ICC awards 2021 announced

[Saj]

The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the 2021 edition of the ICC Awards, celebrating and rewarding the top performances across men’s and women’s international cricket throughout the year.

The ICC Awards 2021 recognise the outstanding performers following a year that comprised major international events such as the ICC World Test Championship Final and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021, alongside numerous bilateral series in which records were broken.

This year’s awards will comprise a total of 13 individual awards in all, as well as five Team of the Year announcements for each format across men’s and women’s cricket.

The individual award categories are as follows:

Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year
Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy for ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year
ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year
ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year
ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year
ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year
ICC Women’s T20I Cricketer of the Year
ICC Emerging Men’s Cricketer of the Year
ICC Emerging Women’s Cricketer of the Year
ICC Men’s Associate Cricketer of the Year
ICC Women’s Associate Cricketer of the Year
ICC Spirit of Cricket Award
ICC Umpire of the Year

The first seven categories listed above will feature a shortlist of four names, and these will be announced from 28 December to 31 December across all of ICC’s digital and social media channels. The shortlisted categories will recognize those players who have had the most impactful performances in the period under consideration – 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2021. The names shortlisted for these awards will be decided by a specialist ICC Awards panel, comprising prominent cricket journalists and broadcasters from across the globe along with ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice.

The ICC Voting Academy, comprising a wider selection of global cricket journalists and broadcasters, will vote for their first, second and third choices, while global cricket fans will also be invited to vote for their top performers via ICC’s digital channels. The result of the ICC Voting Academy selections and the fans’ vote will be combined to determine the winner in each of these categories.

The Emerging and Associate categories listed above will not feature shortlists and will be determined solely by the Voting Academy.

The ICC Spirit of Cricket Award honours an action, moment, gesture, or decision on the field of play in international cricket during the year which best reflects the Spirit of Cricket, and this will be determined by the ICC, while the ICC Umpire of the Year Award is determined by votes collected from the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees and Full Member men’s and women’s captains.

The five ICC Teams of the Year will be also decided by the ICC Voting Academy via an online survey – with each voter selecting their teams in the batting order and nominating a captain for each format.

The winners for each category will be announced in January 2022. The five official ICC Teams of the Year are set to be announced on 17 and 18 January, whereas the individual awards pertaining to women’s cricket will be announced on 23 January. The men’s awards, as well as the ICC Spirit of Cricket and ICC Umpire of the Year award, will be announced on 24 January.

 

[MenInG]

A batting stalwart, a spin wizard, an emerging fast-bowling superstar and a dogged opener constitute our nominees for the ICC Men's Test Player of the Year 2021 award. Here, we take a look at their exploits.

The ICC Awards 2021 will recognise the outstanding achievements and feats in cricket over the past year – here's everything you need to know about it.

Joe Root – England

1708 runs in 15 matches with six centuries

The year that was

The magnitude of Joe Root's sublime form in the year 2021 can be summed up by one simple stat – he has become only the third player in history to aggregate over 1700 runs in Test cricket in a calendar year. Only Mohammad Yousuf and Sir Vivian Richards stand ahead of him.

Be it Asia or conditions back at home. Be it pace or spin. Root has conquered it all with some sublime knocks. His knocks in Galle against Sri Lanka, against India in Chennai and against India again at Lord's are some of the finest witnessed in the modern era, and will be spoken of highly for a long, long time. He hasn't been shabby with the ball as well, chipping in with a handy 14 wickets with one five-for in Ahmedabad.

Memorable performance

Root's 218 in the first Test of the four-match series against India in Chennai was a masterclass in batting. He swatted away a quality bowling attack, both pace and spin, with utter ease. This continued his form from the series in Sri Lanka, where he was again in sensational touch.

Batting for 377 deliveries, the Indian bowling had no answers to the Root conundrum, as he set up a 227-run victory for the visitors. This was also a sign of things to come for the remainder of the year, as the England skipper played knock after knock of the highest calibre, irrespective of the opposition.


R Ashwin – India

52 wickets in 8 matches at an average of 16.23. 337 runs at 28.08 with one century.

The year that was

One of India's greatest match-winners in the longest format, R Ashwin again asserted his authority as one of the world's finest spinners in 2021. Apart from his wizardry with the ball, Ashwin also made invaluable contributions with the bat.

The year began on a high in the Sydney Test against Australia. Bowling a disciplined line and length with the ball, Ashwin then embarked on a patient 128-ball 29* and along with Hanuma Vihari, helping India to a memorable draw that kept the series level at 1-1.

He was in full flight in the home series against England, scalping 32 wickets in four matches at 14.72, while also contributing 189 runs with the stick. For his exploits, he was adjudged the Player of the Series.

Despite India emerging second best in the ICC World Test Championship Final against New Zealand, Ashwin still made a mark on the seam-friendly wicket in Southampton, picking up four wickets in the match.

The following series against England would be one filled with frustration for Ashwin as he sat out all four matches with the Indian team management favouring a pace-heavy attack.

The spinner would then brilliantly bounce back in the home series against New Zealand, winning another Player of the Series award. He picked up 14 wickets in two matches at 11.36 while also chipping in with a couple of handy knocks in the Kanpur Test. The ace Indian spinner will now play a key role with India aiming to win their first series on South African soil.

Memorable performance

With India trailing the series 1-0 at home against England, the hosts needed their star performers to step up to the mark. Ashwin did just that with an all-round display of the highest order. He registered figures of 5/43 and 3/52 respectively in each innings to spin a web around the English batters.

Not only that, he scored the fifth Test ton of his career with a brilliant knock of 106 in the second innings. England had no answers against a charged-up Ashwin playing on his home turf, as they succumbed to a 317-run defeat.


Kyle Jamieson – New Zealand

27 wickets in 5 matches at 17.51. 105 runs at 17.50.

The year that was

Another brilliant addition to the New Zealand pace battery, 2021 was the year where Kyle Jamieson emerged as one of the most promising fast bowling prospects in world cricket.

In a seminal year for New Zealand where they emerged as the inaugural ICC World Test Championship winner, against India in the final, Jamieson was the X-factor of their pace attack, brilliantly supplanting and often surpassing the exploits of Tim Southee, Trent Boult and Neil Wagner. He was the star performer in Southampton, scalping seven wickets and contributing a handy 21 runs in the first innings, winning the Player of the Match award for his showing.

Away from the seam-friendly pitches of New Zealand and England, Jamieson also impressed on the flat decks in India, getting the ball to shape beautifully. He picked up six wickets in the two matches, again reiterating with his performances that New Zealand had a new star.

Memorable performance

In New Zealand's finest hour as they celebrated their ICC World Test Championship victory, Jamieson was the player who made the difference. On day one, he got the ball to shape beautifully and continued to bowl with a high amount of skill at the Hampshire bowl.

Clinching a five-for in the first innings, which included the big wickets of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, he dismissed the Indian skipper the second time around as well. He also chipped in with 21 runs as New Zealand's tail wagged brilliantly, snuffing out India's hopes.


Dimuth Karunaratne – Sri Lanka

902 runs in 7 matches at 69.38 with 4 centuries

The year that was

The Sri Lankan Test skipper again led the charge for his side in the longest format. He showcased what a brilliant all-condition player he is and cemented his case for being the best opener in Test cricket right now.

A brilliant century in Johannesburg against South Africa, two centuries against Bangladesh in two matches in Pallekele, including a double ton, and a brilliant century against West Indies in Galle were some of the highlights from another stunning year for Karunaratne.

Sturdy at the top of the order, Karunaratne nullified various new-ball attacks throughout the year before unleashing the strokes once he had his eye in. With Sri Lankan cricket in a period of transition, the skipper will again be tasked with being the beacon of their batting order as a new era is ushered in.

Memorable performance

On a Wanderers pitch that was assisting the pacers and with the likes of Anrich Nortje and Lungi Ngidi in the South African attack, Karunaratne played a brilliant attacking knock of 103 off 128 deliveries, showcasing his character.

Scoring runs was difficult on this pitch as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 157 in the first innings and South Africa could only reply with a score of 302. Karunaratne's knock in the second innings consisted of 19 boundaries but unfortunately, he failed to get any support from the other end as the visitors were skittled out for 211.

That Karunaratne scored almost half the runs for his side and no other batter even managed to reach a score of 40 further highlighted the classy nature of his ton.

South Africa would eventually seal a 10-wicket victory, but Karunaratne's knock will be spoken of for ages.

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/2426823

 

[Major]

Spirit of cricket will be going to Pakistan for the way they conducted themselves during the world t20.

T20 player of the year, without any doubt that award will be given to Rizwan.
Just an year ago fans claimed him to be the worst t20 batsmen, and now look. Every week Rizwan gets the lasy laugh.

I hope rizwan gets cricketer of the year award but that is probably given to the player who excels in test and another format along with it.

Babar excelled in odos and t20s, but dont think he would get it due to the award leaning towards test performance.

Root might get it or ashwin, but both of them dont really derserve it

 

[Major]

Wait, i just realized, did mening post a test nominies?

Shaheen did not get mentioned by icc? Does that mean he wasnt nominated?

How the hell was ashwin and jamieson nominated if shaheen was not even considered. This is just ridiculous

 

[shah9425]

Ridiculous not to include Shaheen

 

[MenInG]

Three brilliant openers and one up-and-coming all-rounder makes the shortlist of ICC Women's ODI Player of the Year award. We take a look at the feats that led to their nomination.

