The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the Men’s ODI Team of the Year 2024 on Friday, featuring three standout Pakistani players: batter Saim Ayub and pacers Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf.
“The ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year 2024 not only offers quality, as expected, but also a great balance of star power, consistency, and versatility,” stated the ICC in its official release.
Saim Ayub’s Stellar Rise
Saim Ayub had an exceptional year, scoring 515 ODI runs in just nine matches, including his highest score of 113 runs. Despite debuting as recently as November, Ayub made an immediate impact, amassing 125 runs in a three-match ODI series in Australia. He soon followed it with a maiden ODI century in Zimbabwe.
In a remarkable streak, three of Saim’s last five innings were centuries, including two in South Africa during a December series where he averaged an impressive 78.3.
Shaheen Afridi’s Consistent Brilliance
Shaheen Afridi continued to prove why he’s one of the most feared bowlers in world cricket. Despite playing only six ODIs in 2024, Afridi’s bowling strike rate remained among the best, reinforcing his reputation as a consistent match-winner at the international level.
Haris Rauf’s Explosive Performances
Haris Rauf capped off 2024 with a fiery performance, taking 10 wickets in Pakistan’s three-match ODI series in Australia. His highlight was a five-wicket haul in Adelaide, which played a crucial role in Pakistan’s comfortable victory in that game.
Other Stars in the ICC Team
The ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year also includes Afghanistan’s Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Amir Ghazanfar. Sri Lanka is well-represented by Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka (captain), Sherfane Rutherford, and Wanindu Hasaranga.
This diverse lineup underscores the depth of talent across international cricket in 2024.