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

 

[BouncerGuy]

Dates revealed for ICC Awards 2024 Winners announcement

Winners will be revealed across five days of announcement beginning with the five Team of the Year being showcased over 24th and 25th January.

Outstanding Men’s and Women’s international cricketers will be honoured across five days of announcements, starting 24 January, Friday.

The first set of announcements on 24th and 25th January (Thursday and Friday) will feature the five premier ICC teams of the year, celebrating the standout XIs across Men’s cricket (Tests, ODIs, and T20Is), and Women’s cricket (ODIs and T20Is) as selected by the ICC Voting Academy.

Awards for the individual categories will also begin from 25th January, with the announcement of Men's and Women's T20I Cricketer of the Year on that day.

The previous year featured a rich flavour of international cricket across formats, including engrossing Test and ODI action across the globe, and also two T20 World Cups - in the Men’s and Women’s format. Top individual performers will be rewarded in the upcoming awards, which were first established in 2004.

Among the nominees are stars who lit the global stage with their breathtaking performances including Melie Kerr, Jasprit Bumrah, Laura Wolvaardt, Travis Head, Joe Root and Chamari Athapaththu.

After the shortlists were announced in nine of the 12 individual award categories last month, a 12-day voting period saw an independent panel of prominent media – the ICC Voting Academy – select their top performers alongside global cricket fans, resulting in a staggering 1.5 million votes cast at icc-cricket.com.

Announcement Schedule:

Friday 24 January

Men’s ODI Team of the Year

Women’s ODI Team of the Year

Men’s Test Team of the Year

Saturday 25 January

Women’s T20I Team of the Year

Men’s T20I Team of the Year

ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year

ICC Women’s T20I Cricketer of the Year

Sunday 26 January

ICC Umpire of the Year

ICC Men’s Associate Cricketer of the Year

ICC Women’s Associate Cricketer of the Year

ICC Emerging Men’s Cricketer of the Year

ICC Emerging Women’s Cricketer of the Year

Monday 27 January

ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year

ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year

ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year

Tuesday 28 January

Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy for ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year

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

ICC

 

[FearlessRoar]

India star named ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year

India’s leading wicket-taker of 2024 has been named the ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year at the ICC Awards.

Arshdeep Singh starred as India ended their wait for a major ICC trophy win with victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the Caribbean and USA back in June, and has gone on to cement his reputation as one of the leading powerplay and death bowlers in the game.

The 25-year-old left-armer has long been tipped for the top, and India put a great deal of faith in his ability since making his full international debut in 2022.

And 2024 was the year when Arshdeep fully established himself as a world-class bowler in T20 International cricket, taking bucket-loads of wickets with the new ball and proving to be consistently economical at the death on a variety of surfaces.

Arshdeep Singh’s T20I record in 2024: 36 wickets in 18 matches

Arshdeep was the leading Indian wicket-taker in T20 Internationals in the year, bagging 36 wickets in just 18 games.

He played a huge part in steering India to the title at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and stepped up as leader of the attack as the selectors built a new era for the T20 squad following the triumph in the Caribbean.

Only four players in the world took more T20I wickets than Arshdeep in the calendar year – Saudi Arabia’s Usman Najeeb (38), Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga (38), UAE’s Junaid Siddique (40) and Hong Kong’s Ehsan Khan (46) – with all four playing more matches. Of those bowlers, only Hasaranga featured for a full-member nation.

Arshdeep took his wickets at an average of just 15.31 and, despite predominantly bowling in the powerplay and death overs, finished the year with an economy rate of 7.49. He was a constant wicket-taking threat, taking his wickets at a strike rate of 10.80.

Memorable Performance

Arshdeep had a number of impressive displays in the year, not least when he ripped through the USA in New York during the T20 World Cup group stage, bagging remarkable returns of 4/9 in his four overs.

But Arshdeep’s most significant performance of the year came on the biggest stage of all, as he played a huge part in helping India successfully defend their total of 176 in the World Cup Final in Barbados.

As part of a pace trio with Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya that effectively won the game for India, Arshdeep’s terrific figures of 2/20 from four overs only tell part of the story.

Excellent with the new ball up top, Arshdeep struck in the powerplay to have the dangerous South African skipper Aiden Markram caught behind in just the third over. And when India were in need of a wicket in the middle overs it was Arshdeep that provided the breakthrough, dismissing a set Quinton de Kock when the Proteas looked to be in control of the chase.

India’s collective effort at the death was astonishing as South Africa pulled up seven runs short of their target, and Arshdeep played a huge role in that, returning to the attack to bowl the penultimate over with South Africa requiring 20 from 12 deliveries.

