ICC Awards 2024

[FearlessRoar]

The International Cricket Council (ICC) will today begin unveiling shortlists in the ICC Awards 2024, where the outstanding performers from an action-packed calendar year of international cricket will be acknowledged.

The year witnessed no shortage of highlights and exceptional individual performances, and contenders for the top prizes in the ICC Awards 2024 are drawn from pinnacle global events including the dramatic ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies, the landmark ICC Women’s T20 World Cup hosted by Bangladesh in the UAE, and a host of other international competitions.

The ICC Awards 2024 will celebrate the very best performers over the course of the year, through 12 categories spanning specific formats of men’s and women’s cricket, as well as the best overall performers who stand in contention to claim the coveted Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year and the iconic Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy for ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year.

Shortlist Announcements

28 December: Shortlists for ICC Emerging Men’s and Women’s Cricketers of the Year revealed

29 December: Shortlists for ICC Men’s and Women’s T20I and ODI Cricketers of the Year revealed

30 December: Shortlists for ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year, the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy for ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year, and the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year revealed.

Shortlists for these categories have been determined by a specialist panel of cricket writers and broadcasters, who identified the star performers according to on-field performances and overall achievements in international cricket through the calendar year.

Voting

ICC Awards 2024 winners will be determined by global cricket fans, together with a larger panel of global media representatives - the ICC Voting Academy, with voting set to begin once the final shortlists have been revealed on 30 December.

Results of the ICC Voting Academy selections and the fans’ vote will be combined to determine the winner in each of these nine categories.

Three other categories will be celebrated in the ICC Awards 2024; the ICC Men’s and Women’s Associate Cricketers of the Year (determined solely by the Voting Academy) and the ICC Umpire of the Year, making a total of 12 prizes.

In addition to the individual honours, five ICC Teams of the Year will be revealed when the winners are announced, selected by the ICC Voting Academy and identifying the standout XIs from the international stage in men’s and women’s cricket.

Following the conclusion of the voting period, winners of the ICC Awards 2024 will be announced in late January 2025.

ICC Awards 2024 – full list of award categories:

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 Umpire of the Year

 

[FearlessRoar]

Nominees unveiled for ICC’s Men's Emerging Cricketer of The Year

Two seamers boasting impressive Test debuts, the Sri Lankan southpaw who levelled Don Bradman’s feat and the Pakistan opener who inspired historic triumphs make up the nominees for the ICC’s Men's Emerging Cricketer of The Year award.

Gus Atkinson (England)

52 wickets from 11 matches, averaging 22.15

Arriving on the Test arena in what was James Anderson’s last match in July, Atkinson took little time to establish his place as England’s new front-line bowler in the longest format.

Having got off to the mark with a seven-wicket haul in his first outing with the red-ball for England, Atkinson has claimed 52 dismissals from 11 Tests this year. Closing the home season with 34 wickets from three Tests against both the West Indies and Sri Lanka, Atkinson was also handy away from home.

The 26-year-old seized 12 dismissals from three matches as England clinched their first Test series win in New Zealand since 2008 in December.

Atkinson also displayed his batting nous as he fashioned a 101-ball Test ton against Sri Lanka at Lord’s.

Memorable performance

Taking centre-stage on his Test debut at Lord’s, Atkinson made an incredible first impression as he ran through the West Indies batting line-up, registering figures of 7/45 in the first innings - his career-best so far.

Atkinson followed it up with an impressive five-wicket haul in the second innings and was named Player of the Match as England wrapped up the game with an innings-and-a-114-run win.

His overall bowling figures (12/106) are the fourth-best bowling figures by a debutant in men’s Tests.

Kamindu Mendis (Sri Lanka)

1451 runs from 32 matches at an average of 50.03

Third-fastest to scoring 1000 runs in men’s Tests - equalling Sir Don Bradman’s 13-innings mark to reach the milestone, Mendis emerged as the new face of Sri Lanka’s batting line-up in 2024.

The middle-order batter was particularly impressive in the longest format of the game, piling on 1049 runs from nine Tests – at a staggering average of 74.92. This included five centuries and three fifties.

Mendis also finished as Sri Lanka’s leading run-getter on the tour of England, where he notched 267 runs from three Tests, and scored a vital half-century in Sri Lanka’s first Test win in England in a decade.

Memorable performance

In a 2-0 home series triumph against New Zealand which gave Sri Lanka a push in the race for the ICC World Test Championship Final, Mendis produced his career-best score.

An unbeaten 182 against the Black Caps in the second Test saw him lay the foundation for a 2-0 series sweep. The innings constructed over 250 deliveries, laced with 16 boundaries and four maximums, won him the Player of the Match award.

Saim Ayub (Pakistan)

515 runs from nine ODIs, averaging 64.37

In Ayub, Pakistan found a new flamboyant southpaw at the top of their batting order. While Ayub was a consistent feature across all three formats, many of his best performances in 2024 came in ODIs.

As Pakistan won multiple away series in Australia, Zimbabwe and South Africa to prime themselves for the ICC Champions Trophy defence, Ayub went big as an opener.

In South Africa, the left-hander sizzled with two tons from the three games and finished as the Player of the Series in a 3-0 clean sweep - South Africa’s first at home.

Ayub was also impressive in a low-scoring affair in Australia, that saw Pakistan edge past the hosts to clinch their first ODI series triumph Down Under in 22 years.

The 22-year-old also provided Pakistan a handy option with the ball, claiming five wickets and boasting an economy rate of 4.63.

