24-Year-Old Azmatullah Omarzai Named ODI Cricketer Of Year 2024

Akshita Patel

Azmatullah Omarzai makes history for Afghanistan by winning an ICC award [Source: @kaustats/X.com]Azmatullah Omarzai makes history for Afghanistan by winning an ICC award [Source: @kaustats/X.com]

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Afghanistan’s promising young all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai has been honoured with ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year for his stunning achievements in the 50-over format. Omarzai had an outstanding season with record runs with the ball as well as crucial dismissals with the ball.

ICC awards standout cricketers for their contribution in each format every year. In 2024, ODI cricket took a backseat as member nations were more inclined towards the T20I format since the T20 World Cup was taking place.

However, in whatever ODI games were played throughout the season, some players stood out and ICC has decided to honour their achievements.

Afghanistan’s young all-rounder wins big ICC award

In a recent development, ICC has awarded Azmatullah Omarzai with the title of the ODI Cricketer of the Year for 2024. The 24-year-old all-rounder is the first Afghanistan player to win this honour.

That being said, Omarzai had a stellar record in the 14 ODIs he played this year. He amassed 417 runs at 52.12 average, including a century and 3 fifties. Moreover, with the ball, the all-rounder scalped 17 wickets with a 20.47 bowling average. His best figures (4/18) came against Zimbabwe. 

Not only did he score runs but his performances ended up in Afghanistan's winning cause. His 149* steered his team to a stunning ODI victory against Sri Lanka. He also hit an unbeaten 86 off just 50 balls against South Africa to cause an upset.

Omarzai will soon be awarded his silverware, and this will mark a significant moment in Afghanistan's cricket history.

Azmatullah Omarzai’s ODI Stats in 2024

Matches
Runs
Wickets
AverageStrike Rate
100/50
144171752.12105.561/3

Azmatullah Omarzai played 14 ODIs in the calendar year 2024. He scored 417 runs at an average of 52.12 with a strike rate of 105.56. He also hammered his maiden ODI century against Sri Lanka along with 3 other half-centuries. 

Moreover, with the ball, Omarzai scalped 17 wickets with a 20.47 average and a stunning economy of 4.90. He also claimed two four-wicket-hauls with his best figure being 4/18.