Arshdeep delivered a near-perfect death over under the greatest pressure, conceding just four runs to leave Hardik Pandya with 16 runs to defend in the final over, a job that he spectacularly did.

Brilliance in the powerplay, a wicket in the middle overs, and economical excellence at the death – Arshdeep stepped up when it mattered most.

India star named ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year

India’s leading wicket-taker of 2024 has been named the ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year at the ICC Awards.

www.icc-cricket.com

 

[FearlessRoar]

World Cup hero named ICC Women’s T20I Cricketer of the Year

New Zealand all-rounder Melie Kerr has been named the ICC Women’s T20I Cricketer of the Year for 2024.

Kerr has been announced as the leading player in the world following an impressive year in T20I cricket that was capped by a Player of the Tournament display in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, where she inspired New Zealand to their first T20 World Cup title.

The 24-year-old becomes only the second New Zealander to win the award, following in the footsteps of her World Cup winning teammate Suzie Bates, who won the award back in 2016.

One of the features of Kerr’s phenomenal year was how she raised her game in the biggest moments, stepping up as a decisive player for the White Ferns in their crunch knockout matches en-route to the T20 title.

Her 2/14 in the semi-final against West Indies played a vital part in shutting down the second innings as the Windies fell short by eight runs, with Kerr being the most economical bowler on both sides and picking up the defining wicket of the contest when she removed big-hitting Deandra Dottin at a vital moment in the match.

Melie Kerr’s T20I record in 2024: 387 runs and 29 wickets in 18 matches

Across the year, Kerr scored her runs at an average of 24.18 and bagged her wickets at a strike rate of just 13.6 across her 18 matches. No New Zealand women’s cricketer has ever taken as many wickets in a calendar year as Kerr’s 29.

Her 15 wickets in the tournament in the UAE is the most ever by a single bowler at an ICC Women’s T20I World Cup, and came at an average of 7.33 and with an economy rate of 4.85 across her six matches, marking her out as the stand-out bowler in the competition.

Kerr was also exceptional in the field throughout the tournament, and made a number of significant contributions with the bat, finishing with 135 runs in six innings at an average of 27 – putting her in the top ten run-scorers, along with two of her teammates.

Memorable Performance

Kerr’s impressive form in the UAE saw her play a leading part throughout the World Cup in all three facets of the game, and culminated in a Player of the Match display in the final as the White Ferns beat South Africa to claim the trophy in Dubai.

She was already a major contender for Player of the Tournament even before her match-winning efforts in the final, where she made crucial contributions with bat, ball and in the field.

Coming in at number three in the first innings she top-scored in the match with a crucial anchoring knock of 43 from 38 balls, coming in during the second over and ensuring that the White Ferns reached a competitive score, with her wicket coming with just seven balls of the innings remaining.

South Africa looked to be in control of their chase after a rapid start in the powerplay, but Kerr turned the game on its head with the ball, taking two wickets in an over to remove key Proteas batters Laura Wolvaardt and Anneke Bosch to turn the tide in the second innings.

Her figures of 3/24 in four overs were the pick of the returns across both bowling attacks in the match.

Not content with excelling with bat and ball, Kerr also produced one of the best bits of fielding of the match, holding on to a ball dropping over her shoulder to help remove Nadine de Klerk with the contest still in the balance.

World Cup hero named ICC Women’s T20I Cricketer of the Year

New Zealand all-rounder Melie Kerr has been named the ICC Women’s T20I Cricketer of the Year for 2024.

www.icc-cricket.com

 

[FearlessRoar]

Match-winners and star performers named in ICC Women’s T20I Team of the Year

The ICC Women’s T20I Team of the Year for 2024 features some standout players from all departments who shone brightly for their respective teams throughout the calendar year.

19 Matches, 673 Runs, 102 Highest Score, 39.58 Average, 125.09 Strike Rate, One Century, Three Half-centuries

The South African captain had an outstanding year, showcasing remarkable consistency in the shortest format of the game, evident from her impeccable numbers.

Wolvaardt began the year by leading her team to a comfortable victory against Australia in Canberra, delivering a blistering knock of 58* off 53 balls.

The right-hand batter continued to impress with a stunning century, scoring 102 off just 63 balls against Sri Lanka in Benoni.

After the stellar year, Wolvaardt is positioned as the No.5 ranked batter in the world in the ICC Women’s Rankings.

Smriti Mandhana (India)​

23 Matches, 763 Runs, 77 Highest Score, 42.38 Average, 126.53 Strike Rate, Eight Half-centuries

Smriti Mandhana kicked off the year with a stellar 54 against Australia at DY Patil Stadium, a performance that propelled the left-handed batter to a year of outstanding T20I performances.