The ICC Awards 2021 will recognise the outstanding achievements and feats in cricket over the past year – here's everything you need to know about it.

Lizelle Lee – South Africa

632 runs in 11 matches at an average of 90.28 with one century and five half-centuries

Lizelle Lee was in a league of her own in ODIs this year, finishing as the highest run-scorer in 2021 in the 50-over format.

Lee's year got off to a less-than-ideal start, getting out for a duck in the first ODI against Pakistan, but she came back strongly with two scores of 40+ and played a vital role in South Africa's sweep.

Tammy Beaumont, Lizelle Lee, Hayley Matthews, Fatima Sana – The nominees for the ICC Women's Cricketer of the Year 2021 awardTammy Beaumont, Lizelle Lee, Hayley Matthews, Fatima Sana – The nominees for the ICC Women's Cricketer of the Year 2021 award
She was unstoppable on the tour of India thereafter, racking up big runs in the Proteas' 4-1 series win. With 288 runs, including a hundred and two fifties, she ended the series as the highest run-scorer and was awarded the Player of the Series.

She carried her form over to the series against West Indies as well and was once again the top run-getter in the series.

Memorable performance

Lee scored the highest individual ODI score of her career in the third match of the series against India.

In South Africa's chase of 249, Lee mixed caution with aggression and kept building partnerships, first with Laura Wolvaardt and then with Lara Goodall. She kept scoring boundaries regularly and soon brought up her fifty.

She then strung a 97-run partnership with Mignon du Preez, during the course of which she brought up her third ODI century. It looked like they would take South Africa home, but India came back into the game by picking up two wickets.

With rain around the corner, Lee hit three fours and a six in three overs to put South Africa ahead of the DLS par score. South Africa eventually ended up winning the match by 6 runs on the DLS method, thanks to her stunning 132* off 131.


Tammy Beaumont – England

503 runs in 11 matches at an average of 62.87 with one century and four half-centuries

The year that was

Tammy Beaumont was the joint second-highest run-scorer in ODIs in 2021, tied on 503 runs with India's Mithali Raj.

Beaumont had a dream start to the year, scoring four consecutive fifties in her first four ODIs of the year. She was the leading run-scorer in the ODI series when England travelled to New Zealand and carried her form over to the series against India at home, where she scored a brilliant 87* in the first match.

She scored her eighth ODI century and the first of the year in the final ODI against New Zealand at home, helping England post a mammoth 347.

Memorable performance

It was a happy homecoming for Beaumont, who scored a brilliant century in front of her home crowd in the fifth ODI against New Zealand. It was a particularly sweet outing, given she hadn't lived up to the billing in the first four ODIs, her highest score being 44.

Beaumont started positively and scored at a brisk pace, stringing a solid 95-run partnership with Lauren Winfield-Hill. She continued to bat with intent even after the quick wickets of Winfield-Hill and Heather Knight, and soon brought up her half-century in just 54 balls.

Once Sciver fell, it was Amy Jones who took the attack to New Zealand, while Beaumont kept things ticking. She got into her nineties after smashing Lea Tahuhu for three boundaries in an over, and soon brought up her century in the 42nd over. Her 102 helped England post 347/5 and emerge with a 203-run victory.

Hayley Matthews – West Indies

380 runs in 14 matches at an average of 29.23 with one century and one half-century. 18 wickets at an average of 22.44 and an economy rate of 3.33.

Hayley Matthews was brilliant both with the bat and the ball, finishing in the top 10 ODI run-getters and wicket-takers in 2021.

She was the Player of the Series in the ODI leg when Pakistan came touring. She scored 168 runs, which included a century, and scalped seven wickets in a series that West Indies won 3-2.

After a quiet tour of South Africa where Matthews scored only 71 runs and picked up two wickets in five ODIs, she came roaring back to form when West Indies toured Pakistan.

She started the series with a half-century and three wickets in the first ODI and followed it up with a four-wicket haul in the second game. She capped the series off with a knock of 49 in the final match, which helped her side complete a whitewash.

Memorable performance

Matthews produced a stunning all-round display in the opening match of the series against Pakistan at home.

After being put in to bat first, Pakistan recovered from early strikes, thanks to a brilliant 87-run stand between Omaima Sohail and Nida Dar. Brought back into the attack, Matthews struck in the second over of the new spell to remove Dar. She then scalped the wicket of Aliya Riaz as well.

The wicket of Dar triggered a collapse as Pakistan only managed to add 39 more runs as they were bowled out for 182.

Chasing a paltry 183 for the win, Matthews put the game to bed early on, getting off to a brisk start in the Powerplay. She added 56 runs for the first wicket with Kyshona Knight.

Even after Knight was dismissed, Matthews continued to take the attack to the West Indies bowlers and brought up her half-century in 54 balls. With the game in the bag, Matthews decided to slow down and play till the very end and finished with an unbeaten century.

Fatima Sana

20 wickets in 13 matches at an average of 24.90 with one five-wicket haul. 132 runs at an average of 14.66.

The year that was

Having made her debut in May 2019, Fatima Sana had played only two ODIs before the start of the year, but the 20-year-old showed tremendous maturity throughout the year and was one of the few bright spots for Pakistan.

She showed glimpses of her brilliance on the tour of South Africa, where she picked up two wickets in three games and also made handy contributions with the bat. In the second ODI, she picked up a wicket and scored an unbeaten 22 as Pakistan fell narrowly short by 13 runs.

In the five-match series against West Indies, Sana ended as the second-highest wicket-taker with 11 wickets, which included a maiden ODI five-for. She continued her fine form in the home series against West Indies and the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup Qualifier, with four and three wickets respectively.

Memorable performance

Sana was sensational with the bat and ball, winning the Player of the Match for her all-round brilliance against West Indies in the final ODI away from home.

In a rain-curtailed match, Pakistan were 150/6 when Sana came out to bat. With five overs remaining, Pakistan needed some quick runs and Sana provided the team with some much-needed impetus, smashing a boundary each in the last four overs. She remained unbeaten on 28 off just 19 balls, taking Pakistan to 190/8 in 34 overs.

Chasing 191, West Indies managed to recover after losing Hayley Matthews, with Deandra Dottin and Britney Cooper taking control of the chase. Sana broke the partnership in her very first over by removing Dottin and then removed the other set batter, Cooper, six overs later.

She hit the final nail in West Indies' coffin in the penultimate over, picking up the wickets of Chinelle Henry, Rashada Williams and Anisa Mohammed to register her maiden five-for in ODI cricket.

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/2430965

 

[MenInG]

Mohammad Rizwan among nominees for ICC Men's T20I Player of the Year



Two brilliant wicketkeeper-batters and two all-rounders constitute our nominees for the 2021 ICC Men's T20I Player of the Year awards. Here, we take a look at their memorable performances and celebrate their achievements.

The ICC Awards 2021 will recognise the outstanding achievements and feats in cricket over the past year – here's everything you need to know about it.

Mohammad Rizwan – Pakistan

1326 runs in 29 matches at an average of 73.66 with one century; 24 dismissals.

The year that was

The Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter ruled the roost in 2021 when it came to the shortest format of the game. Aggregating a staggering 1326 runs in only 29 matches, Rizwan struck at an average of 73.66 and a strike-rate of 134.89. Apart from his exploits with the bat, he was as solid as ever behind the stumps, playing a key role in Pakistan's run to the semis during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2021, where he ended up as the third-highest run-scorer.

He also scored the maiden T20I century of his career against South Africa in Lahore early in the year and ended it continuing his form with a brilliant knock of 87 against West Indies in Karachi. With another T20 World Cup coming up next year, Pakistan will hope that Rizwan continues in the same vein.

Memorable performance

Though a chase of 152 looked easy on paper, Pakistan had the weight of history against them in the T20 World Cup encounter against India. With the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Shami in opposition attack, the task was made all the more complicated. But as was almost always the case in 2021, Rizwan along with his skipper Babar Azam ensured that a famous victory would be sealed that would be celebrated in the history of Pakistan cricket for years to come.

Rizwan smacked 79* in only 55 deliveries, hitting six fours and three sixes. The ease with which he countered the Indian bowling attack was a thing of sheer beauty. He ensured that there were no hiccups in the run-chase as Pakistan galloped towards the target without losing a single wicket to seal a 10-wicket victory.

Wanindu Hasaranga – Sri Lanka

36 wickets in 20 matches at 11.63; 196 runs with one half-century

The year that was

It was a breakthrough year for Wanindu Hasaranga, who established himself as one of the best spinners in the shortest format while also being a player who could contribute with the bat. A consistent performer throughout the year, Hasaranga's star shone the brightest during the T20 World Cup in UAE and Oman.

He ended the tournament as the leading wicket-taker with 16 scalps and also played some handy knocks with the bat, like his 71 against Ireland. He was a constant menace for the opposition as Sri Lanka impressed one and all during the tournament with their young and energetic side.

Still only 24, Hasaranga is expected to become a cornerstone of Sri Lankan cricket, especially in the shortest formats of the game.

In a pressure encounter in Sharjah against South Africa, Hasaranga almost single-handedly helped his side claw back into the contest with his brilliance with the ball. Claiming a memorable hat-trick, he took the big scalps of Aiden Markram (19) and Temba Bavuma (46) before dismissing Dwaine Pretorius to complete his hat-trick.