Memorable performance

Having claimed the all-important wicket of Aiden Markram with the ball, Ayub helped orchestrate one of the most impressive wins for Pakistan in the calendar year.

Chasing 240 against a strong Proteas pace attack in Paarl, Ayub stood tall with wickets falling at regular intervals at the other end. With Pakistan teetering at 60/4, Ayub combined alongside Salman Agha (82) for a game-changing stand.

A 109 runs off 119 deliveries - his second-best ODI score - composed of 10 fours and three sixes put Pakistan on the path to a dominant series win.

Shamar Joseph (West Indies)

29 wickets from eight Tests, average of 26.75

Having made his debut on the tour of Australia, Joseph took no time to become a household name for the West Indies.

It started with a spectacular display Down Under that helped West Indies win their first Test match in Australia since 1997. Playing his first Test series, Joseph put forth an incredible shift with the ball, claiming 13 wickets from two Tests, including two five-wicket hauls.

Later in the year, Joseph was clinical in the home series against Bangladesh and South Africa, finishing with 12 wickets from three outings.

Memorable performance

As West Indies became only the second team to beat Australia at the Gabba since 1989, Joseph etched his name in the history books with a spell to remember.

Having sustained a nasty blow while batting on the penultimate day of the Test match, Joseph returned the next day and ran riot with the pink ball.

He finished with bowling figures of 7/68 as the Windies inched past Australia by eight runs in a thrilling contest that levelled the series 1-1. Joseph was named as the player of the series.

Nominees unveiled for ICC’s Men's Emerging Cricketer of The Year

Two seamers boasting impressive Test debuts, the Sri Lankan southpaw who levelled Don Bradman’s feat and the Pakistan opener who inspired historic triumphs make up the nominees for the ICC’s Men's Emerging Cricketer of The Year award.

www.icc-cricket.com

 

[BouncerGuy]

Nominees for ICC Men's T20I Cricketer of the Year unveiled

An Indian who starred in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup triumph joins a Zimbabwe ace and two quality batters from Pakistan and Australia in the nominees for the ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year.

We recall their exploits in the year gone by.

Arshdeep Singh (India)

Matches 18, Wickets 36, Average 13.5, BBI 4/9

The year that was

With all-format bowling genius Jasprit Bumrah a selective pick for T20Is given important assignments in Tests and ODIs over the last few years, Arshdeep Singh has taken to and aced in the role of India’s primary pacer in the T20I format.

His 36 scalps over the years were the second-best by an India player in Men’s T20Is just one behind Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s 37 wickets in 2022, albeit Arshdeep’s numbers came in merely 18 games as compared to Bhuvi’s 32. He is also the third-best, with 33 scalps in 2022.

The seamer has filled in the much-needed left-arm pacer void in the shortest format for the Team in Blue, and was sensational across conditions, starring in key Indian wins at home and in West Indies, Sri Lanka and South Africa.

Memorable Performance

While Bumrah is rightly remembered for his game-turning over in the Men’s T20 World Cup final, India’s triumph would’ve been impossible without Arshdeep’s stellar support. Defending 177 for the title, he partnered with Bumrah to give India the perfect start, removing South Africa skipper Aiden Markram for four. He added the wicket of Quinton de Kock to his tally in the 13th over to keep India in the hunt.

But arguably his best came in the 19th over when Arshdeep gave merely four runs to bring the asking rate up from 10 at the start of his over to 16 by the end of it. The pressure had mounted enough on David Miller to go into make-or-break mode, and the batter lost his wicket soon after, ensuring that India closed in on their second T20 World Cup title.

Sikandar Raza (Zimbabwe)

Matches 24, 573 runs, Average 28.65, Highest score 133*

Wickets 24, Average 22.25, BBI 5/18

The year that was

Sikandar Raza makes it to the prestigious shortlist for the third year in a row. The all-rounder turned captain continues to deliver for the Chevrons in his 39th year, and was instrumental in their unbeaten run in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup sub-regional Africa Qualifier Group B, smashing 199 runs and picking up 10 wickets.

While Zimbabwe’s T20I side remains a work in progress, the African side managed to secure wins over Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan under his leadership this year.

Memorable Performance

While it was in the sub-regional qualifier that Raza secured his maiden T20I hundred and five-wicket haul, his moment of the year came against recently crowned World Champions India.

His watchful 17 helped Zimbabwe reach 115/9 on a tricky track, but he truly turned the contest with the ball. India’s stand-in captain Shubman Gill had held on even as wickets fell from the other end with a gritty 31, however, Raza broke through his defense in the 11th over to leave India reeling at 47/6. He got Ravi Bishnoi (9) soon after and also cleaned up Mukesh Kumar (0) to finish with 3/25 as his side secured a thrilling 13-run win.

Babar Azam (Pakistan)

Matches 24, 738 runs, Average 33.54, Highest Score 75*

The year that was

Despite a mixed year, no other Pakistan batter scored as many T20I runs as Babar Azam in the last 12 months.

With six fifties and close to a hundred boundaries, Babar was Pakistan’s mainstay and the year saw an improvement in his strike rate, with the batter clocking 133.21 runs every 100 deliveries.

Still only 30, Babar is primed to break Rohit Sharma’s record as the highest run-getter in T20I cricket soon, sitting just eight behind the Indian’s mark of 4231 runs.

Memorable performance

During their preparatory tour of Ireland prior to the T20 World Cup, the Asian side suffered a shocking loss in the first T20I. A win followed, but the Team in Green needed a series win to boost their confidence.

