Babar Azam named in ICC Men’s T20I Team of the Year 2024

Babar Azam named in ICC Men’s T20I Team of the Year 2024

Impressive Stats: Babar scored 738 runs in 24 matches, including six half-centuries and a highest score of 75, with an average of 33.54 runs. He is the only Pakistani player included in the prestigious team.

The right-handed batter began his year in exceptional style, scoring three consecutive half-centuries against New Zealand, as reported by the ICC.

The cricket body highlighted that the 30-year-old’s ability to perform under pressure and his consistency across formats reinforced his position as one of the top players in international cricket.

India’s team, led by Rohit Sharma, also includes three other Indian players: all-rounder Hardik Pandya, pacers Jasprit Bumrah, and Arshdeep Singh.

Rohit’s role as captain is particularly notable, as he scored 378 runs in 11 matches, with a highest score of 121. However, his most significant achievement was leading India to their first T20 World Cup title in over a decade

Key Players in the ICC T20I Team of the Year:

• Travis Head (Australia) played a pivotal role in his team’s success, scoring at a strike rate of nearly 180 with standout innings like an 80 against Scotland.
• Phil Salt (England) contributed 467 runs in 17 matches, with match-winning knocks including an 87* against the West Indies and a 103* in a series, earning him the second spot in the ICC T20I batter rankings.
• Nicholas Pooran (West Indies) scored 464 runs in 21 matches, including a blistering 98 against Afghanistan, showing his ability to accelerate and finish games strong.

Outstanding All-rounders and Bowlers:

• Hardik Pandya (India) reaffirmed his position as the top all-rounder with 352 runs and 16 wickets in 17 matches, including a crucial final over in the T20 World Cup.
• Sikandar Raza (Zimbabwe) smashed a record-breaking 133* off 43 balls in a qualifier, continuing to be the backbone of his team.
• Rashid Khan (Afghanistan) was the standout bowler with 31 wickets in 14 matches at an average of 9.58, leading Afghanistan to their first-ever World Cup semifinal.

Additional Standouts:

• Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka), ranked third in the T20I bowler rankings, earned his spot in the team.
• The full ICC Men’s T20I Team of the Year 2024 includes: Rohit Sharma (c), Travis Head, Phil Salt, Babar Azam, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Sikandar Raza, Hardik Pandya, Rashid Khan, Jasprit Bumrah, and Arshdeep Singh.