Hasaranga would end up with figures of 3/20 in his four-over spell, and it was only the power-hitting of David Miller at the death that got the Proteas over the line.

Mitchell Marsh – Australia

627 runs in 27 matches at 36.88; 8 wickets at 18.37.

The year that was

Australia's success at the T20 World Cup can be traced back to the decision to move Mitchell Marsh up the batting order to No.3, instead of designating him the role of being a finisher lower down. Throughout the calendar year, he was their best batter in the shortest format, improving his game by leaps and bounds, especially against spin and when it came to rotating the strike.

He was the silver lining in Australia's poor showings in West Indies and Bangladesh batting higher up the order. Heading into the tournament in UAE and Oman, he was in supreme confidence after his good displays and improved fitness. This led to a fruitful tournament as he aggregated 185 runs in 6 matches at an average of 61.66 and a healthy strike-rate of 146.82. He would reserve the best for the last, playing a match-winning knock in the final against New Zealand.

Chasing down a target of 173 and after the early departure of skipper Aaron Finch, the pressure was on Marsh to build a substantial partnership with David Warner. He did exactly that, playing his best knock of the tournament. His unbeaten 77 off 50 deliveries consisted of six fours and four sixes.

Starting off aggressively, he rotated the strike brilliantly in the middle overs as he teed off again towards the end. His knock ensured that Australia chased down the challenging target in only 18.5 overs, and were crowned the winners of the T20 World Cup for the first time. For his performance, he was adjudged the Player of the Match.

Jos Buttler – England

589 runs in 14 matches at 65.44 with one century; 13 dismissals

The year gone by

Buttler started the year off brilliantly with two blistering knocks against India away from home. He would continue this run in the subsequent series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan, despite not playing all the matches. This boded well for England as their key batter was in sublime touch heading into the T20 World Cup.

He did not disappoint in the tournament, always getting his side off to brilliant starts. His two best knocks came in consecutive matches – first against age-old rivals Australia and then against Sri Lanka who faced his full wrath.

He ended the tournament as England's leading run-scorer with 269 runs, as their run would be ended by New Zealand in the semi-finals in a nail-biting thriller.

Memorable performance

Blasting the first century of the tournament, Buttler was at his belligerent best in the encounter against Sri Lanka in Sharjah. It was ball-striking of the highest order as the wicketkeeper-batter penetrated all areas of the ground.

His unbeaten 101 came in only 67 deliveries and consisted of six fours and six sixes. Buttler's knock allowed England to post a competitive score of 163/4, which they ended up defending and winning the contest by 26 runs.

The value of his knock was accentuated as it came on a slow and low pitch in Sharjah, which wasn't conducive to a stroke-maker like Buttler, with the batters finding it generally tough to time the ball.

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/2426919

 

[Bull]

LOL they didn't include Shaheen.Typical BCCICC.
He is the best bowler in the world all formats combined.

 

[WhenSultansBowled]

Lol @ ICC.

I'm sure they wanted to exclude Rizwan from these so called "awards" as well.

Pathetic, cancerous and corrupt organization. Does everything in its power to make sure cricket dies a rapid death. Their BCCIesque behavior is one of the reasons why Cricket is not becoming main stream.

Heck even MMA (UFC) might become bigger than cricket before 2025.

 

[hoshiarpurexpress]

Good choices for T20I performances. Hopefully Mitchel Marsh wins it.

 

[Rana]

Mitchell Marsh has to be the ICC T20i player of the year. His runs actually mattered

 

[jeeteshssaxena]

How the hell was ashwin and jamieson nominated if shaheen was not even considered. This is just ridiculous

Bcoz Ashwin took more wickets at a better average against top opposition.
How hard is it to understand?
Yes Jamieson vs Shaheen is up for debate.

 

[jeeteshssaxena]

Lol @ ICC.

I'm sure they wanted to exclude Rizwan from these so called "awards" as well.

Pathetic, cancerous and corrupt organization. Does everything in its power to make sure cricket dies a rapid death. Their BCCIesque behavior is one of the reasons why Cricket is not becoming main stream.

Heck even MMA (UFC) might become bigger than cricket before 2025.

Ashwin is the only one from India and he has taken more wickets than anyone this year (lowest average too) along with a century with the bat.

 

[Walawalkar]

Mitchell Marsh has to be the ICC T20i player of the year. His runs actually mattered

No matter how much you cry... there is absolutely no competition to Rizwan...

 

[Rana]

No matter how much you cry... there is absolutely no competition to Rizwan...

Don’t know what has offended you? Marsh played a great hand in Australia becoming world champions in 2021. His runs mattered

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Good to see Fatima Sana get nominated. Pakistan Women's Cricket needs these kind of things as a source of encouragement.

Other than that, couldn't care less about these rubbish awards.

 

[Major]

Mitchell Marsh has to be the ICC T20i player of the year. His runs actually mattered

Your hate for rizwan is just pathetic. You are still desperately waiting for rizwan to fail somehow somewhere so that you can prove yourself to be right.

You would rather a person who scored 600 runs to win an award rather than someone who scored double amount of those runs.

 

[Major]

Babar Azam not being given a nomination in t20 category again shows how faulty these awards are.

 

[Rana]

Your hate for rizwan is just pathetic. You are still desperately waiting for rizwan to fail somehow somewhere so that you can prove yourself to be right.

You would rather a person who scored 600 runs to win an award rather than someone who scored double amount of those runs.

I’m only stating my opinion. You can interpret it as hate if you like. Scoring 1200 runs and not being on the winning side whilst the one who scored 600 in a much more difficult position (number 3) and took his team to World Cup glory. That’s champion runs, not soft runs.

 

[Major]

I’m only stating my opinion. You can interpret it as hate if you like. Scoring 1200 runs and not being on the winning side whilst the one who scored 600 in a much more difficult position (number 3) and took his team to World Cup glory. That’s champion runs, not soft runs.

Pakistan was on the winning side.... They won matches these years...

You do know that the award is called T20 Cricket of the YEAR and not world t20 man of the tournament award.

Even david warner who won the mots didnt get nominated


Your agument and logic is flawed

 

[Rana]

Pakistan was on the winning side.... They won matches these years...

You do know that the award is called T20 Cricket of the YEAR and not world t20 man of the tournament award.

Even david warner who won the mots didnt get nominated


Your agument and logic is flawed

Ok, if it is flawed and unreasonable, Rizwan will win it. Happy now?

 

[jeeteshssaxena]

I am going to just list down the 2021 stats of the 4 t20 players who got nominated vs Babar:

1.Buttler.
600 runs at an avg of 65 str rate 144

2. Mitchell Marsh
620 runs at an avg of 37 and str rate of
130 And 8 wickets at an avg of 18

3. Wanindu Hasaranga
36 wkts at an avg of 11 and eco of 5.4
Also 200 runs at an avg of 15

4. Rizwan
1330 runs at an avg of 73 str rate of 135

And finally Babar

5. Babar
939 runs at an avg of 37 str rate of 127

 

[Walawalkar]

I’m only stating my opinion. You can interpret it as hate if you like. Scoring 1200 runs and not being on the winning side whilst the one who scored 600 in a much more difficult position (number 3) and took his team to World Cup glory. That’s champion runs, not soft runs.

Then with the same logic do you agree Kyle Jamieson deserve nomination for test cricketer of the year more than Shaheen

 

[Rana]

Then with the same logic do you agree Kyle Jamieson deserve nomination for test cricketer of the year more than Shaheen

Maybe he does, I’m not too bothered if Jamieson wins it or not. He has credentials for sure considering his side are World Test champions and he played a pivotal role for it to happen.

 

[Walawalkar]

Maybe he does, I’m not too bothered if Jamieson wins it or not. He has credentials for sure considering his side are World Test champions and he played a pivotal role for it to happen.

Yes you are not bothered if Jamieson wins it or not but you are triggered big time by just seeing Rizwan in the nomination...Now Imagin Rizwan With that ICC trophy in his hand...

 

[Rana]

Yes you are not bothered if Jamieson wins it or not but you are triggered big time by just seeing Rizwan in the nomination...Now Imagin Rizwan With that ICC trophy in his hand...

If he wins it, well good for him. Even though I think it’s a travesty because I don’t think he deserves it more than Marsh.

 

[Major]

Yes you are not bothered if Jamieson wins it or not but you are triggered big time by just seeing Rizwan in the nomination...Now Imagin Rizwan With that ICC trophy in his hand...

funny thing is, he cant argue about strike rate now, which was the criteria he always judged Rizwan on, as Rizwan has a better Strike Rate than Marsh.

 

[Walawalkar]

If he wins it, well good for him. Even though I think it’s a travesty because I don’t think he deserves it more than Marsh.

Rizwan graph only rising mate...some really tough days for you ahead...let's see how long you cling on the rubbish excuses to discredit Rizwan..One fine day you will literally run out of excuses and that day is not far my friend

 

[Rana]

Rizwan graph only rising mate...some really tough days for you ahead...let's see how long you cling on the rubbish excuses to discredit Rizwan..One fine day you will literally run out of excuses and that day is not far my friend

As long as the graph rises for Pakistan, that’s all that matters.

