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

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

The team includes players from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and the West Indies, earning recognition for their stellar contributions.

Top order dominance

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

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

Pathum 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.

Middle order anchors

Kusal Mendis (Sri Lanka) led the ODI run-scoring charts in 2024 with 742 runs, including a match-winning 143 against New Zealand.

Charith Asalanka (Sri Lanka), who captains the XI, contributed 605 runs and key wickets across 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 matches. His five consecutive 50-plus scores 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) spearheaded the bowling unit with 26 wickets, including an extraordinary 7/19 against Zimbabwe, the fifth-best figures in ODI history.

Shaheen Shah Afridi (Pakistan) played only six matches but made a huge impact with 15 wickets, maintaining his reputation as one of the most consistent pacers.

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

AM Ghazanfar (Afghanistan), an 18-year-old rising star, took 21 wickets in 11 matches. His 6/26 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. Fans played a major role, casting over 1.5 million votes alongside the ICC Voting Academy.

The announcement schedule is as follows:

Friday, 24 January

• Men’s ODI Team of the Year

• Women’s ODI Team of the Year

• Men’s Test Team of the Year

Saturday, 25 January

• 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, 26 January

• 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, 27 January

• 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, 28 January

• Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year

• Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy for ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year

The ICC Awards were established in 2004 to honour exceptional performances in international cricket. The 20th edition recognises achievements from 1 January to 30 December 2024 and concludes with the crowning of the most prestigious individual awards on 28 January.