The International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled its Men's ODI Team of the Year for 2024, highlighting exceptional performances from emerging talents across multiple cricket-playing nations.
The lineup showcases a remarkable blend of youth and skill, with players from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and the West Indies making significant impacts in international one-day cricket.
Leading the batting charge are Saim Ayub from Pakistan and Rahmanullah Gurbaz from Afghanistan, both demonstrating explosive performances despite limited international experience. Ayub, who debuted in November, amassed 515 runs with three centuries, while Gurbaz continued his reputation for game-changing innings across multiple series.
Sri Lanka dominated the middle-order selections, with Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, and Charith Asalanka contributing substantially 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 underscored their value to their respective teams.
Bowling selections emphasized young talent, with 18-year-old AM Ghazanfar from Afghanistan emerging as a notable breakthrough player. His five-wicket hauls against Bangladesh and Zimbabwe marked him as a potential future star. Complementing him are Wanindu Hasaranga from Sri Lanka, Pakistan's Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf, who collectively demonstrated exceptional bowling prowess.
The team reflects the dynamic and 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.
The selections highlight not just individual brilliance, but the growing competitiveness and depth of international cricket in the current era.