 

[Walawalkar]

funny thing is, he cant argue about strike rate now, which was the criteria he always judged Rizwan on, as Rizwan has a better Strike Rate than Marsh.

Feeling sorry for him..He is up against one of the generational player...Let's see how long he survives

 

[Walawalkar]

As long as the graph rises for Pakistan, that’s all that matters.

If you can't see graph rising for Pakistan then you are blind my friend

 

[Walawalkar]

Considering his batting position Rizwan going to score truckload of runs for Pakistan in White ball cricket...Can see him as a potential leader of Pakistan cricket team in all format

 

[Saj]

I think the Men's T20I nominees should have been:

Mohammad Rizwan
Mohammad Rizwan
Mohammad Rizwan
Mohammad Rizwan

 

[Cric1234]

Rizwan graph only rising mate...some really tough days for you ahead...let's see how long you cling on the rubbish excuses to discredit Rizwan..One fine day you will literally run out of excuses and that day is not far my friend

He’s done well this year but it’s his peak he won’t be as good in the future even at his best in the T20 WC in high scoring matches he can’t win a match with his batting when he declines he will struggle as Babar is too slow in such situations.

That’s why I am not expecting a big performance in the next T20 WC we will still win series against B teams and minnows.

 

[DRsohail]

I am going to just list down the 2021 stats of the 4 t20 players who got nominated vs Babar:

1.Buttler.
600 runs at an avg of 65 str rate 144

2. Mitchell Marsh
620 runs at an avg of 37 and str rate of
130 And 8 wickets at an avg of 18

3. Wanindu Hasaranga
36 wkts at an avg of 11 and eco of 5.4
Also 200 runs at an avg of 15

4. Rizwan
1330 runs at an avg of 73 str rate of 135

And finally Babar

5. Babar
939 runs at an avg of 37 str rate of 127

600 runs and 1300 runs lol , and wicket keeping skills too, you are such a genious.

 

[jeeteshssaxena]

600 runs and 1300 runs lol , and wicket keeping skills too, you are such a genious.

They are not listed in order
Rizwan is definitely ahead.
I am talking about Babar

 

[DRsohail]

They are not listed in order
Rizwan is definitely ahead.
I am talking about Babar

Babar is below them surely.

 

[MenInG]

A talismanic all-rounder, two dashing openers and the top-ranked batter in the 50-over format make the list of nominees for 2021 ICC Men's ODI Player of the Year awards.

The ICC Awards 2021 will recognise the outstanding achievements and feats in cricket over the past year – here's everything you need to know about it.


Shakib Al Hasan – Bangladesh

277 runs in nine matches at an average of 39.57 with two fifties; 17 wickets at an average of 17.52

Shakib Al Hasan marked his return from a two-year ban (suspended for one year) in style with a Player of the Series-winning performance against West Indies in January 2021. Despite last playing an ODI in July 2019, there were no signs of rust as Shakib amassed 113 runs and scalped six wickets in Bangladesh's 3-0 sweep.

Shakib endured a lean series against Sri Lanka at home, where he scored just 19 runs and snared three wickets in the three matches. However, he hit his stride in the three-match series against Zimbabwe, aggregating 145 runs and accounting for eight wickets. He picked up his second Player of the Series award in the calendar year as Bangladesh completed yet another series sweep.

Memorable performance

As he has done often for Bangladesh, Shakib came to his team's rescue both with the bat and the ball in the second ODI against Zimbabwe at Harare.

Opting to bat first, Zimbabwe recovered after losing the openers in the Powerplay. Just when Brendan Taylor and Regis Chakabva were starting to look dangerous, Shakib broke the 47-run stand, dismissing the latter. He then picked up the wicket of the well-set Dion Myers for 34 and finished with 2/42 in 10 overs.

Chasing 241, Shakib walked out to bat at No.3 in the last over of the Powerplay. Bangladesh soon found themselves in a spot of bother at 75/4 at the end of 18 overs. The talismanic all-rounder first added 55 vital runs with Mahmud Ullah before stitching a 28-run stand with Afif Hossain for the seventh wicket.

Zimbabwe had Bangladesh on the ropes at 173/7, at which point the visitors still needed 68 runs in 71 balls with just three wickets in hand. Thankfully for Bangladesh, Shakib was still at the crease, unbeaten on 63. With the support of Mohammad Saifuddin, he got the Tigers across the line with five balls to spare and wrapped up the series in the process as well.


Babar Azam – Pakistan

405 runs in six matches at an average of 67.50 with two centuries

Babar Azam might have played only six ODis in 2021, but he made vital contributions in the two series that they played this year.

He was the second-highest run-scorer with 228 runs and was the Player of the Match in both of Pakistan's wins in the 2-1 series victory against South Africa. He was the architect of Pakistan's chase of 274 in the first ODI with a century and laid the foundation with an 82-ball 94 in the final ODI where the visitors posted 320 batting first.

He was the lone warrior for Pakistan when they were swept by England 3-0. He accumulated 177 runs in three games but found no support none of the other batters managed to score more than 100 in the series.

Memorable performance

Azam's best performance this year came in a losing cause in the final ODI against England.

With the series already lost, Pakistan were playing for pride as well as crucial ICC Cricket World Cup Super League points in the third ODI at Birmingham. Put in to bat first, Pakistan posted 331, with Babar scoring close to 50 per cent of the team's runs.

Walking in to bat early in the innings, Babar strung a 92-run stand with Imam-ul-Haq to bail Pakistan out of trouble. He was cautious in his approach initially, bringing up his half-century in 72 balls. He made up for it by bringing up the next fifty runs in just 32 balls – it was his second ODI century of the year.

With the milestone out of the way, he exploded in the death overs and almost batted through the innings, getting out in the last over for 158, his highest-ever ODI score.

Unfortunately for Pakistan, James Vince and Lewis Gregory stole the show with a stunning 129-run stand for the sixth wicket as England chased the total down with two overs to spare.


Janneman Malan – South Africa

509 runs in eight matches at an average of 84.83 with two centuries and two half-centuries

Having made his ODI debut in just February 2020, Janneman Malan has quickly a vital cog of South Africa's 50-over setup.

Malan was given his first game of the year in the third ODI against Pakistan with the series tied at 1-1. Though South Africa lost the game and thus the series, Malan made an instant impact with a knock of 70.

He picked up the Player of the Series award in the three-match series against Ireland after finishing as the top-scorer with 261 runs in two matches. His 84 in the second ODI went in vain as South Africa fell short by 43 runs but was unstoppable in the next match with a sensational knock of 177 that propelled his side to 346/4.

He carried his form over to Sri Lanka and finished as South Africa's highest run-getter in the ODI series with 162 runs. He starred for the Proteas in their only win of the series, with a 135-ball 121 on a difficult batting track in Colombo.

With 509 ODI runs in the year, he finished as the second-highest run-scorer of 2021.

Memorable performance

Having lost the second ODI of the series after the first match was washed out, South Africa had to win the final game to avoid a series defeat against Ireland.

Batting first, Malan and Quinton de Kock took the game away from Ireland with a brilliant 225-run opening partnership. De Kock was the aggressor, Malan took his time and played second fiddle. By the time de Kock got out on 120, Malan had brought up his century in 126 deliveries.

Going into the final 10 overs, he was on 106 from 136 balls. He exploded in the death overs, scoring 71 runs in the 33 balls as he carried his bat and finished unbeaten on 177* from 169 balls, his highest score in ODI cricket.


Paul Stirling – Ireland

705 runs in 14 matches at an average of 79.66 with three centuries and two half-centuries

With 705 runs, Paul Stirling finished 2021 as the highest run-scorer in ODIs this year.

Stirling made a memorable start to the New Year in January 2021 with a stunning century against UAE, though it came in a losing effort.

He was Ireland's highest run-getter in the 3-0 series loss against Afghanistan with 285 runs in three matches. Though he scored two centuries in the three games, the rest of the Ireland batting order failed to live up to its billing as Afghanistan completed a sweep in the UAE.

He carried his form over to the three-match series in the Netherlands. He was once again the lone bright spot with the bat for Ireland as the Netherlands won the series 2-1.

After scoring just 51 runs in three ODIs against South Africa, Stirling returned to form in the drawn series against Zimbabwe, scoring 108 runs in three matches.

Memorable performance

With the series on the line after Afghanistan took the lead in the opener, Ireland needed their star player to make the most of the batting-friendly conditions in the UAE after opting to bat first.

Despite losing two wickets inside the first four overs, Stirling kept the scoreboard ticking with a run-a-ball 29 in the Powerplay. He put together an 84-run stand with Harry Tector for the third wicket.

He brought up his fifty in 47 balls but had to once again build the innings with Curtis Campher after the fall of Tector. The duo added 106 runs for the fourth wicket, with both the players mixing caution with aggression to counter the brilliance of Afghan spinners.

He brought up his hundred in style with a boundary and eventually perished for 128 in 45th over with the score at 228. Unfortunately, the rest of the batters failed to capitalise on the platform laid, as they finished on 259/9.

Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi's marathon partnership of 184 took Afghanistan to victory with more than two overs to spare, overshadowing Stirling's brilliant century.

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/2427221?sf157544509=1

 

[Cover Drive Six]

Shakib - ODI
Root - Tests
Rizwan - T20

 

[MenInG]

Three smashing openers and a handy all-rounder make the final four of ICC Women's T20I Player of the Year shorlist. We take a look at their performances this year.

