The ICC has unveiled its Men’s ODI Team of the Year for 2024, spotlighting outstanding performances from emerging talents across multiple cricket-playing nations.
This lineup features a remarkable blend of youth and skill, with players from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and the West Indies making significant contributions in international one-day cricket.
Leading the batting charge are Saim Ayub from Pakistan and Rahmanullah Gurbaz from Afghanistan, both showcasing explosive performances despite limited international experience. Ayub, who debuted in November, scored 515 runs with three centuries, while Gurbaz continued to impress with game-changing innings across various series.
Sri Lanka dominated the middle-order selections with Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, and Charith Asalanka contributing significantly to the team’s batting depth. Nissanka’s remarkable 210* against Afghanistan stands out as a highlight, ranking as the 6th-highest score by an opener in ODI history.
The all-rounder category features Sherfane Rutherford from the West Indies and Azmatullah Omarzai from Afghanistan. Rutherford’s aggressive batting, scoring 425 runs at a strike rate of 120.1, and Omarzai’s balanced performances with both bat and ball highlighted their importance to their teams.
Bowling selections highlighted young talent, with Afghanistan’s 18-year-old AM Ghazanfar emerging as a breakthrough player. His five-wicket hauls against Bangladesh and Zimbabwe marked him as a potential future star. Complementing him were Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga, Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Haris Rauf, who collectively demonstrated exceptional bowling skills.
The team reflects the evolving landscape of contemporary one-day international cricket, showcasing the sport’s global talent pool and the continued emergence of players from non-traditional cricketing powerhouses.