Their then captain, Babar came good, leading from the front in a chase of 179 after the early loss of Saim Ayub. Babar slammed 75 from 42 balls, with six fours and five sixes, at an exemplary strike rate of 178.57, to get his side on the brink. The win was eventually sealed in 17 overs.

Travis Head (Australia)

Matches 15, 539 runs, Average 38.5, Highest Score 80

The year that was

Getting his first regular run in the line-up since making his debut in 2016, Travis Head showed Australia his range as a T20I batter in 2024. His 539 runs are the second-best ever for an Australian in a calendar year and came at a strike rate of 178.47.

Impressing in explosive cameos against New Zealand as an opener at the start of the year, Head showed his full range of shots in the Indian Premier League and carried that form into the T20 World Cup 2024.

He was the third-highest run-getter with 255 runs, taking off at a strike rate of 158.38. It took India’s very best to stop Head from leading Australia towards another ICC tournament knockout place, but the southpaw still managed to smash his way to 76 off 43.

Memorable Performance

Head’s absolute blockbuster performance came against Ashes rivals England in Southampton. In Australia’s first game in their multi-format tour in the country, Head took the charge along with Matthew Short, getting the side to 86 by the end of first Powerplay.

Incidentally, Head was dismissed off the final ball of the Powerplay, but by then he had razed his way to 59 off just 23 balls, cracking 12 boundaries with four sixes to his credit.

His blazing knock helped Australia secure 179 in their innings, which eventually proved 28 too many for England.

ICC

 

[Bhaijaan]

Saim Ayub - Emerging cricketer of the year

Arshdeep - T20i cricketer of the year

 

[BouncerGuy]

Saim Ayub - Emerging cricketer of the year

Arshdeep - T20i cricketer of the year

Agreed. I also want these 2 to win the awards.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Shortlist for ICC Women's T20I Cricketer of the Year announced

Sri Lanka’s sensational skipper along with two ICC Women’s T20 World Cup finalists and an exceptional Ireland talent are in the race to become the ICC Women’s T20I Cricketer of the Year for 2024.

We recap their exploits in the year gone by.

Chamari Athapaththu (Sri Lanka)

Matches 21, Runs 720, Average 40, Highest Score 119*

21 wickets, Average 16.8, BBI 4/29

The year that was

It wouldn’t be an overstatement to brand Chamari Athapaththu as the most prolific female cricketer from Sri Lanka of all-time given her stellar record for the island nation, but the southpaw managed to go one further in 2024.

Despite encountering an unexpected slump in the Women’s T20 World Cup, Athapaththu was the second-highest run-getter in a calendar year in women’s T20Is. Her 720 runs included two hundreds and four half-centuries, with 86 fours and 32 sixes to her name.

Apart from her exploits with the willow, Athapaththu also picked 21 wickets in the period. Her best with the bat and the ball in T20Is came in 2024.

Memorable Performance

Amidst a series of remarkable performances, including the two centuries in Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier, it was Athapaththu’s brilliant 61 against India in Dambulla on July 28 that stood out.

The innings helped Sri Lanka to their first-ever Asia Cup triumph, and came against much-touted India.

The Women in Blue elected to bat first, and got to 165/6 courtesy of Smriti Mandhana’s 60 from 47.

Sri Lanka had an early loss in response, but Athapaththu, who had earlier struck with the ball, held the innings together with Harshitha Samarawickrama. She took the lead in run-scoring as Sri Lanka added 87 runs for the second wicket. By the time Athapaththu was dismissed, she had set a solid base for her side. Samarawickrama then found support in Kavisha Dilhari, and the duo sealed a historic chase.

Melie Kerr (New Zealand)

Matches 18, Runs 387, Average 24.18, Highest Score 44*

Wickets 29, BBI 4/20, Average 15.55

The year that was

A maiden Women’s T20 World Cup title for your side, and the national record for most Women’s T20I wickets in a year marked quite a year for Melie Kerr. Besides, the all-rounder also starred with the willow, hitting five scores of 40+ while playing a key role in the New Zealand top order.

Undoubtedly, Melie Kerr’s finest moment came during White Ferns’ successful run to the title, where the all-rounder scored 135 runs and picked 15 wickets (a Women’s T20 World Cup record) in a historic win. Melie’s numbers picked up as the tournament progressed, with her finest punches coming in the knockout matches.

Memorable Performance

After New Zealand lost an early wicket in the quest for their maiden T20 World Cup title in the final against South Africa, Melie Kerr walked in stabilised the innings. She soaked in the pressure early on, and then anchored the innings, her solid presence allowing the likes of Brooke Halliday to go for her shots. Melie fell for 43, but helped the White Ferns to 158/5 in Dubai.

Her leg-spinners rattled South Africa’s chase, getting rid off Laura Wolvaardt and Anneke Bosch - the stars of the Proteas’ historic win over Australia, in the same over. This effectively sealed the game for the Kiwis, and Melie added another wicket of Annerie Dercksen to finish with 3/24 in a Player of the Match performance.

Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa)

Matches 19, Runs 673, Average 39.58, Highest Score 102

The year that was

Having assumed leadership late in 2023, Laura Wolvaardt led from the front, starting the year with a flurry of impressive scores against Australia and Sri Lanka. This included a maiden T20I ton that guided the Proteas to a win against the Island Nation in Benoni.

Wolvaardt’s prolific run continued into the Women’s T20 World Cup, where the opener was the leading run-getter in the tournament. As a leader, she oversaw her side into their maiden final appearance.