The ICC Awards 2021 will recognise the outstanding achievements and feats in cricket over the past year – here's everything you need to know about it.

Gaby Lewis – Ireland

325 runs at 40.62 in 10 T20Is with a strike rate of 128.45, with one century and a half-century

The year that was

Twenty-year-old Gaby Lewis had a smashing 2021 in the shortest format of the game, finishing as the second-highest run-scorer in T20Is this year. She played a major role in Ireland's two series wins, bagging the Player of the Match award twice in Ireland's 3-1 series win over Scotland at home. In both games, she put on scores of 40+ but missed out on much-deserved fifties by the barest of margins.

She finally got to the milestone against the Netherlands, scoring her first T20I fifty of the year. The 52* helped Ireland win the series with a game to spare.

She made history at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier in August, becoming the first female cricketer from Ireland to score a T20I hundred.

Memorable performance

Lewis made history with a scintillating knock of 105* in just 60 balls against Germany.

She raced off to a flying start with the fielding restrictions, smashing seven boundaries. She got to her half-century with a six, bringing up the milestone in just 28 balls.

Lewis continued to take the attack to the German bowlers, even though the boundaries didn't come as frequently in the second half of the innings. She got to her hundred in 55 balls and finished on 105*, taking Ireland's total to 196 in 20 overs.

Tammy Beaumont – England

303 runs in nine matches at an average of 33.66 with three half-centuries

The year that was

Tammy Beaumont was England's highest run-getter in the year in T20Is, and third-highest overall in the world.

In a low-scoring series against New Zealand away from home, Beaumont was the top scorer and was awarded the Player of the Series for 102 runs in three matches. Her 53-ball 63 in the second match put England in a winning position after they lost two wickets in the Powerplay.

She scored a brilliant fifty against India, though it went in vain after a lower-order collapse.

Beaumont continued to make merry against New Zealand, this time when they visited England for a limited-overs tour. She once again finished as the highest run-getter in the series with 113, which included a stunning 97 in the opening game of the series.


Memorable performance

Beaumont's 97 in the series opener against New Zealand at home propelled England to their highest T20I total in 2021.

Beaumont took the attack to the New Zealand bowlers from the word go, smashing two boundaries in the very first over of the innings. After a slight lull in the middle overs caused by Dani Wyatt's dismissal, Beaumont cut loose, whacking four consecutive boundaries to bring her fifty up in 40 balls.

There was no respite for the New Zealand bowlers as the England opener continued to find the boundaries regularly before eventually falling off the penultimate ball, just three runs short of a hundred.


Smriti Mandhana

255 runs in nine matches at an average of 31.87 with two half-centuries

The year that was

In a year that saw India win only two of the nine T20Is, Smriti Mandhana was one of their few bright spots.

She played a major role in the first of the two wins, smashing 48 off just 28 balls against South Africa, chasing 113 in the final T20I. The win saved India the blushes, as they managed to avoid the sweep.

Mandhana was India's top run-scorer in the T20I series against England with 119 runs but didn't find enough support from the rest of the batters. She was India's top-scorer in both the matches that India lost, including a 51-ball 70 that went in vain in the final T20I.

Mandhana scored her second T20I half-century of the year against Australia in the final match of the series, but India fell short by 14 runs.


Memorable performance

Mandhana's 70 against England might have come in a losing cause but the circumstances of the innings make it quite special.

India lost two wickets inside the Powerplay, forcing Mandhana to curb her natural game despite fielding restrictions in place. The southpaw finally started to take the attack to England in the middle overs, smashing four boundaries in a span of eight deliveries as she brought up her fifty in 42 balls.

Her innings came to an end in the 17th over, helping India to a respectable total of 153.


Nat Sciver – England

153 runs in nine matches at an average of 19.12 with one fifty; 10 wickets at an average of 20.20 and an economy rate of 6.51

The year that was

Nat Sciver played a prominent role in all three of England's series wins this year, finishing as their third-highest run-getter and wicket-taker in T20Is in 2021.

In the first T20I on the tour of New Zealand, Sciver landed two early blows by dismissing Sophie Devine and Amy Satterthwaite inside the Powerplay. Later, walking in at No.3, she batted through and got England across the line while chasing a modest total of 97.

In the second game, she helped clean up the tail with two wickets to reduce New Zealand to 123. She finished the series with five wickets, the joint-highest with three other players.

She produced a Player of the Match-winning performance in the first T20I when India came touring, scoring a half-century and picking up a wicket in England 18-run win. She also played a crucial knock of 42 in the decider to help her side clinch the series 2-1.


Memorable performance

Sciver's all-round brilliance helped England take a 1-0 lead in the rain-curtailed first T20I against India.

Walking in to bat at No.3 in the eighth over of the innings, she took the attack to the bowlers immediately, hitting two boundaries and a six in the next three overs. Despite wickets falling at the other end, she kept her foot on the accelerator. She smashed Arundhati Reddy for three consecutive boundaries and got to her fifty in just 24 balls.

She eventually perished in the 19th over but not before laying the foundation for a huge score.

With the ball, she got the all-important wicket of Smriti Mandhana in the last over of the Powerplay. The scalp proved to be very crucial later as it started raining in eighth over of the innings and India eventually fell 18 runs short of the DLS par score.

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/2427619

 

[MenInG]

Match-winning knocks, sizzling spells, superhuman efforts and impeccable leadership – the four nominees for the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for the ICC Player of the Year had a year to remember in 2021. Here, we take a look at their efforts and celebrate their achievements.

Joe Root – England

1855 runs in 18 international matches at an average of 58.37 with 6 centuries

The year that was

England's Test skipper has enjoyed a year that will go down in the pages of the history books. Firmly establishing himself as the spine of England's batting in Test cricket, he has often been the lone man standing for their cause. His year began with a marathon knock in 228 against Sri Lanka in Galle and he has only gone from strength to strength.

He would follow up his exploits against Sri Lanka with a memorable knock in Chennai, a brilliant 218 against India. He would continue his sublime form against India in the return leg of the Test series at home, aggregating 564 runs in four matches with three centuries to his name. His performance also helped him reach the summit of the MRF Tyres ICC Test Player Rankings for batting, where he would be eventually displaced by Marnus Labuschagne.

Despite failing to convert his starts into big scores, Root continued being England's best batter against Australia in the first three Ashes Tests.

Memorable knock

Root's best knock this year has undoubtedly been the 218 in the sweltering heat of Chennai against an Indian spin attack of the highest calibre.

Batting out 377 deliveries, Root creamed 19 fours and two sixes in his marathon innings, completely nullifying the threat of Ravichandran Ashwin and co.

His knock set England up for a mammoth first innings score of 578 which eventually helped them win the contest by 227 runs.

What he said

On reaching the pinnacle of the Test rankings, Root brilliantly summed up his own performances but maintained that winning matches for England was his main priority. He stated, "As nice as it is there’s still so much hard work to do and the focus doesn’t change, it’s all about trying to continue getting better, continue scoring runs and hopefully winning Test matches. It’s not something that I have as a goal or a main focus in what I’m trying to do. I’m proud to hear I’ve achieved that and it would be nice to stay there now.”


Shaheen Shah Afridi – Pakistan

78 wickets in 36 internationals at an average of 22.20. Best bowling figures of 6/51

The year that was

The tall Pakistani pacer was on fire throughout 2021, knocking some of the best batters over across all three formats of the game. He especially had a year to remember in Tests and T20Is, reaching his absolute peak during the T20 World Cup in UAE where he impressed one and all with his sheer speed and skills.

He would scalp 7 wickets in six matches during the tournament in Pakistan's run to the semi-final. He ruled the shortest format throughout the calendar year, scalping 23 wickets in 21 matches with his death bowling improving by leaps and bounds.

After a slow start to the year in Test cricket in New Zealand, Afridi burst to life during the home series against South Africa. He continued his brilliant form throughout the rest of the year in the away tours of Zimbabwe, West Indies and Bangladesh. Overall, he scalped 47 wickets in only 9 matches at a staggering average of 17.06.

Swing, seam, sheer pace and sizzling yorkers – Shaheen Shah Afridi gave an exhibition of it all in the year 2021.

Memorable spell

A high-pressure encounter against India in Dubai beckoned in October. The T20 World Cup tournament opener for both sides with the history well and truly against Pakistan. But Afridi's opening burst changed it all and evoked audible gasps from one and all at the wizardry on display.

He would first trap Rohit Sharma with a late in-dipper. This would be followed by the dismissal of KL Rahul, who saw his stumps knocked over with another peach of a delivery. India simply could not recover from this, slumping to their first-ever defeat against Pakistan at a World Cup. Later on, he would also get the prized scalp of Virat Kohli in the death overs.

The numbers (3/31) simply do not do justice to what everyone witnessed from Shaheen on that fateful day in Dubai.

What they said

Indian captain Virat Kohli was left in awe of Afridi's spell during the match-up. Heaping praises, Kohli said post-match: “He put our batsmen under pressure immediately with the new ball, and he ran in with intensity and showed that he's bowling in consistent areas, so as batsmen you are forced to be a bit watchful.

“That spell kind of put us on the back foot immediately, and from there on to get those extra 20, 25 runs, in the end, seemed pretty difficult when you lose three wickets for 20 runs.”


