DUBAI: India’s Rohit Sharma has been named the captain of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s T20I Team of the Year 2024 on Saturday, featuring Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam.
Babar is the only Pakistani in the lineup, which features four players from India, with one each from Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, West Indies, Zimbabwe, Australia, and England.
Rohit Sharma-led India defeated South Africa to clinch their second ICC T20 World Cup in 2024, which resulted in their players dominating the T20I Team of the Year.
Sharma was a force to be reckoned with in the T20 arena, amassing an impressive total of 378 runs across 11 matches, boasting an average of 42.00 and a striking strike rate that soared beyond 160.
Australian opener Travis Head emerged as a key player in their T20I success, racking up 539 runs at an aggressive strike rate approaching 178.47. His ability to adapt was on full display through four half-centuries, with a standout 80 runs against Scotland.
Phil Salt was dynamic in his contributions to England’s campaign in 2024, scoring a remarkable 467 runs in 17 matches at a strike rate of 164.43.
Meanwhile, Babar Azam consistently anchored Pakistan’s batting lineup, starting 2024 with a remarkable run of three consecutive fifties against New Zealand. He scored 738 runs at an average of 33.54, reaffirming his status as one of Pakistan’s best batters.
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Nicholas Pooran shone brightly for the West Indies, accumulating a robust 464 runs in 21 matches. His ability to accelerate during the middle overs and finish innings with fireworks was pivotal for his team.
Sikandar Raza continued to be the cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s batting effort, hitting a sensational 133 not out off just 43 balls in a high-stakes qualifier, setting a record that spoke to his explosive capability.
Hardik Pandya reaffirmed his position as the top all-rounder, contributing significantly with both bat and ball. His tally of 352 runs and 16 wickets in 17 matches showcased his versatility, including a thrilling performance where his match-winning final over in the T20 World Cup clinched victory for his team.
Rashid Khan stood tall as Afghanistan’s bowling spearhead, claiming an eye-catching 31 wickets in 14 matches at an astonishing average of 9.58, which played a crucial role in guiding Afghanistan to their historic first World Cup semifinal.
For Sri Lanka, Wanindu Hasaranga excelled, efficiently ranking third among T20I bowlers, and establishing himself as a key player in the team’s bowling lineup.
India welcomed back Jasprit Bumrah with open arms, as his sensational return to T20I cricket saw him take 15 wickets at a remarkable average of 8.26, leading the charge in India’s triumphant title-winning campaign.
Arshdeep Singh emerged as India’s leading bowler, shining brightly with 36 wickets in 18 matches. His fiery performance, marked by an astonishing 4 wickets for just 9 runs against hosts USA in the T20 World Cup, further solidified his reputation as a complete and formidable T20 bowler.
ICC Men’s T20I Team of the Year 2024
Rohit Sharma (India – Captain), Travis Head (Australia), Phil Salt (England), Babar Azam (Pakistan), Nicholas Pooran (West Indies – Wicketkeeper), Sikandar Raza (Zimbabwe), Hardik Pandya (India), Rashid Khan (Afghanistan), Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka), Jasprit Bumrah (India), Arshdeep Singh (India)
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