The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the ODI Men’s Player of the Year award as part of the ICC Awards, with Afghanistan all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai receiving the honor.
While Omarzai impressed in T20Is and franchise cricket, his ODI performances truly stood out. He ended the year as Afghanistan’s second-highest run-scorer (behind Rahmanullah Gurbaz) and second-highest wicket-taker (trailing only AM Ghazanfar). Afghanistan thrived under his all-round brilliance, clinching four out of five ODI series in 2024 and defeating teams like Ireland, South Africa, Bangladesh, and Zimbabwe.
In 14 ODIs, Omarzai amassed 417 runs at an excellent average of 52.12, showcasing his ability to deliver under pressure. With the ball, he was equally effective, claiming 17 wickets at an impressive average of 20.47, making him one of the most balanced all-rounders in the format.
Azmatullah Omarzai’s ODI Record in 2024
| Matches Played | Runs Scored | Batting Average | Wickets Taken | Bowling Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | 417 | 52.12 | 17 | 20.47 |
Omarzai’s brilliance wasn’t limited to stats—his match-winning contributions were pivotal throughout the year. Here are some of his standout performances:
Azmatullah Omarzai’s stellar 2024 not only elevated Afghanistan’s performance on the global stage but also positioned him as one of the premier all-rounders in the world, earning him the ICC Men’s ODI Player of the Year award.