Afghanistan all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai has been awarded the ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year for 2024. This recognition was announced during the ICC Awards held on January 27, 2025, in Dubai. At just 24 years old, Omarzai has made significant contributions to his national team, particularly in One Day Internationals (ODIs), where he showcased his talent both with bat and ball.
Performance Highlights
- Batting and Bowling Statistics: In 14 ODI matches throughout the year, Omarzai scored 417 runs at an impressive average of 52.12 and took 17 wickets with a bowling average of 20.47.
- Key Contributions: He was Afghanistan’s second-highest run-scorer and wicket-taker, playing a pivotal role in leading his team to victories in four out of five ODI series against Ireland, South Africa, Bangladesh, and Zimbabwe.
- Notable Innings: His standout performances included an unbeaten 149 runs in his first ODI of the year against Sri Lanka and a blistering 86 runs off 50 balls against South Africa, which helped secure a series win.
Omarzai expressed pride in receiving this award, attributing his success to the support from his teammates, coaches, and fans. His achievements not only highlight his individual brilliance but also underscore his importance to Afghanistan’s cricketing success in recent years.
