Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai, has been crowned the ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year for 2024

Afghanistan’s dynamic all-rounder, Azmatullah Omarzai, has been crowned the ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year for 2024, following a year of outstanding performances with both bat and ball. The 24-year-old played a pivotal role in elevating Afghanistan’s cricketing stature, showcasing his brilliance in key matches throughout the year.

Omarzai ended 2024 as Afghanistan’s second-highest run-scorer, behind Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and second-highest wicket-taker, trailing only AM Ghazanfar. His contributions helped Afghanistan win four out of five ODI series during the year, including victories against Ireland, South Africa, Bangladesh, and Zimbabwe.  

The all-rounder’s numbers speak volumes about his consistency. In 14 ODIs, Omarzai scored 417 runs at an impressive average of 52.12 and claimed 17 wickets at an average of 20.47. His ability to perform in high-pressure situations set him apart, making him a vital asset for the Afghan team.  

One of Omarzai’s most memorable performances came in his first ODI of the year against Sri Lanka, where he smashed an unbeaten 149*, showcasing his resilience despite Afghanistan falling short. Another standout display was his explosive 86* off just 50 balls against South Africa, which powered Afghanistan to a dominant series-clinching victory.  

In November, Omarzai delivered a series-defining performance against Bangladesh in the third ODI in Sharjah. Defending 244, he bowled a brilliant spell, taking 4/37, including the crucial wicket of Mehidy Hasan Miraz, to restrict Bangladesh’s total. Chasing 245, Omarzai guided Afghanistan to victory with a composed and unbeaten 70* off 77 balls. He sealed the series win in style, hitting the winning runs with a towering six.