Memorable Performance

Arguably South Africa’s most important T20 World Cup win came against Australia in the 2024 T20 World Cup semi-final, where Wolvaardt joined Bosch to secure a stunning win.

But the foundation for that triumph was set earlier in Canberra, wherein the Proteas beat Australia for the first-ever time in a women’s international.

Wolvaardt led from the front in the January contest, playing the anchor in a chase of 143. A steady start along with Tazmin Brits put South Africa ahead, but jitters in the middle overs brought back Australia. The South Africa captain, however, kept her cool and remained unbeaten on 58 to secure a brilliant win with six balls to spare. She hit six boundaries in her patient knock.

Orla Prendergast (Ireland)

Matches 18, Runs 544, Average 36.26, Highest Score 80

Wickets 21, BBI 4/22, Average 12.9

The year that was

Orla Prendergast finished 2024 as the second-highest run-getter and the highest wicket-taker for Ireland in Women’s T20Is in any calendar year, and her exemplary numbers were the reason behind their success in the format this year.

Ireland began and ended the year with whitewashes over Zimbabwe and Bangladesh respectively, and Prendergast starred in both, also winning the Player of the Series award in the latter contest.

Later, her valiant efforts at home helped her side tie series against higher-ranked opponents like England and Sri Lanka.

Memorable Performance

Prendergast stood tall in the second T20I against neighbouring rivals, England at home in September.

Opening the bowler for her side, Prendergast bowled with control and later secured wickets of Georgia Adams and Hollie Armitage towards the end of the innings to get to 2/31 in her allotted overs, even as England finished at 169/8.

Then coming in at no. 3, Prendergast walked in after the dismissal of Amy Hunter in the very first over. She then shepherded the chase with a career-best 80, which came off 51 balls and had 13 boundaries in them.

By the time she was dismissed, Ireland were on the brink, and managed to seal the chase in the 20th over.

ICC

 

[BouncerGuy]

Contenders for ICC Women's ODI Cricketer of the Year named

A trio of experienced top-order batters from South Africa, Sri Lanka and India highlight the field for the ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year, alongside an impressive all-rounder from Australia.

We take a look at their efforts from 2024.

Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa)

12 innings, 697 runs at 87.12, Strike Rate 87.34

The year that was

Wolvaardt commenced the year in a glut as she managed just seven runs from three innings against Australia, but that lack of form didn't last long as the South Africa captain went on a run-scoring spree in almost every ODI contest that followed that series.

A pair of unbeaten centuries against Sri Lanka - including a career-best 184* in Potchefstroom - whet Wolvaardt's appetite and the 25-year-old then made it three centuries in four matches when she hit 135 against India in Bengaluru in June.

Another half-century followed against India, before Wolvaardt finished her 2024 campaign with a trio of good scores against England on home soil in December.

Memorable performance

Wolvaardt produced her best effort with the bat when she scored a career-best 184* against Sri Lanka in Potchefstroom in April.

It was an innings of pure class from the South African right-hander, who smashed 23 fours and four massive sixes in what was a superb individual performance.

The innings of 184 came from just 147 deliveries and helped South Africa amass a massive total of 301/5 against the Asian side.

Chamari Athapaththu (Sri Lanka)

9 innings, 458 runs at 65.42, Strike Rate 101.10

9 wickets at 32.22 economy 4.61

The year that was

Athapaththu didn't actually make her first ODI appearance of 2024 until April, but she immediately hit the ground running as she contributed scores of 51 and 195* in a 1-1 series result against South Africa away from home.

The 34-year-old continued with that rich vein of form into the three-match ODI series against the West Indies where she managed 130 runs and four wickets as Sri Lanka completed an emphatic 3-0 series sweep.

An innings of 48 and a three-wicket haul with the ball from Sri Lanka's final ODI match of the year in Belfast saw Athapaththu end her 2024 on a high in ODI cricket.

Memorable performance

Athapaththu's best performance ironically came in the same contest as Wolvaardt, with the Sri Lanka veteran scoring a superb 195 to lead her side to victory.

Chasing north of 300 in an ODI is never easy, but that's exactly what Athapaththu and Sri Lanka made it look as they chased down South Africa’s score of 301/5 with more than five overs remaining.

The Sri Lanka skipper smashed 26 fours and five massive sixes during her 139-ball stay, trumping Wolvaardt's effort that helped the island nation square the three-match series at 1-1.

Smriti Mandhana (India)

12 innings, 743 runs at 61.91, Strike Rate 96.99

1 wicket at 35.00 economy 8.75

The year that was

A pair of centuries in June against South Africa in Bengaluru really got Mandhana's 2024 campaign rolling and the left-hander managed two further hundreds later in the year to stay in good touch right up until December.

Mandhana managed a total of 343 runs from three innings in a Player of the Series effort against South Africa got her third hundred of 2024 when amassing 100 in the final match of India's home series against New Zealand right after the completion of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup.

Another hundred followed in the final match of her side's three-game series with Australia in December, but that was in vain as the Aussies completed a 3-0 series sweep of their own.

Memorable performance

Mandhana's best all-round effort came in the second match of India's home series against South Africa in June, when she scored a century and picked up a key wicket to help her side to a narrow four-wicket victory.

The 28-year-old got India; innings going with a brilliant innings of 136 from just 120 deliveries, that included 18 fours and two sixes - as the side managed to amass a big total of 325/3 after they were sent into bat.

Mandhana then picked up the key wicket of Sune Luus during South Africa's reply as the Proteas fell agonisingly short of victory.