In a testament to her consistency, Mandhana closed out the year in similar fashion, making three half-centuries on the trot against West Indies at home, only emphasising her reliability in the format.

Her outstanding performances propelled her to the second spot in the ICC Women’s T20I Batting Rankings.

Chamari Athapaththu (Sri Lanka)​

21 Matches, 720 Runs, 119 Highest Score, 40.00 Average, 126.76 Strike Rate, Two Hundreds, Four Fifties*

The Sri Lankan skipper had a remarkable year, leading her team to a memorable Asia Cup victory in July.

Chamari’s first hundred came against Scotland, where she amassed 102 off 63, and followed it up with another 69-ball 119* against Malaysia in the Women’s Asia Cup.

This stellar knock was followed by three consistent performances of 49*, 63, and a pivotal 61 against India in the final of the Women’s Asia Cup 2024, that led Sri Lanka to the crown.

The 34-year-old also had her best year with the ball, claiming a total of 21 wickets at an average of 16.80 and an economy rate of 6.36 in T20Is. Her best bowling performance came against West Indies in Hambantota, where she took four wickets for 29 runs.

Hayley Matthews (West Indies)​

16 Matches, 538 Runs, 85 Highest Score, 35.86 Average, 121.99 Strike Rate, Five Half-centuries*

Hayley Matthews had another year of consistent performances, excelling in both the batting and bowling departments.

The West Indies all-rounder started off her year in April with two consecutive half-centuries against Pakistan away from home.

Matthews' standout performance came in December, when she scored an unbeaten 85* against India, leading her team to a dominant nine-wicket victory over the hosts at DY Patil Stadium.

The right-arm spinner picked up 14 wickets, bringing herself on and consistently contributing with the ball.

Her best performance came with figures of 3/25 in 4 overs against Pakistan, marking her standout bowling display of the calendar year and earned the top position in the ICC Women’s T20I All-Rounder Rankings, and fourth spot in the Batter Rankings.

Nat Sciver-Brunt (England)​

16 Matches, 423 Runs, 67 Highest Score, 47.00 Average, 133.86 Strike Rate, Three Half-Centuries*

It was another prolific year for Nat Sciver-Brunt, raising the bat three times and going at a blistering rate.

The right-handed batter scored 59 off 54 balls against South Africa in East London and followed it up with an unbeaten knock of 67* off 43 balls in Benoni.

The 32-year-old claimed seven wickets across her 16 matches, contributing significantly with the ball throughout the year.

Melie Kerr (New Zealand)​

18 Matches, 387 Runs, 44 Highest Score, 29 Wickets, 15.55 Bowling Average, 4/20 Best Bowling*

Player of the Tournament at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, Melie Kerr enjoyed a career-defining year, impressing with both bat and ball and proving herself as one of the most valuable players in the game.

She claimed an impressive tally of 29 wickets from 18 matches at an average of 15.55, finishing wicketless in only three of those games.

The 24-year-old took 15 wickets from six matches in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in the UAE, playing a crucial role as the driving force behind New Zealand’s victory in the final.

Kerr's best performance came with figures of 4/26 against Australia in Sharjah, and she went on to add 10 more wickets to her total tally in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024.

With her exceptional performances throughout the year, she sits in second position in the ICC Women’s T20I All-Rounder Rankings and the sixth spot in the Bowling Rankings.

Richa Ghosh (India)​

21 Matches, 365 Runs, 64 Highest Score, 33.18 Average, 156.65 Strike Rate, Two Half-Centuries*

The Indian wicketkeeper-batter stands out for her ability to score runs in an extremely aggressive manner, consistently leading the charge with her attacking style of play.

Ghosh was in explosive form whenever she had the chance to bat, smashing a blistering 64* off 29 balls at an incredible strike rate of 220.68 against UAE in Dambulla.

The right-handed batter maintained an impressive strike rate of 156.65 in 2024, in a year that included another rapid fifty, scoring 54 off just 21 balls against West Indies at DY Patil Stadium.

​

Marizanne Kapp (South Africa)​

16 Matches, 399 Runs, 75 Highest Score, 30.69 Batting Average, 11 Wickets, 2/14 Best Bowling

South Africa's consistent all-rounder enjoyed a remarkable 2024, with standout performances with both bat and ball to secure her place in the ICC Women’s T20I Team of the Year.

Kapp’s best knock of the year came against Australia in Hobart at the end of January, where she scored a brilliant 75 off 48 balls, including 10 fours and a six.

