all facets of the game makes him one of the most valuable players in ODI cricket today.
Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka) – The Spin Wizard
- Matches: 10
- Wickets: 26
- Bowling Average: 15.6
- Best Bowling: 7/19
Wanindu Hasaranga’s spellbinding bowling performances made him a standout spinner in 2024. His 7/19 against Zimbabwe was one of the best bowling figures in ODI history, underlining his ability to dismantle batting lineups.
Hasaranga’s knack for taking wickets at crucial junctures and maintaining a low economy rate solidified his place as a premier bowler in world cricket.
Shaheen Shah Afridi (Pakistan) – The Left-Arm Thunderbolt
- Matches: 6
- Wickets: 15
- Bowling Average: 17.6
- Best Bowling: 4/47
Shaheen Shah Afridi’s limited appearances in 2024 didn’t diminish his impact. The left-arm pacer’s ability to strike early and break partnerships made him a constant threat. His 4/47 against Australia was a reminder of his match-winning abilities.
Haris Rauf (Pakistan) – The Yorker Specialist
- Matches: 8
- Wickets: 13
- Bowling Average: 22.4
- Best Bowling: 5/29
Haris Rauf’s fiery spells were a highlight of Pakistan’s ODI campaigns in 2024. His five-wicket haul against Australia in Adelaide showcased his lethal yorkers and aggressive bowling style. Rauf’s pace and precision were key to Pakistan’s victories.
AM Ghazanfar (Afghanistan) – The Teen Sensation
- Matches: 11
- Wickets: 21
- Bowling Average: 13.57
- Best Bowling: 6/26
At just 18 years old, AM Ghazanfar’s rise in international cricket has been meteoric. The off-spinner’s six-wicket haul against Bangladesh was a record-breaking performance. Ghazanfar’s maturity and skill make him a player to watch in the years to come.
The ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year 2024 is a celebration of excellence in cricket. From emerging stars like Saim Ayub and AM Ghazanfar to established performers like Wanindu Hasaranga and Kusal Mendis, this team is a blend of talent, consistency, and match-winning prowess. These players have not only lit up the field with their performances but also set the stage for an exciting future in ODI cricket.
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