Annabel Sutherland (Australia)

9 innings, 369 runs at 52.71, Strike Rate 100.27

13 wickets at 17.69 economy 4.19

The year that was

The 23-year-old commenced the year with a two-wicket haul in Australia's victory over India in Mumbai and was then relatively quiet during a three-match series at home against South Africa that the Aussies managed to win 2-1.

Opportunities were scarce for Sutherland during Australia's white-ball tour of Bangladesh in March, although the talented all-rounder did manage an unbeaten innings of 58 in an easy victory in the series opener in Mirpur.

It wasn't until the backend of the year in consecutive series against India at home and New Zealand away that Sutherland really shone, with the youngster scoring centuries in consecutive matches against different opponents and claiming Player of the Series honours for her efforts against Harmanpreet Kaur's side.

Memorable performance

Sutherland's best all-round effort came at the famous WACA Ground in Perth when she scored her third ODI century to lead her side to an emphatic 3-0 series sweep over India.

The 23-year-old smashed nine fours and four massive sixes at the Perth ground to score 110 from just 95 deliveries and backed up that effort with the bat by claiming the crucial wicket of India captain Harmanpreet Kaur in reply as Australia ran out easy winners.

ICC

 

[hamzi]

Very surprised by Saim's omission from an ODI nomination. Deserved a nomination over a couple others nominated.

 

[FearlessRoar]

Frontrunners for ICC Men's ODI Cricketer of The Year revealed

Two Sri Lankan standouts, a young Afghanistan all-rounder and a belligerent batter from the West Indies stand in the running for ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year.

Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka)

26 wickets at 15.61, economy 5.36, 87 runs at 17.40, strike rate 101.16

The year that was

Wanindu Hasaranga continued to cement his reputation as a wizard of white-ball cricket, taking a wicket inside every three overs in 2024 ODI cricket.

Hasaranga boasted 11 wickets in his first three 50-over matches of the calendar year, taking 7/19 in 5.5 overs against Zimbabwe, before a 4/27 (6.5) performance against Afghanistan in Pallekele in mid-February.

Six wickets came in the three-match ODI series away in Chattogram, before a 3/58 effort against India upon his return to the bowling crease in August. Spells of 2/18 (6) and 4/40 (8) followed against the West Indies, completing a five-match stretch of consecutive multiple-wicket outings for the leg-spinner.

Memorable performance

Flicking the calendar back to January, Hasaranga made early 2024 headlines when he claimed 7/19 from just 5.5 overs against Zimbabwe in Colombo.

Kusal Mendis had already utilised four bowlers when he threw the ball to his leg-spinner for just the ninth over of the match, though the decision was vindicated after Hasaranga found Takudzwanashe Kaitano’s top edge for an easy catch for Dilshan Madushanka at short fine-leg.

The wicket began a procession for Hasaranga and Sri Lanka, with Joylord Gumbie and Craig Ervine falling in his next over, and Milton Shumba in his third over to go from 43/0 to 48/4.

Hasaranga returned to claim Clive Madande for a golden duck, before cleaning up the tail with wickets of Wellington Masakadza and Blessing Muzarabani, as the Zimbabweans were bundled out for just 96.

The leg-spinner walked off with 7/19 off just 5.5 overs, and was adjudged Player of the Match for his exploits.

Azmatullah Omarzai (Afghanistan)

12 innings, 417 runs at 52.12, Strike Rate 105.56, 7 wickets at 20.47, economy 4.90

The year that was

Underlining his credentials as one of the most versatile white-ball players in the world, Azmatullah Omarzai was a thorn in the side for opponents with both bat and ball in 2024.

With blade in hand, Omarzai made early headlines with a knock of 149* from just 115 balls against Sri Lanka in Pallekele back in February, before a half-century against the same opponents five days later, albeit in a series defeat.

As the year progressed, Omarzai sizzled in both facets to series-defining effect. Omarzai played a key role in Afghanistan’s first-ever ODI series win over South Africa, making an unbeaten 86* from just 50 balls before claiming 1/17 (3) in the second ODI to move into an unassailable 2-0 lead. He then emulated the success against Bangladesh, claiming Player of the Match honours with 70* (77) and 4/37 (7) in a series-deciding third ODI.

Memorable performance

Omarzai will have fond memories of Afghanistan’s trip to Sri Lanka, making a stunning 149* from just 115 balls in the first ODI back in February, even if his performance came in a defeat.

After watching Pathum Nissanka sparkle in a knock of 210* (139) earlier in the day, some of it at the expense of his own bowling figures, Omarzai showcased his world-class talent in response.

Omarzai figured he had nothing to lose when walking out to bat with his side reeling at 19/3, only to lose two partners soon after in the chase. He then found company in Mohammad Nabi, as the pair put on 242 in just 222 balls.

The right-hander smashed 13 fours and six sixes in his stay at the crease, finishing the innings with a six as a final exclamation, even if his side were unable to chase down 382.

Kusal Mendis (Sri Lanka)

17 innings, 742 runs at 53.00, Strike Rate 90.59

The year that was

Kusal Mendis’ name was prominent in what was a packed year of ODI cricket for Sri Lanka.

Making half-centuries against all six opponents in ODI cricket across 2024, Mendis also celebrated a century against New Zealand, and finished the calendar year with an average of over 50.

Mendis began the year with scores of 46, 17 and 66* against Zimbabwe in January, with the latter score made just 51 balls, having been moved down to No.3.