A quickfire 57 off 33 balls against India in Chennai further added to her tally, showcasing her ability to contribute significantly to her team's success.

The right-arm seamer took a total of 11 wickets, proving to be a reliable option whenever South Africa needed her bowling skills.

Her ability to take crucial wickets in the powerplay and score valuable runs throughout the year earned her the sixth position in the ICC Women's All-Rounder Rankings.

Orla Prendergast (Ireland)​

18 Matches, 544 Runs, 80 Highest Score, 36.26 Batting Average, 21 Wickets, 12.90 Bowling Average, 4/22 Best Bowling

The promising Irish all-rounder impressed everyone with her eye-catching performances.

Prendergast’s knock of 67 off 48 balls against Zimbabwe in Harare in January set the tone, and the 22-year-old finished 2024 with an impressive 544 runs from 18 matches at an average of 36.26, while also taking 21 wickets with her effective right-arm seam.

A stellar knock of 80 runs off 51 balls, along with figures of 2/31 against England in September, contributed to her earning a place in the T20I Team of the Year.

Deepti Sharma (India)​

23 Matches, 115 Runs, 30 Wickets, 17.80 Bowling Average, 3/13 Best Bowling

Deepti Sharma proved to be a consistent performer, with her reliable batting and outstanding bowling spells, playing a key role for India.

Her tally of wickets includes 30 scalps at an average of 17.80 and an economy rate of 6.01 across T20I matches in 2024.

The 27-year-old claimed wickets in almost every match, with standout performances such as 3/13 from 4 overs against Nepal in Dambulla and 3/20 from 4 overs against Pakistan in the Women’s Asia Cup, solidifying her spot in the team.

Sadia Iqbal (Pakistan)​

19 Matches, 30 Wickets, 14.30 Bowling Average, 4/16 Best Bowling

The left-arm orthodox bowler had an exceptional year, making a major impact by claiming 30 wickets in 19 matches, proving to be a key performer with the ball throughout the season.

A brilliant spell of 3/18 from 4 overs against West Indies in Karachi in May marked the start of Sadia Iqbal's consistent performances throughout the 2024 year.

The 29-year-old delivered her best T20I spell against Sri Lanka in Dambulla during the Women’s Asia Cup, with remarkable figures of 4/16 from 4 overs. She followed it up with another impressive performance, taking 3/34 against South Africa in Multan in July and September.

Sadia Iqbal’s consistency and ability to get breakthroughs cemented her second position in the ICC Women’s T20I Bowling Rankings.

Match-winners and star performers named in ICC Women’s T20I Team of the Year

The ICC Women’s T20I Team of the Year for 2024 features some standout players from all departments who shone brightly for their respective teams throughout the calendar year.

www.icc-cricket.com

 

[FearlessRoar]

Kamindu Mendis (Sri Lanka) and Annerie Dercksen (South Africa) triumph in Emerging Cricketer of the Year categories

As ICC Awards 2024 announcements moved into a third day, the International Cricket Council (ICC) today revealed the winners in five more individual categories – the ICC Emerging Men’s and Women’s Cricketers of the Year, ICC Men’s and Women’s Associate Cricketers of the Year and the ICC Umpire of the Year.

The ICC Emerging Cricketer of the Year awards acknowledge the outstanding breakthrough players in international cricket and the Men’s and Women’s awards singled out a talented duo that enjoyed landmark success in 2024.

Kamindu Mendis has been crowned the ICC Emerging Men’s Cricketer of the Year after a record-breaking spell saw the Sri Lankan become the fastest player to reach 1,000 Test runs in 75 years.

He returned to the Test side in March with an immediate impact, striking twin centuries in a match against Bangladesh in Sylhet, and the 26-year-old used that platform to establish himself as one of the leading Test batters in the year, striking 1,049 runs in nine Tests and hitting headlines when he also became the first player to hit a half-century in each of his first eight matches.

South Africa’s Annerie Dercksen wins the ICC Emerging Women’s Cricketer of the Year award, with the all-rounder integral in the Proteas run to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final in the UAE in October and enjoying success with the bat and ball in multiple formats.

Despite celebrating debuts in ODI and Test cricket during the year, it was the shortest format where the 23-year-old made her greatest impact, hitting 161 runs at an average of 32.20 and taking five wickets during the year.

Elsewhere, Namibia’s captain Gerhard Erasmus caps a stellar year of outstanding all-round performances in ODI and T20I cricket with his second ICC Men’s Associate Cricketer of the Year award, while UAE skipper Esha Oza is also crowned for the second time as the ICC Women’s Associate Cricketer of the Year, with runs and wickets flowing in another impressive year.

