New Delhi: Afghanistan all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai etched his name in history books after being named the ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year 2024. Known for his dynamic pace bowling and explosive batting, Omarzai enjoyed a stellar year with both bat and ball and was duly awarded for his all-round performances in 2024 by the International Cricket Council (ICC)

The 24-year-old who came into the spotlight in 2023 carried on the momentum to become the top One-Day International performer last year.

Omarzai left his mark in T20Is and franchise cricket in 2024 but it was in the 50-over format where he proved most influential.

Azmatullah Omarzai’s ODI record in 2024

Omarzai ended 2024 as Afghanistan’s second-highest run-scorer behind Rahmanullah Gurbaz. He was also the second-highest wicket-taker behind AM Ghazanfar. The star all-rounder helped Afghanistan win four of their five ODI series in 2024.

Overall, Omarzai scored 417 runs and picked up 17 wickets in 14 matches last year. A standout performer with bat and ball in 2024, scoring his runs at an average of 52.12 and snaring his wickets at 20.47.

His consistency was the main reason behind Afghanistan’s four consecutive series wins over Ireland, South Africa, Bangladesh, and Zimbabwe.

Omarzai’s impact on Afghanistan’s results

Omarzai’s impact on Afghanistan’s results in 2-24 is far bigger than the numbers. The memories of his brilliant performance in his very first ODI of the year, where he scored an unbeaten 149 in an astonishing rearguard effort in the defeat against Sri Lanka, are still fresh

He followed it up with a blazing 86 not out off just 50 deliveries against South Africa was another impactful performance, with his explosive batting powering Afghanistan to a crushing victory in the second ODI to win the series.

With the ball, Omarzai produced a series-defining performance in the third ODI against Bangladesh in Sharjah in November as his death-overs masterclass denied the chance for the Bangla Tigers to make a strong finish. Omarzai’s three late wickets proved instrumental for the Afghans as he finished with superb figures of 4/37 from seven overs.