He remained at first-drop for the rest of the year in the 50-over format, and continued to show his consistency with three double-digit scores against Afghanistan in February, including another half-century in Pallekele.

Mendis toured Bangladesh, making 59 (75) in the first ODI in Chattogram, and made an impression against India, also making 59 (82) in a home series match in Colombo.

While the 29-year-old had threatened to peel off a big score throughout the year, and he duly delivered at the backend of the year, making an unbeaten 56* from just 22 balls against the West Indies, and 217 runs across two knocks against New Zealand. Mendis smashed a 128-ball 143 against New Zealand in Dambulla, before a collected 74* from 102 balls when the teams met in Pallekele.

Mendis also enjoyed a good year with the gloves, claiming 19 dismissals across the matches, and Sri Lanka lost just three of their 17 ODIs over the course of the year.

Memorable performance

It was a career-best day for Mendis in November against New Zealand that stands out, blasting 143 in just 128 balls to help his side to victory in a rain-affected match in Dambulla.

Mendis and Avishka Fernando pressed forward in the first Powerplay after the aforementioned batter was dropped on 11, eventually moving to his half-century in 64 balls. Hard on the sweep against the spinners and hitting quick bowlers straight of the wicket, the pair put on 206 in 215 balls, providing a launchpad for the team to post a 300+ score.

Mendis brought up the century in 102 balls before his late acceleration, hitting 17 fours and two sixes to eventually help the side to 324/5 in 49.2 overs before weather intervened. Play resumed, with the hosts claiming a confident 45-run win on the DLS method.

Sherfane Rutherford (West Indies)

425 runs at 106.25, average 106.25, strike rate 120.05.

The year that was

Noted more for his prowess in the shorter white-ball format, Sherfane Rutherford flourished in the ODI game in 2024, bringing over his batting belligerence.

Not succumbing to the pressures of playing away from home, Rutherford began his year in the format with three consecutive half-centuries against Sri Lanka, albeit in a 2-1 series defeat. Rutherford’s 204 runs not only came at a strike rate of 107.36, but the left-hander was only dismissed once.

The 26-year-old still made an impression even with just one opportunity against England at home in Antigua, making 54 (36), though the best was yet to come in December, where Rutherford was again in the runs in a home series against Bangladesh.

Rutherford made light work of a chase of 295 in St Kitts, making 113 in just 80 balls, helping his side take a 1-0 series lead. He closed out with an unbeaten 24* and a knock of 30 in the series, of which both helped the West Indies to a 3-0 series win.

Memorable performance

St Kitts was treated to a batting exhibition from Rutherford in early December, who hit 113 off just 80 balls against Bangladesh, turning a tricky chase into a Basseterre cakewalk.

Rutherford walked out at 94/3 in the 22nd over in the chase, unperturbed by run rate pressure with his side at one stage needing 161 off just 114 balls, and after being struck on the helmet twice in proceedings.

After a circumspect start, Rutherford in one stretch blazed 94 runs in 51 balls, turning the match on its head with the help of Shai Hope and Justin Greaves. Rutherford lost his wicket seven runs short of the target, though his efforts ensured the team comfortably secured victory with 14 balls to spare.

Frontrunners for ICC Men's ODI Cricketer of The Year revealed

Two Sri Lankan standouts, a young Afghanistan all-rounder and a belligerent batter from the West Indies stand in the running for ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year.

www.icc-cricket.com

 

[FearlessRoar]

Nominees for ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year unveiled

Two England batting mainstays, India's pace spearhead, and a new star in Sri Lankan ranks make for a glittering list of nominees for ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of The Year.

Joe Root (England)

1556 runs from 17 Tests, average 55.57

The year that was

2024 saw the former England captain continue his impressive run in the longest format of the game.

Across 17 Tests, Joe Root compiled his second-best annual run-tally in Tests - second only to his 1708 runs from 2021. It was also the fifth instance of Root scoring over 1000 Test runs in a calendar year.

With six Test hundreds to go alongside five half-centuries, Root was a consistent performer for England - both home and away. His impressive run with the bat saw Root amass joint-fifth highest tons in Tests (36) alongside Rahul Dravid.

In addition to his batting exploits, Root also provided an extra spin option, and impressed with a four-wicket haul in the marquee series against India.

Memorable performance

A milestone innings for Root came in Multan, during the first of three Tests against Pakistan. The England top-order batter amassed a career-best score of 262 - his sixth double hundred, putting him on level terms with the likes of Ricky Ponting and Sachin Tendulkar.

Combining alongside Harry Brook (317), Root helped England post the fourth-highest innings total in Test history, eventually scripting a famous win by an innings and 47 runs.

Jasprit Bumrah (India)

71 wickets from 13 Tests, average 14.92

The year that was

Having returned to the Test arena following his recovery from a recurring back injury in 2023, Bumrah dominated the bowling charts in 2024.

Featuring across 13 Tests in the calendar year, Bumrah delivered his best-ever annual tally - 71 wickets - finishing the year with more Test wickets than any of his counterparts.

Be it the pace-conducive conditions in South Africa and Australia, or tougher conditions for quicks at home, Bumrah was equally impressive through the year.

However, it was on India’s tour of Australia that the pace spearhead produced his magnum opus.

Memorable performance

Leading India in the absence of full-time skipper Rohit Sharma, Bumrah put in a captain’s display to guide the visitors to a mammoth 295-run win in Perth.

With India having been dismissed for 150 in the first innings, Bumrah wrestled back control of the match with a five-wicket haul that helped set in motion a famous comeback. With Australia chasing 534 in the last innings, the Indian skipper also snapped three wickets to wrap up the win.