Erasmus struck four half-centuries in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2, while returning career-best figures of 5-28 against Nepal in Kathmandu. He also scored four half-centuries in T20I cricket over the course of the year, including 52 from 31 balls against Scotland in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, to go with his seven wickets in the competition.

Oza meanwhile, hit 711 runs over the course of the year, a tally only bettered by Smriti Mandhana and Chamari Athapathtu. As well as an unbeaten 114 against Oman in the ACC Women’s Premier Cup in February, she scored 189 runs in the UAE’s impressive showing at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier in April and May, which included half-centuries against the Netherlands and Sri Lanka.

Finally, Richard Illingworth claimed the ICC Umpire of the Year award for a third successive year, selected on the basis of his decision making and his outstanding communication and relationships with teams and captains during 2024.

Reacting to their awards, the winners were all reflective on an outstanding 2024 on the international stage.

ICC Emerging Men’s Cricketer of the Year, Kamindu Mendis: "Winning two ICC Player of the Month Awards in 2024, along with being named the ICC Emerging Men's Cricketer of the Year, fills me with immense joy and pride. These accolades are a testament to the hard work and dedication I've put into my game, with the unwavering support of my coaches, teammates, family, and friends.

“Playing international cricket has always been a childhood dream, and having the chance to showcase my skills on such a platform is both an honour and a result of that relentless effort.

“Looking ahead, my goal is to continue building on my early performances on the international field and use it as a stepping stone to reach the highest level of excellence in the sport.

“I would also like to acknowledge the immense talent of my fellow nominees - Gus, Shamar, and Saim - all of whom are exceptional players.”

ICC Emerging Women’s Cricketer of the Year 2024, Annerie Dercksen: “I am not one for personal awards or recognition. But it’s a great honour and I am truly humbled by this recognition.

“It genuinely feels like I’m living a dream. I still have the same excitement as when I was a 5-year-old playing in the backyard, but now I’m playing alongside and against all my heroes. Being part of this team has been an incredible experience, and I’m incredibly grateful for the chance to learn and grow from such talented and experienced players. When I reflect, in some ways I almost don’t recognise the player I was a year ago.

“This year has been filled with unforgettable moments, from my ODI and Test debuts in India to the incredible experience of reaching the World Cup final. Although we didn't win, that journey remains close to my heart and one of the highlights of my career.

“There are so many people I’m grateful to, and I might inevitably forget a few. Above all, all praise, honour, and glory belong to God. I’m deeply thankful to my teammates, who have welcomed me with open arms and shared invaluable guidance. Thank you to the entire Proteas Women management for their continuous support and mentorship. I also appreciate every coach who has worked with me—whether by throwing balls until their arms fell off or by simply having a quick chat over a cup of coffee.

Lastly, I’m forever grateful to my family and friends for their unwavering love and support.

ICC Men’s Associate Cricketer of the Year, Gerhard Erasmus: “I am delighted to be receiving this award again. 2024 has certainly been a moving year for me and to top the Associate world is becoming more and more challenging with the emerging pool of players from all over the world.

“It was a special moment to take my first five-wicket haul and to contribute all-round at the World Cup in West Indies as well as other international competitions.

“A big thanks to my team, Cricket Namibia staff and family for being supporting pillars.”

ICC Women’s Associate Cricketer of the Year, Esha Oza: “It’s a great honour to receive the ICC Women’s Associate Cricket of the Year award for the second time. We are very proud and happy that 2024 has been a year where we’ve had many UAE players shine on the big stage. I feel I’ve also been able to contribute my best for UAE to date.

“It’s been a year where, as a team we were challenged by getting to play against many higher ranked opposition teams and we stood up to the challenge in many games. It’s definitely been a year of growth for me as a player and us [UAE] as a team.

“A lot of hard work goes on behind the scenes by many to help us play the way we do. I’m thankful and grateful to everyone who’s shared the path with me to achieve this, my family, friends, coaches, teammates and especially the Emirates Cricket Board. Thank you, ICC, for the award and congratulations to all the award winners.”

ICC Umpire of the Year, Richard Illingworth: “To be awarded the David Shepherd Trophy for ICC Umpire of the Year is a fantastic honour and one I will cherish very much.

“Having umpired some fantastic games and series of cricket in the past 12 months I also feel very fortunate to do something as a second career which is so enjoyable and rewarding.

“There are a lot of people to thank who have been a great support to me during my life in cricket and during the last year, most importantly my wife Anne.

“All of my colleagues both on and off field whom I’ve worked with - they give me great strength and drive to be the best I can be.

