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Afghanistan all-rounder named ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year

DUBAI: Afghanistan ace All-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai has been named as International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year 2024 on Monday, due to his brilliant performances last year.

The right-hander emerged as one of the top One Day International players in 2024. His impressive batting and bowling ability played a vital role in the Afghan team’s success in the past year.

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.

He amassed 417 runs and bagged 17 wickets in 14 matches to bag the ODI Cricketer of the Year award. Omarzai scored these runs at an impressive average of 52.12.

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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.

READ: Pakistan’s star batter named in ICC T20I Team of the Year 2024

A Sports