Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Haris Rauf have been named to the ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year. The announcement was made by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Friday.
Saim Ayub’s Breakout Season
Ayub’s inclusion follows a stellar “breakout season.” After his ODI debut in November, he impressed with 125 runs from three matches against Australia.
His strong form continued in South Africa in December. There, he scored two centuries, averaging 78.3. The ICC noted his growing influence on the game.
In total, Ayub has scored 515 runs in nine ODIs, with an average of 64.37. He also has three centuries and one fifty, with a highest score of 113.
Unfortunately, Ayub sustained an ankle fracture earlier this month. He will undergo rehab in London but will not need surgery, as confirmed by the Pakistan Cricket Board.
Shaheen Shah Afridi’s Dominance
Afridi made a significant impact, despite playing only six ODIs in 2024. He took 15 wickets, with a remarkable average of 17.6. His best bowling performance was 4/47.
The ICC highlighted Afridi’s consistency, noting his impressive bowling strike rate. His performances have solidified him as one of the top bowlers in world cricket.
Haris Rauf’s Exceptional Year
Rauf finished 2024 strongly, taking 13 wickets in eight ODIs. His bowling average was 22.4, with best figures of 5/29.
Earlier, Rauf won the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for November. He triumphed over India’s Jasprit Bumrah and South Africa’s Marco Jansen, with a total of 18 wickets.
Interestingly, the ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year does not feature any Indian players. However, it includes players from Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and the West Indies, alongside Pakistan’s trio.
ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year for 2024:
– Saim Ayub (Pakistan)
– Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Afghanistan)
– Pathum Nissanka (Sri Lanka)
– Kusal Mendis (Sri Lanka)
– Charith Asalanka (Sri Lanka)
– Sherfane Rutherford (West Indies)
– Azmatullah Omarzai (Afghanistan)
– Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka)
– Shaheen Afridi (Pakistan)
– Haris Rauf (Pakistan)
– AM Ghazanfar (Afghanistan)