“And finally the game of cricket itself which has provided me with fantastic opportunities and great memories.”

Announcements in the ICC Awards 2024 will continue on Monday, with Men’s and Women’s ODI Cricketers of the Year revealed as well as the Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year.

Winners in 12 individual categories will be revealed each day until Tuesday, culminating in the most coveted and iconic prizes – 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.

 

[Bhaijaan]

India star named ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year

India’s leading wicket-taker of 2024 has been named the ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year at the ICC Awards.

Arshdeep Singh starred as India ended their wait for a major ICC trophy win with victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the Caribbean and USA back in June, and has gone on to cement his reputation as one of the leading powerplay and death bowlers in the game.

The 25-year-old left-armer has long been tipped for the top, and India put a great deal of faith in his ability since making his full international debut in 2022.

And 2024 was the year when Arshdeep fully established himself as a world-class bowler in T20 International cricket, taking bucket-loads of wickets with the new ball and proving to be consistently economical at the death on a variety of surfaces.

Arshdeep Singh’s T20I record in 2024: 36 wickets in 18 matches

Arshdeep was the leading Indian wicket-taker in T20 Internationals in the year, bagging 36 wickets in just 18 games.

He played a huge part in steering India to the title at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and stepped up as leader of the attack as the selectors built a new era for the T20 squad following the triumph in the Caribbean.

Only four players in the world took more T20I wickets than Arshdeep in the calendar year – Saudi Arabia’s Usman Najeeb (38), Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga (38), UAE’s Junaid Siddique (40) and Hong Kong’s Ehsan Khan (46) – with all four playing more matches. Of those bowlers, only Hasaranga featured for a full-member nation.

Arshdeep took his wickets at an average of just 15.31 and, despite predominantly bowling in the powerplay and death overs, finished the year with an economy rate of 7.49. He was a constant wicket-taking threat, taking his wickets at a strike rate of 10.80.

Memorable Performance

Arshdeep had a number of impressive displays in the year, not least when he ripped through the USA in New York during the T20 World Cup group stage, bagging remarkable returns of 4/9 in his four overs.

But Arshdeep’s most significant performance of the year came on the biggest stage of all, as he played a huge part in helping India successfully defend their total of 176 in the World Cup Final in Barbados.

As part of a pace trio with Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya that effectively won the game for India, Arshdeep’s terrific figures of 2/20 from four overs only tell part of the story.

Excellent with the new ball up top, Arshdeep struck in the powerplay to have the dangerous South African skipper Aiden Markram caught behind in just the third over. And when India were in need of a wicket in the middle overs it was Arshdeep that provided the breakthrough, dismissing a set Quinton de Kock when the Proteas looked to be in control of the chase.

India’s collective effort at the death was astonishing as South Africa pulled up seven runs short of their target, and Arshdeep played a huge role in that, returning to the attack to bowl the penultimate over with South Africa requiring 20 from 12 deliveries.

Arshdeep delivered a near-perfect death over under the greatest pressure, conceding just four runs to leave Hardik Pandya with 16 runs to defend in the final over, a job that he spectacularly did.

Brilliance in the powerplay, a wicket in the middle overs, and economical excellence at the death – Arshdeep stepped up when it mattered most.

India star named ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year

India’s leading wicket-taker of 2024 has been named the ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year at the ICC Awards.

www.icc-cricket.com

Congratulations to Arshdeep Singh. He’s emerged as the mainstay of our T20 bowling line-up and I reckon a red ball call up is on the horizon. He could be an inspired pick for the England test tour.

 

[FearlessRoar]

All-rounder named ICC Men's ODI Cricketer of the Year

A new star of the world game has been crowned the ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year at the ICC Awards.

Afghanistan all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai built on an impressive 2023 to become one of the world’s leading One Day International performers in 2024, with his right-arm pace bowling and multi-faceted batting game helping take the Afghanistan team to a new level.

The 24-year-old also enjoyed a strong year in T20Is and franchise cricket, but it was in ODIs where he proved most influential. He finished the year as his national team’s second-highest run scorer (behind Rahmanullah Gurbaz) and second-highest wicket taker (behind AM Ghazanfar), with Afghanistan winning four of their five ODI series in 2024.

His individual excellence wasn’t enough to earn Afghanistan a series win away in Sri Lanka at the start of the year, but he was central to four straight ODI series wins for Afghanistan, as his team won against Ireland, South Africa, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe.

The Afghanistan all-rounder was a standout performer with bat and ball throughout the year, scoring his runs at an average of 52.12 and bagging his wickets at 20.47.

