2024 YEAR-ENDER: PRESENTING THE ODI TEAM OF THE YEAR

Saim Ayub will be one of the players to watch out for in the Champions Trophy. The Pakistan cricket team opener had a majestic ODI series against South Africa recently, helping his side blank the hosts 3-0. Ayub has cemented his place in this Pakistan...

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As the year 2024 comes to a close, One Day Internationals in men’s cricket have a presence. Several players, especially from Asia, showed their mettle. With the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025, it was a solid exercise for the sides to test their assets and have a look at players. However, the likes of Sri Lanka and West Indies won’t be seen at the Champions Trophy. Notably, several Lankan players impressed largely this year. Among the players selected, Charith Asalanka leads the side.

Here, we look at the ODI Team of the Year.

PATHUM NISSANKA (SRI LANKA)

Pathum Nissanka takes the cake as one of the openers in this side. The Sri Lankan maestro played only 12 matches and racked up an extraordinary 694 runs at 63.09. He also struck at 106.44. His exploits included three tons and two fifties. Notably, Nissanka hammered a double-century, which came back in February against Afghanistan in Pallekele. Overall, the right-handed batter owns a tally of 2422 runs at 43.25. He has six tons and 15 fifties. He hit the most fours this year (86), as per ESPNcricinfo.

SAIM AYUB (PAKISTAN)

Saim Ayub will be one of the players to watch out for in the Champions Trophy. The Pakistan cricket team opener had a majestic ODI series against South Africa recently, helping his side blank the hosts 3-0. Ayub has cemented his place in this Pakistan side and looks well drilled. In nine matches, he scored 515 runs at 64.37. His tally included three tons and a fifty. Two of his tons came on Proteas soil.

KUSAL MENDIS (SRI LANKA)