Kane Williamson – New Zealand

693 runs in 16 internationals at an average of 43.31 with one century

The year that was

Kane Williamson's 2021 simply cannot only be judged on the basis of the runs he scored. It was also his influential leadership that helped the Blackcaps scale unchartered heights during the year. None more so important than the ICC World Test Championship Final against India in Southampton.

Williamson played a crucial role in that game with the bat as well, scoring a vital 49 in the first innings against a quality bowling unit in conditions assisting the seamers. He followed it up with a crucial 52* in the run chase of 139, taking his side home before lifting the mace.

His leadership would again be vital during the T20 World Cup in UAE and Oman, with his tactical nous helping New Zealand reach the final. After a relatively quiet tournament with the bat in accordance to his own high standards, Williamson played a knock of supreme ability as New Zealand batted first against Australia in Dubai. Unfortunately, his 43-ball 85 could not propel his side to a victory.

Memorable knock

You simply can't look past the batting masterclass against Australia in the T20 World Cup final. With the pressure of posting a challenging target on the board and the departure of Daryl Mitchell relatively early, the onus was on Williamson to be the man for the big occasion for his side.

What followed was a display of tremendous skill as he pierced the field and the boundary ropes at will. Williamson would hit 10 fours and three sixes in his knock of 85. What went unnoticed though was how he nudged the ball around and kept the strike rotating to keep the scoreboard ticking. The quartet of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Adam Zampa were rendered ineffective against the class of one of the greats of this generation.

Despite New Zealand falling short at the final hurdle, Williamson's knock will be etched in the memories forever as one of the great innings played in a World Cup final.

What he said:

Expressing his ecstasy after New Zealand finally won the big one in Southampton, Williamson expressed the moment was one to be 'savoured'.

"I've been part of [NZ cricket] for a short while, it's a very special feeling, the first time in our history we've come away with a world title. We've had 22 players over the last two years, and they've all played their part and the support staff and the guys who played this match, it's a special achievement to be savoured.

"We know we don't always have the stars, we rely on other bits and pieces to stay in the game and be competitive. We saw a lot of heart and commitment to our style of cricket in this game."


Mohammad Rizwan – Pakistan

1915 runs in 44 internationals at an average of 56.32 with 2 centuries. 56 dismissals.

The year that was

The Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter ruled the roost in 2021 when it came to the shortest format of the game. Aggregating a staggering 1326 runs in only 29 matches, Rizwan struck at an average of 73.66 and a strike-rate of 134.89. Apart from his exploits with the bat, he was as solid as ever behind the stumps, playing a key role in Pakistan's run to the semis during the T20 World Cup.

Rizwan also upped his game in Test cricket, scoring 455 runs in 9 matches at an average of 45.50. Most importantly though, he was consistent throughout the year and played a variety of roles across all formats – be it getting Pakistan off to flying starts in the T20Is or stabilizing things with the lower order in Test cricket.

With some tough assignments coming up in 2022, both home and away, along with a T20 World Cup, Pakistan will again heavily bank upon the ever-dependable Rizwan to leave a mark.

Though a chase of 152 looked easy on paper, Pakistan had the weight of history against them in the T20 World Cup encounter against India. With the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Shami in opposition attack, the task was made all the more complicated. But as it was almost always the case in 2021, Rizwan along with his skipper Babar Azam ensured that a famous victory would be sealed.

Rizwan smacked 79* in only 55 deliveries, hitting 6 fours and 3 sixes. The ease at which he countered the Indian bowling attack was a thing of sheer beauty. He ensured that there were no hiccups in the run-chase as Pakistan galloped towards the target without losing a single wicket to seal a 10-wicket victory.

Rizwan would continue this form throughout the remainder of the tournament, scoring 281 runs and ending as the third-highest run-scorer.

What they said

Pakistan batting coach Matthew Hayden was full of praise for Rizwan after his knock of 67 in a losing cause against Australia in the T20 World Cup semi-final. It was revealed that Rizwan was lying on a hospital bed a night before the big clash battling a lung infection. The wicketkeeper-batter was hailed as a 'warrior' by the Australian legend for his effort which further displayed his character of steel.

Hayden said: "Rizwan, you probably didn’t know was actually in hospital just a night ago suffering from some sort of lung condition. This is a warrior. He has been brilliant through it (the campaign) and he’s got great courage."

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/2426301?sf157675596=1

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Surely Shaheen should win Cricketer of the Year. He is the only one who has done well in every format.

Root has only done well in Tests and despite that England have had arguably their worst year in quite some time. Not since Bangladesh in 2003 has a team lost more test matches in a single year.

Williamson has been a great captain but as batsman he has scored what one century all year?

Rizwan has delivered in Tests but his dominance too has been concentrated in one format. Which is why it makes much more sense for him to win T20 Player of the Year, just as it makes much more sense for Root to win Test Cricketer of the Year.

 

[street cricketer]

The big bad and racist BCCICC nominating two Pakistani players for the biggest individual award in cricket, surely that can't be right

 

[jeeteshssaxena]

Icc awards are fair.
Only one Indian nominated in all the categories put together and he completely deserved that.

 

[criclover2311]

Where is Rishabh Pant? First name comes to mind for ICC Cricketer followed by Shaheen. Kane and Root were not outstanding in other formats not comparably

 

[James]

Four brilliant players have been nominated for the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy – the ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year 2021 award:

Tammy Beaumont
Lizelle Lee
Gaby Lewis
Smriti Mandhana

 

[Major]

If root gets cricketer of the year award than its pure robbery. Yousuf ith the record didnt get this award and was only given test cricketer of the year.

I hope rizwan gets it

 

[street cricketer]

Where is Rishabh Pant? First name comes to mind for ICC Cricketer followed by Shaheen. Kane and Root were not outstanding in other formats not comparably

Pant has achieved nothing in LoI formats. All the nominations are deserved, as they have been in all other categories. Think Shaheen or Williamson has a good chance of winning it. Even Rizwan. Not sure Root can win it given he plays only Test cricket.

 

[Sycamore]

Rizwan - T20 player of the year
Shaheen - ICC cricketer of the year
Root - Test Player of the year
ODI player of the year - Meh

 

[Unbiased-Fan]

The big bad and racist BCCICC nominating two Pakistani players for the biggest individual award in cricket, surely that can't be right

They are happy now look at their old responses to this thread

 

[Unbiased-Fan]

Where is Rishabh Pant? First name comes to mind for ICC Cricketer followed by Shaheen. Kane and Root were not outstanding in other formats not comparably

Rishab has achieved almost nothing in other formats than tests. He was not that much good in other half of 2021 in any format.

 

[Unbiased-Fan]

If root gets cricketer of the year award than its pure robbery. Yousuf ith the record didnt get this award and was only given test cricketer of the year.

I hope rizwan gets it

Get ready to witness robbery then. Root gonna win both Test and cricketer of the year awards and he deserve this. Rizwan has 2nd best chance to win.

 

[Major]

Get ready to witness robbery then. Root gonna win both Test and cricketer of the year awards and he deserve this. Rizwan has 2nd best chance to win.

How does he deserve it? Reread my post to understand.

The guy who actually set the record never got the cricketer of the year award, he was only given test award thats it.

Most likely shaheen would get it.

But if its based on sportsman spirit and runs than it would be rizwan. He has been the face of our modest team

 

[Cover Drive Six]

No.1 ODI batsman at end of

2017 - Virat Kohli
2018 - Virat Kohli
2019 - Virat Kohli
2020 - Virat Kohli
2021 - Babar Azam*

 

[Cover Drive Six]

Most Intl runs in -

2011: K Sangakkara (2267)
2012: M Clarke (2251)
2013: AB de Villiers (2181)
2014: K Sangakkara (2813)
2015: K Williamson (2692)
2016: V Kohli (2595)
2017: V Kohli (2818)
2018: V Kohli (2735)
2019: V Kohli (2455)
2020: A Finch (944)
2021: M Rizwan (1915)

 

[Saj]

Most runs in international cricket in 2021:

Mohammad Rizwan 1915
Joe Root 1855
Babar Azam 1760
Rohit Sharma 1420


Most wickets in international cricket in 2021:

Shaheen Shah Afridi 78
Hassan Ali 73
Ravichandran Ashwin 63
Dushmantha Chameera 50
Kagiso Rabada 50
Tabraiz Shamsi 50

 

[James]

<b>ICC Women’s T20I Team of the Year revealed</b>

The ICC Team of the Year acknowledges the best players who entertained one and all with their performances in a calendar year.

Here, we take a look at 11 such individuals who impressed everyone with their exploits in 2021 and made it to the ICC Women’s T20I Team of the Year.


<b>Smriti Mandhana (India)</b>

With 255 runs at an average of 31.87, Smriti Mandhana was India's highest scorer in the format in 2021. She scored two fifties in the nine matches she played this year, and got her team off to rapid starts regularly, as evident up by her strike-rate of 131.44.


<b>Tammy Beaumont (England)</b>

Tammy Beaumont's reliable presence at the top of the order helped England off to steady starts regularly. She played nine matches and amassed 303 runs at an average of 33.66, including three fifties.


<b>Danni Wyatt (England)</b>

Danni Wyatt, Beaumont's partner in crime at the top of the order, enjoyed an equally good time in 2021. Wyatt amassed 252 runs in nine matches, at an average of 31.50. While Beaumont was a solid presence at one end, Wyatt took the attack to the bowlers, as her strike-rate of 133.33 suggests.


