ICC names Azmatullah Omarzai as men’s ODI cricketer of the year 2024

Azmatullah Omarzai, the 24-year-old all-rounder from Afghanistan, has won the prestigious ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year 2024 Award. His remarkable performances with both bat and ball throughout the year have earned him this honour, marking his ascent in the 50-over format.

Omarzai’s exceptional skills have been pivotal to Afghanistan’s growing stature in international cricket, solidifying his place as one of the most promising talents in world cricket.

Azmatullah Omarzai: A star in Afghanistan cricket

Since making his ODI debut against Ireland in January 2021, Omarzai has proven to be an invaluable asset for Afghanistan. In 2024, he played 14 matches and showcased his all-round abilities, cementing his reputation as a top-tier player. As a middle-order right-handed batter, Omarzai scored an impressive 417 runs, which included three half-centuries and one century. His highest score, an unbeaten 149 runs against Sri Lanka at Pallekele Stadium in February 2024, was a standout performance. The knock included 13 fours and 6 sixes, demonstrating his aggressive style of play. With an average of 52.12 and a strike rate of 105.56, his contributions with the bat have been exceptional.

In addition to his batting prowess, Omarzai’s skills with the ball have been equally impressive. As a right-arm medium-fast bowler, he claimed 17 wickets in 14 matches, maintaining an average of 20.47 and an economy rate of 4.90. His best bowling performance came against Zimbabwe in December 2024, where he took four wickets for just 18 runs in the first ODI at Harare. Omarzai also contributed in the field, taking three catches in those 14 matches, further highlighting his all-round capabilities.

Omarzai’s exceptional year culminated in his recognition as the ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year 2024. His consistent and outstanding performances have not only earned him individual accolades but have also propelled him to the third position in the ICC Men’s ODI rankings. This achievement signifies his growth as a player and highlights his potential to dominate the international stage in the years to come.

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Afghanistan’s success story in 2024

2024 has been a breakthrough year for Afghanistan cricket, with several players making significant contributions. In addition to Omarzai’s recognition, two other Afghanistan players earned spots in the ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year 2024. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, known for his dynamic batting at the top of the order, scored 531 runs in 11 matches. His explosive starts were key to Afghanistan’s victories over teams like Ireland, South Africa, and Bangladesh. Meanwhile, 18-year-old off-spinner Allah Ghazanfar made a remarkable impact by taking 21 wickets in 11 matches, showcasing exceptional control and maturity beyond his years.

Afghanistan’s team performance in 2024 also reflects their growing strength in international cricket. They played 14 matches, winning 8, losing 5 and having 1 match end in no result. The year has seen the team make significant strides, with their all-round performances pushing them closer to the top echelons of world cricket.