Class and Firepower in the ICC Men’s T20I Team of the Year 2024 | Top Players and Performances

Class and Firepower in the ICC Men’s T20I Team of the Year 2024 | Top Players and Performances: The ICC Men’s T20I Team of the Year for 2024 celebrates the exceptional talent, match-winning performances, and sheer class that defined the year in the shortest format of cricket.

From explosive openers to wily spinners and death-bowling specialists, these players etched their names in history with unforgettable performances. Here’s a detailed look at the 11 stars who shone brightest in 2024.

Rohit Sharma (India)

Matches: 11 | Runs: 378 | Average: 42.00 | Strike Rate: 160.16 | Highest Score: 121 | Hundreds: 1

Rohit Sharma had a dream year, leading India to their first T20 World Cup title in over a decade. The veteran opener showcased his brilliance with the bat, scoring 378 runs in 11 matches, including three half-centuries. His explosive knock of 92 against Australia in the Super Eight stage was a masterclass in aggressive batting.

Beyond his numbers, Rohit’s astute leadership played a pivotal role in India’s success. His ability to manage pressure situations and guide young players was instrumental in their historic triumph.

Travis Head (Australia)

Matches: 15 | Runs: 539 | Average: 38.50 | Strike Rate: 178.47 | Highest Score: 80 | Fifties: 4

Travis Head emerged as the backbone of Australia’s T20I batting order in 2024. His aggressive intent during the powerplay set the tone for his team’s innings. Scoring at a phenomenal strike rate of nearly 180, Head’s adaptability and ability to counter both pace and spin stood out.

Despite Australia falling short in the T20 World Cup, Head’s personal exploits, including an 80-run blitz against Scotland, earned him the No.1 spot in the ICC Men’s T20I Rankings.

Phil Salt (England)

Matches: 17 | Runs: 467 | Average: 38.91 | Strike Rate: 164.43 | Highest Score: 103* | Hundreds: 1

Phil Salt brought dynamism to England’s T20I lineup with his fearless approach. His ability to attack from the first ball allowed England to dictate terms in their matches. Salt’s standout performances included an unbeaten 87 in the T20 World Cup and a swashbuckling 103* against the West Indies in November.

This exceptional consistency placed him as the No.2 ranked batter in the ICC Men’s T20I Rankings, cementing his status as a key player for England.

Babar Azam (Pakistan)

Matches: 24 | Runs: 738 | Average: 33.54 | Fifties: 6 | Highest Score: 75

Babar Azam’s elegant stroke play and unmatched consistency were once again on display in 2024. Anchoring Pakistan’s innings, Babar notched six half-centuries, including three consecutive fifties against New Zealand.

Known for his ability to perform under pressure, Babar remained a cornerstone of Pakistan’s batting lineup. His performances reaffirmed his position as one of the finest cricketers of the modern era.

Nicholas Pooran (West Indies)

Matches: 21 | Runs: 464 | Average: 25.77 | Strike Rate: 142.33 | Highest Score: 98

Nicholas Pooran continued to dazzle with his explosive batting and steady wicket-keeping. Often playing the role of a finisher, Pooran’s ability to accelerate in the middle overs made him a vital cog in the West Indies lineup.

His standout innings came against Afghanistan in the T20 World Cup, where he smashed a blistering 98 off 53 balls. Pooran’s leadership and experience provided much-needed stability to a rebuilding West Indies team.

Sikandar Raza (Zimbabwe)

Matches: 24 | Runs: 573 | Strike Rate: 146.54 | Highest Score: 133* | Wickets: 24 | Best Bowling Figures: 5/18

Sikandar Raza continued to be the heartbeat of Zimbabwe cricket in 2024. A true all-rounder, he excelled both with the bat and ball, single-handedly turning matches in Zimbabwe’s favor. Raza’s breathtaking 133* off 43 balls in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Sub-Regional Africa Qualifier clash against Gambia showcased his ability to decimate any bowling attack.

With the ball, Raza’s crafty off-spin yielded 24 wickets, including a stunning 5/18 performance, which helped Zimbabwe clinch crucial games. His dual contributions earned him a spot among the top all-rounders in the ICC Men’s T20I Rankings.

Hardik Pandya (India)

Matches: 17 | Runs: 352 | Wickets: 16 | Best Bowling Figures: 3/20

Hardik Pandya proved once again why he is considered the most impactful all-rounder in T20 cricket. His 2024 performances were a blend of powerful hitting and clinical bowling, helping India secure the T20 World Cup title.

Pandya’s finishing abilities with the bat, including an unbeaten 50 against Bangladesh, and his composure under pressure were instrumental in many tight games. His best bowling performance came in a nail-biting finale against South Africa, where he defended 16 runs in the final over, sealing a memorable win for India.

Rashid Khan (Afghanistan)

Matches: 14 | Wickets: 31 | Best Bowling Figures: 4/14 | Average: 9.58

Rashid Khan, Afghanistan’s spin wizard, had another spectacular year. Leading the bowling attack, Rashid claimed 31 wickets in just 14 matches at an astonishing average of 9.58.

In the T20 World Cup, Rashid was Afghanistan’s standout performer, taking 14 wickets in eight games and playing a crucial role in their historic semi-final run. His ability to bowl economically while taking wickets in critical moments made him a nightmare for opposition batters.

Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka)

Matches: 20 | Wickets: 38 | Best Bowling Figures: 4/15 | Runs: 179

Wanindu Hasaranga continued to be a linchpin in Sri Lanka’s T20I setup, excelling with both ball and bat. His ability to strike in the middle overs and deliver breakthroughs whenever needed earned him the third spot in the ICC T20I Bowling Rankings.

Hasaranga’s control in the powerplay, coupled with his knack for dismissing set batters, made him a go-to option for Sri Lankan captains. With the bat, his highest score of 67 demonstrated his value as a lower-order hitter.

Jasprit Bumrah (India)

Matches: 8 | Wickets: 15 | Best Bowling Figures: 3/7 | Average: 8.26

Jasprit Bumrah’s return to T20I cricket was a fairytale in 2024. Spearheading India’s bowling attack, Bumrah’s pinpoint yorkers and incredible death-over skills helped India dominate opponents.

Bumrah’s standout moment came during the T20 World Cup, where his 3/7 spell against England dismantled one of the most powerful batting lineups. His consistency across formats reaffirmed his position as one of the finest fast bowlers in world cricket.

Arshdeep Singh (India)

Matches: 18 | Wickets: 36 | Best Bowling Figures: 4/9 | Average: 13.50

Arshdeep Singh enjoyed a breakout year in 2024, finishing as India’s highest wicket-taker in T20Is. His exceptional ability to swing the ball early and execute pinpoint yorkers in the death overs made him a complete package.

Arshdeep’s highlight was his fiery 4/9 spell against hosts USA in the T20 World Cup, which showcased his ability to dominate under pressure. His 17 wickets in the tournament placed him second on the list of leading wicket-takers, cementing his reputation as a rising star in world cricket.

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