<b>Gaby Lewis (Ireland)</b>

The 20-year-old Ireland international enjoyed a great year as she became the first Ireland Women’s player to score a century in international cricket, with her knock of 105* against Germany on the opening day of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier. In all, Lewis amassed 325 runs in the year at an excellent average of 40.62.


<b>Nat Sciver (c) (England)</b>

The experienced England all-rounder produced many impactful performances throughout the year. Batting in the middle-order, Sciver scored a total of 153 runs, including one fifty, and she also picked up 10 wickets at an excellent average of 20.20.


<b>Amy Jones (wk) (England)</b>

The England wicketkeeper-batter impressed everyone with her scoring range and power hitting ability in 2021. Jones batted mainly in the lower middle-order, and helped England with quick runs regularly. She accumulated a total of 151 runs, which came at a superb strike-rate of 142.45.


<b>Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa)</b>

Laura Wolvaardt was one of the best performers among middle-order batters in 2021. She gave South Africa much-needed acceleration in the middle-overs, scoring her runs at a mind-boggling strike-rate of 161. She was extremely consistent at that too, as her runs came at an outstanding average of 53.66.


<b>Marizanne Kapp (South Africa)</b>

The South African played only six matches in 2021 but still delivered an impactful, all-round performance in those games. Kapp amassed exactly 100 runs and picked up eight wickets as well, at an excellent average of 15.00.


<b>Sophie Ecclestone (England)</b>

The England spinner was one of the most effective bowlers in T20Is last year. Ecclestone picked up 11 wickets in nine matches, at an excellent average and strike-rate of 17.18 and 17.9 respectively.


<b>Loryn Phiri (Zimbabwe)</b>

Phiri played nine T20I matches for Zimbabwe, and claimed a stunning 16 wickets, including best figures of 5/6. Her bowling average stood at a stunning 7.18.


<b>Shabnim Ismail (South Africa)</b>

The experienced South African pacer played only six matches last year, but picked up 11 wickets at a mean average and strike-rate of 13.00 and 12.0 respectively. This includes a five-for as well, which came in the home series against Pakistan in January.

 

[Last Monetarist]

ICC announces Men's T20I Team of the Year: Babar (Captain), Rizwan and Shaheen included

The ICC Team of the Year recognises 11 outstanding individuals who have impressed one and all – be it with the bat, the ball or their all-round exploits in a calendar year.

Here, we take a look at 11 players who make the cut in the T20 format of the game for men's cricket.



The ICC Men's T20I Team of the Year 2021:

Jos Buttler (England)
Buttler was in belligerent form throughout the year in the shortest form of the game, scoring 589 runs in 14 matches at 65.44 with one century. He also made a telling impact at the T20 World Cup in UAE and Oman, ending as England's leading run-scorer with 269 runs, including a memorable century against Sri Lanka on a sluggish track in Sharjah.

Mohammad Rizwan (wk) (Pakistan)
The Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter ruled the roost in 2021 when it came to the shortest format of the game. Aggregating a staggering 1326 runs in only 29 matches, Rizwan struck at an average of 73.66 and a strike-rate of 134.89. Apart from his exploits with the bat, he was as solid as ever behind the stumps, playing a key role in Pakistan's run to the semis during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2021, where he ended up as the third-highest run-scorer.

Babar Azam (c) (Pakistan)
The Pakistan skipper was at his classy best in the shortest format in 2021, leaving his best at the T20 World Cup where he ended the tournament as the leading run-scorer. Overall, Babar played 29 matches and aggregated 939 runs at an average of 37.56 with one century and nine half-centuries. His captaincy was also praised as he led his team to the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup in UAE and Oman.

Aiden Markram (South Africa)
Considered a solid Test opener, 2021 was the year where Aiden Markram's limited-overs game grew by leaps and bounds, especially his power-hitting game in the middle-order. In 18 matches, Makram notched up 570 runs at 43.84 with six half-centuries, striking at 148.82. He also proved to be a handy part-time spin bowling option, chipping in with 5 wickets.

Mitchell Marsh (Australia)
Australia's success at the T20 World Cup can be traced back to the decision to move Mitchell Marsh up the batting order to No.3, instead of designating him the role of being a finisher lower down. Throughout the calendar year, he was their best batter in the shortest format, improving his game by leaps and bounds, especially against spin and when it came to rotating the strike. He scored 627 runs in 21 matches at 36.88 and also chipped in with 8 wickets.

David Miller (South Africa)
South Africa's finisher again enjoyed a fruitful year in 2021, playing some impactful knocks. His knock against Sri Lanka at Sharjah during the T20 World Cup was especially a showcase in what David Miller is all about. He played 17 matches, scoring 377 runs at 47.12 with two half-centuries. He also scored at a brisk pace, striking at 149.60.

Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka)
It was a breakthrough year for Wanindu Hasaranga, who established himself as one of the best spinners in the shortest format while also being a player who could contribute with the bat. A consistent performer throughout the year, Hasaranga's star shone the brightest during the T20 World Cup in UAE and Oman, ending the tournament as the leading wicket-taker with 16 scalps. Overall, he picked up 36 wickets in 20 matches at 11.63, while also scoring 196 runs.

Tabraiz Shamsi (South Africa)
The No.1 ranked T20I bowler in the world showcased all his class in 2021, showing off his clever brand of variations. Be it taking a wicket or holding the flow of runs, Shamsi delivered more often than not. In 22 matches, he scalped 36 wickets at an average of 13.36 and a miserly economy of 5.72.

Josh Hazlewood (Australia)
Considered by many a Test specialist, Josh Hazlewood made a telling impact in the shortest format, bowling in all the three phases of the game. He was key in Australia's run to T20 World Cup glory, being ever-present in their bowling attack. In 15 matches, he picked up 23 wickets at an average of 16.34 and an economy of 6.87.

Mustafizur Rahman (Bangladesh)
The Bangladesh left-arm seamer again ruled the roost in T20I cricket in 2021 with his clever variations and change of pace. Lethal up front and at the death, he scalped 28 wickets in 20 matches at an average of 17.39. He also proved tough for the batters to get away as proven by his economy of 7.00.

Shaheen Afridi (Pakistan)
It was a year for remember for Shaheen Afridi, especially in the shortest form of the game. Extracting brilliant movement with the new ball and reversing it with the old, Afridi picked up 23 wickets in 21 matches at an average of 26.04 and an economy of 7.86. Still only 21, Shaheen will likely lead the Pakistan pace bowling unit for years to come and with already rapid improvements in his bowling, he will undoubtedly prove to be a fearsome prospect.

 

[Technics 1210]

Mashallah. Superb! Keep up the good work.

Interestingly, no Indian player in the T20i team of the year?

 

[Varun]

Interestingly, no Indian player in the T20i team of the year?

BCCICC preserving its stealth so you eagerly wait for the next teams of the year and see 7 Indian players in it. #Muhaha

 

[Major]

Good team, the only small reservation i might have is the captaincy. Babar isn't a very good captain and the reason we lost the Semi Final against Australia was because of his captaincy which got brushed under the carpet. Alot of criticism on babar gets brushed under.

Anyways as it seems there are not other choice for captaincy, they probably had to label his name for it.

As a batsmen however, he deserves to be there. Was the second highest scorer.

Happy for Rizwans name, this might be his first accolade. One year ago Pakistani fans were laughing at this and now look. He is the best wicket keeper, chosen over Jos Butler

 

[Rana]

Woke ICC keeping Pakistan happy

 

[Adi_62945]

Good team, the only small reservation i might have is the captaincy. Babar isn't a very good captain and the reason we lost the Semi Final against Australia was because of his captaincy which got brushed under the carpet. Alot of criticism on babar gets brushed under.

Anyways as it seems there are not other choice for captaincy, they probably had to label his name for it.

As a batsmen however, he deserves to be there. Was the second highest scorer.

Happy for Rizwans name, this might be his first accolade. One year ago Pakistani fans were laughing at this and now look. He is the best wicket keeper, chosen over Jos Butler

So hassan ali dropping a crucial catch and shaheen afridi getting smashed on poor deliveries is a mistake of babar? He has improved a lot in his captaincy and in pakistan atleast, you need your best player to be the captain to avoid rifts and conflicts in between team.

 

[silentkiller187]

Rizwan is good enough opener for team of the year but some pak fans still think hes not good enough to open for pakistan

 

[shah9425]

Good to see our 3 players in the team

 

[Ashmal]

Good team, the only small reservation i might have is the captaincy. Babar isn't a very good captain and the reason we lost the Semi Final against Australia was because of his captaincy which got brushed under the carpet. Alot of criticism on babar gets brushed under.

Anyways as it seems there are not other choice for captaincy, they probably had to label his name for it.

As a batsmen however, he deserves to be there. Was the second highest scorer.

Happy for Rizwans name, this might be his first accolade. One year ago Pakistani fans were laughing at this and now look. He is the best wicket keeper, chosen over Jos Butler

The way Babar handled the team( both on & off the field) in the high-pressure game vs India and then went on to achieve something which no other Pakistani captain has ever done.....that's enough to name him as captain of this team.