The 24-year-old’s brilliance lay not just in the overall numbers but in his individual performances, starting off in his very first ODI of the year, where he smashed an unbeaten 149* in a remarkable rearguard effort in defeat against Sri Lanka**.**

And a destructive 86* from just 50 deliveries against South Africa was another memorable performance, with his rapid scoring helping set up a crushing win in the second ODI to win the series.

Memorable Performance​

Azmatullah repeatedly stood up when Afghanistan needed big contributions, but there are few better examples than with his series-defining performance in the third ODI against Bangladesh in Sharjah in November.

With the series on the line, Azmatullah bowled economically before delivering a death-overs masterclass to deny the Tigers the strong finish they were looking for, cleaning up set batter Mehidy Hasan Miraz among his three late wickets as he finished with figures of 4/37 from seven overs.

Faced with a target of 245 to win the match and series, Afghanistan limped through the first 20 overs, losing three of their top four cheaply, with the score at 84/3 when Azmatullah came to the crease.

But the right-hander won the game and series, building a century partnership with Rahmanullah Gurbaz before accelerating when the opener was dismissed, hitting the winning runs with a massive six to end unbeaten on 70* from 77 balls, sealing the victory with ten deliveries to spare.

All-rounder named ICC Men's ODI Cricketer of the Year

A new star of the world game has been crowned the ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year at the ICC Awards.

www.icc-cricket.com

 

[Bhaijaan]

All-rounder named ICC Men's ODI Cricketer of the Year

A new star of the world game has been crowned the ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year at the ICC Awards.

Afghanistan all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai built on an impressive 2023 to become one of the world’s leading One Day International performers in 2024, with his right-arm pace bowling and multi-faceted batting game helping take the Afghanistan team to a new level.

The 24-year-old also enjoyed a strong year in T20Is and franchise cricket, but it was in ODIs where he proved most influential. He finished the year as his national team’s second-highest run scorer (behind Rahmanullah Gurbaz) and second-highest wicket taker (behind AM Ghazanfar), with Afghanistan winning four of their five ODI series in 2024.

His individual excellence wasn’t enough to earn Afghanistan a series win away in Sri Lanka at the start of the year, but he was central to four straight ODI series wins for Afghanistan, as his team won against Ireland, South Africa, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe.

The Afghanistan all-rounder was a standout performer with bat and ball throughout the year, scoring his runs at an average of 52.12 and bagging his wickets at 20.47.

The 24-year-old’s brilliance lay not just in the overall numbers but in his individual performances, starting off in his very first ODI of the year, where he smashed an unbeaten 149* in a remarkable rearguard effort in defeat against Sri Lanka**.**

And a destructive 86* from just 50 deliveries against South Africa was another memorable performance, with his rapid scoring helping set up a crushing win in the second ODI to win the series.

Memorable Performance​

Azmatullah repeatedly stood up when Afghanistan needed big contributions, but there are few better examples than with his series-defining performance in the third ODI against Bangladesh in Sharjah in November.

With the series on the line, Azmatullah bowled economically before delivering a death-overs masterclass to deny the Tigers the strong finish they were looking for, cleaning up set batter Mehidy Hasan Miraz among his three late wickets as he finished with figures of 4/37 from seven overs.

Faced with a target of 245 to win the match and series, Afghanistan limped through the first 20 overs, losing three of their top four cheaply, with the score at 84/3 when Azmatullah came to the crease.

But the right-hander won the game and series, building a century partnership with Rahmanullah Gurbaz before accelerating when the opener was dismissed, hitting the winning runs with a massive six to end unbeaten on 70* from 77 balls, sealing the victory with ten deliveries to spare.

All-rounder named ICC Men's ODI Cricketer of the Year

A new star of the world game has been crowned the ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year at the ICC Awards.

www.icc-cricket.com

Wow congratulations to Azmatullah bhai. Big win for Afghanistan.

 

[FearlessRoar]

Smriti Mandhana crowned ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year for 2024

India batter Smriti Mandhana has been named the ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year after a phenomenal 2024 in the format.

The left-handed opener was a cut above in the 50-over game in 2024, scoring a mountain of runs and doing so in style.

One of the factors that set the experienced India star apart during the year was how she managed to produce her best against high-calibre opposition, scoring big runs in difficult series.

Mandhana set an early standard with back-to-back hundreds to inspire a 3-0 series win against South Africa in June. An outstanding century proved the match-defining contribution in a series decider against New Zealand in October. And Mandhana again showcased her ability to dominate the very best with a defiant century in Perth against Australia in a losing cause in December.

