No Place For Virat, Babar; Rizwan To Lead OneCricket's ODI Team Of The Year

Anurag Dasgupta∙ Updated: Dec 30 2024, 6:37 PM

No place for Virat, Babar in ODI XI [Source: @ipl2024updates/X.Com]No place for Virat, Babar in ODI XI [Source: @ipl2024updates/X.Com]

The year 2024 is coming to an end and it was an eventful year for the players in the T20 and Test format, but not so much for those involved in ODIs. This year, the major focus was on the T20 World Cup and Test cricket, and as a result, ODIs got neglected a bit as we approach the Champions Trophy.

However, there were ODI matches took place this year and there were several players who showcased their class in the 50-over format. In this article, OneCricket will form their ODI XI of the year, with some surprising exclusions and some fresh faces included in their side. All the big names like Virat Kohli and Babar Azam, the ODI greats have not found a place in this XI.

Openers

Saim Ayub, Pathum Nissanka

Of all the Test playing nations, Sri Lanka played the most number of ODI games and their players took full advantage of it. Pathum Nissanka was one of their breakout stars in the ODI format, as the talented batter scored 694 runs in 12 matches, at an average of 63 and had a strike-rate in excess of 100.

His opening partner will be another fellow Asian batter in Saim Ayub. The breakout star of Pakistan cricket, Ayub performed across continents as he delivered the goods in Australia, scored a 53-ball century in Zimbabwe and his twin centuries helped Pakistan beat South Africa by 3-0. The dashing batter scored 515 runs in 9 matches, including 3 centuries to his name.

Middle-order batters

Charith Asalanka, Mohammad Rizwan, Harry Brook, Sherfane Rutherford

Another Sri Lankan who makes the list is Charith Asalanka at number 3. The left-handed batter had a prolific year with the bat, scoring 605 runs in 18 matches, The batter had an average of 50 and it included a solitary century as well.

The captain and keeper of this team will be Mohammad Rizwan. He was recently made the Pakistan captain and had an instant impact by winning ODI series in both Australia and South Africa. Also, he contributed 264 runs in 9 matches, at an average of 52.

The English prodigy, Harry Brook comes in at number 5. He scored a stunning hundred against Australia and single-handedly kept England alive in the series. The explosive batter smashed 312 runs in 5 matches, including a stunning hundred.

The nominee for the ICC ODI Player of the Year - Rutherford had a dream year for the Windies. He was their most improved batter and scored 425 runs in 9 matches, including a brilliant hundred and also had a strike-rate of 120 and was the key batter in the middle order.

All-rounders

Azmatullah Omarzai, Wanindu Hasaranga

At number 7 will be the pace bowling all-rounder - Azmatullah Omarzai. The Afghan great has had a brilliant 2024 in ODIs. In 14 matches, he accumulated 417 runs, and he also contributed with 17 wickets, showcasing his skills.

Sri Lankan all-rounder, Wanindu Hasaranga comes in at number 8. The wily bowler once again had a brilliant year as he picked up 26 wickets in 10 matches, at an average of 15.61, including four 3-wicket hauls. He was also nominated for the ICC ODI Player of the Year Award.

Bowlers

Allah Ghazanfar, Alzarri Joseph, Haris Rauf

The newest mystery spinner in the town, Allah Ghazanfar makes the headline and gets included in the side. He announced his arrival with a 6-wicket haul Vs Bangladesh as he sealed the win from out of nowhere. In 2024, he picked up 21 wickets in 11 matches, at an average of 13.57.

The second West Indian on the list is Alzarri Joseph. The tearaway bowler was incredible in the ODIs this year, finishing with 15 wickets in 9 matches, at an average of 27.

The last name on the list is the express pacer, Haris Rauf. He was instrumental in Pakistan's win, Down Under as he terrorised the Aussies with his pace and bounce. The fast bowler finished 2024 with 13 wickets in 8 matches, at an average of 22.

OC's ODI Team Of The Year

Saim Ayub, Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Mohammad Rizwan (c, wk), Harry Brook, Sherfane Rutherford, Azmatullah Omarzai, Wanindu Hasaranga, Allah Ghazanfar, Alzarri Joseph, Haris Rauf