He's still young in this job and only going to get better in future

 

[Marathonrunner]

Strange not a single player from Ind. BCCI needs to do something . All this while there were complaints that ICC is run by BCCi. Rohit , Virat and Pant should be there definitely

 

[sweep_shot]

Not surprising.

Babar and Rizwan have been phenomenal. So was Shaheen.

 

[Major]

So hassan ali dropping a crucial catch and shaheen afridi getting smashed on poor deliveries is a mistake of babar? He has improved a lot in his captaincy and in pakistan atleast, you need your best player to be the captain to avoid rifts and conflicts in between team.

Babar's captaincy was bad.....

Many people dont know or accept this. We lost the world t20 semis cause of him.

He did not use Hafeez as a spinner and was forced to use Haris Rauf and Hasan Ali in the end to bowl out the overs. Had Hafeez bowled more ovvers we would have had options.

Hafeez one no ball caused him to change, when infact he bowled the next 5 balls very well

 

[Major]

The way Babar handled the team( both on & off the field) in the high-pressure game vs India and then went on to achieve something which no other Pakistani captain has ever done.....that's enough to name him as captain of this team.

He's still young in this job and only going to get better in future

Again, there is a difference between batting and captaining.

Against India he was never tested. He was tested in the semi finals where he under pressure he had assumed Hafeez was bowling bad and dint give him any more overs. Went with Hasan Ali getting all the overs who got his for boundaries. His captaincy was bad which led us to lose the semi finals, but becaue he can bat like Virat Kohli we assume that he is also a good captain aswell.

No one knows how Babar handeled the team off the field. No one of us are part of the team that can make such claims. Just because PCB makes scripted pr videos, they mean nothing.

Babar Azam is a good batsmen, but he is still a bad captain

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Babar, Rizwan and Shaheen can't make it into Indian team but they have made it into the ICC Men's T20I of the year.

 

[Ashmal]

Again, there is a difference between batting and captaining.

Against India he was never tested. He was tested in the semi finals where he under pressure he had assumed Hafeez was bowling bad and dint give him any more overs. Went with Hasan Ali getting all the overs who got his for boundaries. His captaincy was bad which led us to lose the semi finals, but becaue he can bat like Virat Kohli we assume that he is also a good captain aswell.

No one knows how Babar handeled the team off the field. No one of us are part of the team that can make such claims. Just because PCB makes scripted pr videos, they mean nothing.

Babar Azam is a good batsmen, but he is still a bad captain

How can you say he wasn't tested against India......his bowling changes were on point that night and he didn't panic when Kohli and Pant started to score a few and stuck to his plans and don't forget the context, an Ind vs Pak WC game with so much hype which past captains haven't been able to manage.

And Babar as captain deserves every bit of credit for the way Pakistan played that WC, it was refreshing.....a great turnaround after a catastrophic month for Pak cricket with NZ going home, coaches resigning just before the WC.

No one is calling Babar a great captain...he has lots to improve but he isn't as bad as you think.

 

[smkk]

How can you say he wasn't tested against India......his bowling changes were on point that night and he didn't panic when Kohli and Pant started to score a few and stuck to his plans and don't forget the context, an Ind vs Pak WC game with so much hype which past captains haven't been able to manage.

And Babar as captain deserves every bit of credit for the way Pakistan played that WC, it was refreshing.....a great turnaround after a catastrophic month for Pak cricket with NZ going home, coaches resigning just before the WC.

No one is calling Babar a great captain...he has lots to improve but he isn't as bad as you think.

His main problem is that if he admit that Babar did good in T20 world cup in terms of captaincy, than he cannot credit his favourite Misbah, who chickened out before the campaign, by saying that the Pakistan team was hand picked and coached by him, and therefore Misbah gets the main credit for Pakistan's good performance in the tournament.

 

[Saj]

Can't really argue with this team.

Fantastic that 3 Pakistani players in the team - well deserved.

 

[Major]

How can you say he wasn't tested against India......his bowling changes were on point that night and he didn't panic when Kohli and Pant started to score a few and stuck to his plans and don't forget the context, an Ind vs Pak WC game with so much hype which past captains haven't been able to manage.

And Babar as captain deserves every bit of credit for the way Pakistan played that WC, it was refreshing.....a great turnaround after a catastrophic month for Pak cricket with NZ going home, coaches resigning just before the WC.

No one is calling Babar a great captain...he has lots to improve but he isn't as bad as you think.

You haven't provided any analysis which defines him as being a good captain.

What happened against Australia in the semis were just basic school boy errors. Pakistan cannot have such errors in ICC tournaments. International cricket isnt an area where he should be learning and improving on captaincy.

 

[Major]

His main problem is that if he admit that Babar did good in T20 world cup in terms of captaincy, than he cannot credit his favourite Misbah, who chickened out before the campaign, by saying that the Pakistan team was hand picked and coached by him, and therefore Misbah gets the main credit for Pakistan's good performance in the tournament.

im only talking about captaincy here. Nothing to do with Misbah or anyone else.

His captaincy gets over looked by everyone just because he is a good batsmen. His poor captaincy cost us one world t20 and it will cost us more.

But as usual, as im not saying good things about your favorite than surely i have some ulterior motive.

 

[Sajjad-007]

My 3 Star in the team. I am so happy

 

[MenInG]

ICC Men's ODI Team of the Year revealed : Babar Azam (captain) and Fakhar Zaman included

The ICC Team of the Year recognises 11 outstanding individuals who have impressed one and all – be it with the bat, the ball or their all-round exploits in a calendar year.

Here, we take a look at 11 players who make the cut in the 50-over format of the game for men's cricket.

Paul Stirling (Ireland)

With 705 runs, Paul Stirling finished 2021 as the highest run-scorer in ODIs in 2021. His runs came in only 14 matches at an average of 79.66 with three centuries and two half-centuries. The opener constantly got his side off to rapid starts, despite Ireland struggling for victories in the calendar year.


Janneman Malan (South Africa)

Malan established himself as a vital part of the South African top-order, earning a deserved place in the ICC Men's ODI Team of the Year. Malan scored 509 runs in eight matches at an average of 84.83 with two centuries and two half-centuries. Be it in home or away conditions, Malan maintained his consistency throughout the calendar year, having only made his ODI debut a year before.


Babar Azam (c) (Pakistan)

Despite having played only 6 matches in 2021, Babar still managed to score 405 runs at an average of 67.50 with two centuries. The talismanic Pakistan skipper made vital contributions in tough away tours of South Africa and England, ending up with Player of the Match awards in both their victories in the former. He also scored a memorable ton in Birmingham in conditions that assisted the seamers.


Fakhar Zaman (Pakistan)

Zaman continued his stellar run in Pakistan's ODI outfit in the year 2021. Playing 6 matches, he aggregated 365 runs at an average of 60.83 with two centuries. One of the centuries came against South Africa, in a knock which will be remembered for ages. He scored 193, almost taking Pakistan home in their chase of 342 in Johannesburg.


Rassie van der Dussen (South Africa)

The South African middle-order bat continued to be a pillar of rock for the Proteas in the 50-over format. Playing impactful knocks and masterfully rotating the strike, he scored 342 runs in 8 games at an average of 57. He also had a ton to his name which came against Pakistan in Centurion.


Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh)

Another year, another Shakib Al Hasan masterclass. The veteran all-rounder continued to showcase his class for Bangladesh in the 50-over format in 2021. In nine matches, he managed to score 277 runs at an average of 39.57 with two half-centuries. He also scalped up 17 wickets at an average of 17.52. He was in full flight in his return to international cricket in the series against West Indies at home, where he was adjudged the Player of the Series for his efforts.


Mushfiqur Rahim (wk) (Bangladesh)

Mushfiqur too continued to be a solid contributor to Bangladesh's cause in the year 2021. Playing 9 matches, he aggregated 407 runs at an average of 58.14 with one century. Typically busy at the crease, Mushfiqur ran hard to accumulate his runs while playing some glorious shots in between.


Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka)

A vital contributor with both the bat and the ball – Wanindu Hasaranga continued to establish himself as the superstar of the Sri Lankan team in the shorter formats of the game in 2021. He scored 356 runs at an average of 27.38 with three half-centuries in 14 matches. Hasaranga was also a constant menace with the ball, picking up 12 wickets at a miserly economy of 4.56.


Mustafizur Rahman (Bangladesh)

The Bangladesh left-arm seamer again ruled the roost in ODI cricket in 2021 with his clever variations and change of pace. Lethal up front and at the death, he scalped 18 wickets in 10 matches at an average of 21.55. He also proved tough for the batters to get away as proven by his economy of 5.03.


Simi Singh (Ireland)

The off-break bowler weaved a web around his opponents, taking wickets for fun in 2021. He picked up 19 wickets at 20.15 in 2021 in 13 matches, which included one five-for. He also contributed 280 runs at 46.66, which included one century and one half-century.


Dushmantha Chameera (Sri Lanka)

Impressing one and all with his pace, Chameera was on fire in the year 2021. Playing 14 matches, he scalped 20 wickets at an average of 29.30 with one five-wicket haul. Managing to maintain his fitness, Chameera reaped the rewards in what turned out to be a fruitful year for him.

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/2451796?sf158722227=1

 

[Rana]

Probably the worst ever ODI team selected by ICC in it’s history

 

[Major]

3 Bangladeshis and simi singh from ireland who is terrible. Not a good team but than again very small sample size as barely any odis were played this year