Smriti Mandhana’s ODI record in 2024: 747 runs in 13 matches

Mandhana set new career standards in One Day Internationals, scoring more runs than she ever has before in a calendar year, racking up 747 runs in 13 innings across 2024.

That tally made the classy left-hander the leading run-scorer in WODI’s in the year, ahead of Laura Wolvaardt (697), Tammy Beaumont (554) and Hayley Matthews (469).

Mandhana’s runs came at an impressive average of 57.86 and she scored at an impressive strike rate of 95.15, helping set an attacking tone for India’s top order.

She also scored four ODI centuries in the year – a new record in the women’s game – and found the boundary more than a hundred times in the year, hitting 95 fours and six maximums across 2024.

Unsurprisingly, her phenomenal year cemented her place at the top of the run scorers charts in the ICC Women’s Championship – the ODI table that will cement the qualifiers for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025.

Mandhana is one of just five batters to have reached four figures in the competition, accumulating up an eye-watering 1358 runs in her 24 matches in the Championship, more than 100 runs clear of the next highest scorer (Wolvaardt).

Memorable Performance

Mandhana’s standout innings of the year came away from home in December as she hit an excellent 105 against the world’s top ranked team, Australia.

While the opener’s century ended up being in a losing cause, with India falling short of their target, it was Mandhana’s efforts that pushed the defending World Champions close at the WACA in Perth.

Coming up against one of the most daunting bowling attacks in the history of the game, Mandhana was one of just four India batters to reach double figures in the game, with the next highest scorer being just 39.

Mandhana showed remarkable quality, taking the attack to Australia despite runs drying up and wickets tumbling at the other end.

She scored 14 fours and one six in her impressive century, with her 105 runs coming off 109 balls. In contrast, the rest of the Indian side managed to score just seven boundaries combined in the entirety of the innings.

Smriti Mandhana crowned ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year for 2024

India batter Smriti Mandhana has been named the ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year after a phenomenal 2024 in the format.

www.icc-cricket.com

 

[BouncerGuy]

All-round excellence decides winner of the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy for ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year

New Zealand star Melie Kerr is the latest recipient of the illustrious Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy as the stand-out player of 2024, beating Laura Wolvaardt, Chamari Athapaththu and Annabel Sutherland to the top honour in the women’s game.

Kerr was outstanding in all three facets of the game throughout the year, setting the standard for world-class all-rounders. Her brilliance in the field lifted New Zealand time and again, and she was one of the most dangerous leg-spinners in the world, acting as the White Ferns’ go-to strike bowler.

With the bat, Kerr was the rock in New Zealand’s line-up, capable of playing expansive knocks to build on strong starts or acting as a stabilising force to anchor the innings if the openers didn’t fire.

The Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy was first awarded in 2017 and has been shared between three players since then, with Australia’s Ellyse Perry, India’s Smriti Mandhana and England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt each winning the award on two occasions.

Kerr becomes not only the first New Zealander to win the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, but also the first Kiwi to win the overall ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year in any guise.

Kerr’s highlight of 2024 came at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup where she was named the Player of the Tournament and won the Player of the Match award against South Africa in the final as New Zealand’s women won their first ICC T20 World Cup.

Melie Kerr’s year in numbers

In nine One Day Internationals during the year, Kerr scored 264 runs at an average of 33, and she also bagged 14 wickets in the format.

But it was in T20 Internationals where her performances earned her the Cricketer of the Year award. In 18 T20Is in 2024 she scored 387 runs at an average of 24.18 and bagged 29 wickets – a national record for a single calendar year.

Kerr’s 15 wickets at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup made her the tournament’s leading wicket-taker and is the biggest haul ever by a bowler at a Women’s T20 World Cup.

She frequently got opponents’ key batters out throughout the tournament, including the prized scalp of Deandra Dottin in the semi-final against West Indies and two of South Africa’s top three – Laura Wolvaardt and Anneke Bosch – in the final.

Memorable Performance

The 24-year-old saved her best for last with the bat at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, scoring 43 from 38 to top score across both teams in the final.

Kerr anchored New Zealand’s innings, coming in during the second over and departing in the penultimate one having played a key role in lifting the Kiwis to a match-winning total of 158/5.

She followed up those batting efforts with an excellent catch and stand-out figures of 3/24 with the ball, including two wickets in an over to turn the tide in New Zealand’s favour after a strong Powerplay from the Proteas openers.

Kerr’s all-round brilliance deservedly earned her the Player of the Match award in the final, capping off a remarkable year of individual excellence.

SOURCE: https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/al...-trophy-for-icc-women-s-cricketer-of-the-year