The performance won him the player of the match award and propelled Bumrah back to the top of the ICC Men’s Test Bowling Rankings.

Kamindu Mendis (Sri Lanka)

1049 runs from nine Tests, average 74.92

The year that was

Sri Lanka’s new middle-order mainstay was the sixth batter to score over 1000 runs in Men’s Tests across the year.

Putting in a admirable performances both home and away, Mendis boasted incredible numbers. The most notable was him becoming the joint-third quickest to score 1000 Test runs - equalling Sir Don Bradman’s 13-innings mark to reach the milestone.

Mendis averaged more than any of the batters who played more than two Tests in the calendar year - a staggering 74.92 from nine matches.

His performances with the bat helped Sri Lanka push their claim for their first-ever appearance in the ICC World Test Championship Final with wins over New Zealand, England and Bangladesh.

Memorable performance

Mendis was the leading protagonist in Sri Lanka’s 2-0 series sweep against New Zealand at home, scoring twin hundreds across the two Tests.

His highlight innings came in Galle, where he stitched an unbeaten 182 off 250 deliveries - his best-ever Test score. It was a player of the match display that helped the hosts wrap up the series win in Galle.

Harry Brook (England)

1100 runs from 12 Tests, average 55.00

The year that was

A flagbearer of England’s quickfire brand of batting, Harry Brook emerged as a breakthrough performer in the longest format.

The 25-year-old scored 1100 runs at a strike rate of 85.00, comprising three fifties and four hundred plus scores, which also included a maiden triple century.

A noticeable trait in his performances was the fact that most of his runs (723) came away from home while playing the same number of games as he did in England (6).

To wrap the year on a successful note, Brook closed the tour of New Zealand as the top-scorer to round off England’s first series win in the country since 2008. Owing to his impact with the bat, Brook managed to displace Joe Root to reign supreme in the Men’s ICC Test Rankings.

Memorable performance

As England won the opening Test against Pakistan in Multan back in October, Brook emerged as England's leading performer.

Scoring his first-ever triple hundred - a blistering 317 off 322 deliveries - the right-handed batter guided England to their third highest Test total (and fourth overall). The innings saw him nail 29 fours and three sixes. It led to a massive win for the visitors by an innings and 47 runs.

Nominees for ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year unveiled

Two England batting mainstays, India's pace spearhead, and a new star in Sri Lankan ranks make for a glittering list of nominees for ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of The Year.

www.icc-cricket.com

 

[FearlessRoar]

Shortlist for Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for Men’s Cricketer of the Year announced

England’s marathon run-scoring duo, Australia’s swashbuckling left-hander and India’s pace-bowling icon make for a stellar list of nominees for the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy.

Harry Brook (England)

1100 runs from 12 Tests, average 55.00, Highest Score 317

The year that was

Harry Brook emerged as one of England’s most reliable performers in the longest format in the year gone by.

The 22-year-old not only scored a heap of runs, but was also a flagbearer of England’s quickfire brand of cricket.

Having been a major contributor with the bat during the home series wins against West Indies and Sri Lanka, Brook raised the bar even higher with his displays away from home.

The right-handed batter piled back-to-back centuries against New Zealand, helping England win their first Test series in the country since 2008.

His consistent performances helped the 22-year-old dethrone teammate Joe Root atop the ICC Men’s Test Batting Rankings.

But his best innings came in the sub-continent, guiding England to a mammoth win against Pakistan.

Memorable performance

In a run-fest in Multan, Brook constructed his maiden triple hundred. A power-packed 317 off 322 balls saw the 22-year-old combine alongside Joe Root for a marathon 453-run stand.

The duo shouldered England to what was their third-highest total in Test cricket, and eventually cap off a win - their sixth in the country - by an innings and 47 runs. Brook was adjudged player of the match for his spectacular innings.

Jasprit Bumrah (India)

71 wickets from 13 Tests, average 14.92, BBI 6/45

15 wickets from 8 T20Is, average 8.26, economy 4.17

The year that was

The Indian pace spearhead went on an inspiring run across formats for India, guiding his side to memorable triumphs, including their second ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title.

Bumrah nabbed 15 wickets from eight outings - including a couple in the final against South Africa - as India went unbeaten at the 2024 T20 World Cup.

The right-arm quick also boasts incredible numbers in the longest format this year. From 13 Test outings, Bumrah notched a sizable tally of 71 wickets.

Be it home or away, Bumrah thrived under different conditions and capped off his year putting in an incredible shift during India’s Test tour of Australia.

Memorable performance

Wearing the captain’s armband in the Perth Test against Australia, Bumrah led from the front as India took an early lead in the five-Test series.

With the visitors dismissed for 150, the skipper ran through the Australian batting to claim a five-wicket haul and establish India’s advantage in the first innings.

In the second innings, Bumrah added to his tally, finishing the Test as player of the match with eight wickets.

Joe Root (England)

1556 runs from 17 Tests, average 55.57, Highest Score 262

The year that was

Adding to his impeccable legacy as a Test batter, Joe Root climbed new heights in 2024. The England veteran finished with over 1000 Test runs in a calendar year for the fifth time in his career.

The former England skipper surpassed a plethora of greats to have the joint-fifth highest century haul in the longest format - 36, alongside Rahul Dravid.

He also maintained a long reign as the number one in ICC Men’s Test Batting Rankings, scoring an impressive six Test hundreds and another five fifty plus score to his name.

