ICC Awards have named a new star the ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year.
Azmatullah Omarzai, an all-rounder for Afghanistan, improved on his stellar 2023 season to rank among the top One Day International players in 2024. His right-arm pace bowling and versatile batting style helped elevate the Afghanistan squad to new heights.
The 24-year-old had a successful season in franchise cricket and T20Is as well, but his greatest impact came in ODIs. With Afghanistan won four of their five ODI series in 2024, he concluded the season as his country’s second-highest run scorer (after Rahmanullah Gurbaz) and second-highest wicket taker (after AM Ghazanfar).Although his individual brilliance wasn’t enough to help Afghanistan win a series away from home in Sri Lanka at the beginning of the year, he was instrumental in the team’s four consecutive victories in ODI series against South Africa, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, and Ireland.With a 52.12 average for runs and a 20.47 wicket average for wickets, the Afghanistan all-rounder was an outstanding batsman and batter all year long.Starting with his first ODI of the year, in which he hammered an undefeated 149* in a spectacular rearguard effort in defeat against Sri Lanka, the 24-year-old’s genius was evident in both his individual efforts and the overall totals.
Additionally, his explosive 86* from just 50 deliveries against South Africa was another standout effort. His quick score helped the team clinch the series with a decisive victory in the second ODI.
