Afghanistan’s all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai has been crowned the ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year 2024 at the ICC Awards, solidifying his place as one of the world’s brightest stars in cricket. The 24-year-old shone throughout 2024, delivering exceptional performances with both bat and ball, propelling Afghanistan to new heights in the One Day International (ODI) format.
Stellar performances in ODIs
Omarzai’s influence was pivotal in Afghanistan winning four of their five ODI series in 2024. He ended the year as Afghanistan’s second-highest run-scorer, amassing 417 runs at an impressive average of 52.12, and the second-highest wicket-taker with 17 wickets at an average of 20.47. His all-round contributions were central to Afghanistan’s victories against Ireland, South Africa, Bangladesh, and Zimbabwe.
His standout performances included:
- 149 against Sri Lanka* in his first ODI of the year, showcasing his rearguard brilliance.
- 86 off 50 balls against South Africa*, where his aggressive innings set up a series-defining win.
- 70 off 77 balls against Bangladesh in Sharjah*, where he steered Afghanistan to a series-clinching victory with a match-winning six.
Defining moments
Omarzai’s performance against Bangladesh in November stood out as a series-defining effort. With the series on the line, he delivered an economical bowling spell, finishing with figures of 4/37, including the key dismissal of Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Chasing 245, Omarzai stabilized Afghanistan’s innings, building a crucial partnership with Rahmanullah Gurbaz before sealing the win with a six, finishing unbeaten on 70*.
A remarkable year for Afghanistan
Omarzai’s brilliance in ODIs was complemented by his strong showings in T20Is and franchise cricket, but it was his consistent all-round performances in the 50-over format that made 2024 a landmark year for him and Afghanistan cricket.
ICC Awards 2024: A rising star recognized
This prestigious accolade cements Omarzai’s status as a future superstar in international cricket, with his performances contributing significantly to Afghanistan’s continued rise in the global cricketing arena. Congratulations to Azmatullah Omarzai for a truly memorable year!