While there was a plethora of outstanding knocks, manufactured across different conditions, one in particularl stood out.

Memorable performance

Flaunting his diverse range of shots, Root decimated the Pakistan bowling attack enroute to his sixth Test double century in Multan.

Equalling the haul of Ricky Ponting and Sachin Tendulkar for the 200-run milestone, Root’s partnership with Harry Brook laid the foundation for a memorable win away from home.

Travis Head (Australia)

608 runs from 9 Tests, average 40.53, Highest Score 152

539 runs from 15 T20Is, SR 178.47

The year that was

Australia’s trump card with the bat and their big-match performer in 2023 continued his purple patch with stellar performances this year.

Typifying an aggressive brand of batting, the southpaw brandished runs at a brisk rate in the shortest format, and finished among the leading run-getters at ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.

In the Test arena, Head was vital to Australia’s push for defending their ICC World Test Championship title.

The left-handed batter closed the year leading the run-scoring charts in the five-Test series against India at home.

Memorable performance

Trailing 1-0 in the Border-Gavaskar Series, after India’s dominant display in Perth, Head fashioned a classic counter-attacking knock during the second Test in Adelaide.

Compiling 140 runs off 141 deliveries, Head took the attack to the Indian bowlers in the pink-ball Test, propelling Australia to a 337, seizing a 157-run advantage in the first innings.

Laced with 17 fours and four sixes, Head’s innings helped the hosts square the series and was named as Player of the Match.

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/shortlist-for-sir-garfield-sobers-trophy-for-men-s-cricketer-of-the-year-announced?sf211479260=1&s=08

 

[FearlessRoar]

The International Cricket Council (ICC) today revealed the final set of shortlists in the ICC Awards 2024, honouring the outstanding performers in Men’s Tests and in the overall categories; the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year and the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy for ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year.

Acknowledging the best overall men’s cricketer during the year, the nominees for the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy include a heavyweight list of candidates.

Harry Brook produced fireworks in all formats during a memorable year on the international stage, lighting up England’s Test, ODI and T20I encounters with explosive hitting and boasting an average of over 50 in all three formats. His compatriot Joe Root earns a nomination following a scintillating year in the longest format, having struck more runs (1,556) and more centuries (six) than any other batter.

Another star performer at the peak of his powers in 2024 was India’s pace sensation, Jasprit Bumrah, who dominated batters in World Test Championship duels and inspired India’s surge to glory at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in June, clinching the Player of the Tournament with 15 wickets at a phenomenal average of 8.24.

The final name on the list for the coveted accolade is Australia all-rounder Travis Head. The top ranked Men’s T20I batter will be aiming to go one better than his nomination in the same category last year, after hitting almost 1,400 runs across all formats with trademark flair.

The Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy for ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year sees Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapathu and South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt nominated in their third category, after both captains were honoured on the ODI and T20I shortlists on Sunday.

Athapaththu was an inspirational leader for Sri Lanka, hitting over 1,100 runs during the year across formats, taking 30 wickets and famously guiding her team to an historic first Asia Cup success in front of their home crowd.

Leading batter in the ICC Women’s ODI Batter Rankings, Wolvaardt was at her sublime best in 2024, scoring over 1,500 runs in all formats, and led from the front as South Africa reached their second successive Women’s T20 World Cup final in the UAE.

Amelia Kerr was the principal architect of South Africa’s defeat in that final, and she is among the nominees for the Heyhoe Flint Trophy after another stellar year with bat and ball in which she hit 651 runs and took 43 wickets, not to mention her starring role in a record-breaking campaign as Player of the Tournament at the Women’s T20WC.

The final name in contention is Australia’s Annabel Sutherland. The 23-year-old wowed during a breakthrough year, hitting the fastest ever double-century in women’s Tests against South Africa in February and recording Player of the Series accolades in notable victories over India and New Zealand at the latter end of the year. She ends the year with 615 runs and 37 wickets.

Finally, the ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year shortlist features a dazzling quartet, three of whom have been honoured on the shortlist for the Sobers Trophy.

Harry Brook hit 1,100 Test runs during the calendar year at an average of 55.00, and four centuries, including an unforgettable triple-hundred in England’s opening victory over Pakistan in Multan back in October. He shared a 454-run stand with Joe Root in that match, and his teammate celebrates back-to-back nominations in the Test category after a year in which he surpassed ICC Hall of Famer Sir Alastair Cook to become England’s all-time highest run-scorer in the longest format and seized back the number one spot in the ICC Men’s Test Batter Rankings.

Jasprit Bumrah is the lone bowler shortlisted with a sterling 71 wickets in Tests in 2024 – the highest of any bowler, at an average of 14.92. With electric spells coming against South Africa, England and Australia among his highlights, the top-ranked Test bowler spearheaded India’s attack with relentless pace, accuracy and threat.

Completing the lineup is Sri Lanka’s record-breaking batter Kamindu Mendis, who ends a breakthrough year with 1,049 runs at a phenomenal average of 74.92, and during which the 26-year-old also became the first batter to hit a half-century in each of his first eight Tests and the fastest batter in 75 years to reach 1,000 Test runs.

 

[Devadwal]

GOAT is going to win the lots of ICC awards .

Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year - GOAT ( Bumrah) .

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

I'd go Root for Test Cricketer of the Year and Bumrah for Cricketer of the Year. Don't care about ODI Cricketer considering that this wasn't an ICC tournament year.

 

[RidiculousMan]

Brook getting nominated is overrated. He only scored 300 on a highway