Afghanistan's Azmatullah Omarzai named ICC men’s ODI cricketer of the Year 2024
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Afghanistan's dynamic all-rounder, Azmatullah Omarzai, has been named the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year 2024, reported 24News HD TV channel.
The 24-year-old's exceptional performances with both bat and ball in 2024 played a key role in Afghanistan's meteoric rise in One Day International (ODI) cricket.
Omarzai emerged as one of the finest ODI players of the year, consistently delivering match-winning performances.
With 417 runs at an impressive average of 52.12 and 17 wickets in just 14 matches, his contributions were pivotal in Afghanistan's four consecutive series wins against Ireland, South Africa, Bangladesh, and Zimbabwe.
The right-handed all-rounder was Afghanistan's second-highest run-scorer in 2024, only behind wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and their second-highest wicket-taker after spinner AM Ghazanfar.
Omarzai’s ability to excel in pressure situations cemented his reputation as a reliable match-winner.
The 24-year-old all-rounder scored the bulk of runs for the Afghan team, only behind Rahmanullah Gurbaz. He was also the second-highest wicket-taker behind his compatriot AM Ghazanfar.
The all-rounder played a pivotal role in Afghanistan’s four straight ODI series wins against Ireland, South Africa, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe.
Omarzai’s notable batting and bowling performance was on full display when he scored a quick-fire 86 runs of 50 balls leading his team to a historic ODI series win against South Africa.
His most impressive all-round display came match against Bangladesh where he bowled impressively at the death to restrict the Tigers from reaching a strong total.
Not only that, he also rescued his team from a precarious 84/3 position after scoring 70* runs from 77 balls to hand the Bengal Tigers a thrashing in the series decider.
His highest score came against Srilanka in his first ODI of the year where he played a remarkable knock of unbeaten 149* in a losing effort on 9th February at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. His valiant knock included 6 sixes and 13 fours.