Throughout the year, Omarzai was a key figure in Afghanistan’s impressive ODI campaigns. He finished the year as his national team’s second-highest run-scorer, just behind Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and also claimed the second-most wickets, trailing only AM Ghazanfar. His contributions were instrumental in Afghanistan winning four of their five ODI series in 2024, including triumphs over Ireland, South Africa, Bangladesh, and Zimbabwe.

Though Afghanistan fell short in their series against Sri Lanka at the start of the year, Omarzai’s individual brilliance shone through, particularly in a thrilling encounter against Sri Lanka where he blasted an unbeaten 149*, leading his team in a challenging defeat. His ability to perform under pressure became a defining theme of the year.

Notably, his 86* from just 50 balls against South Africa in the second ODI helped Afghanistan set up a dominant victory. In the ODI series against Bangladesh in November, Azmatullah delivered an unforgettable performance in the series-deciding match. With Bangladesh threatening a strong finish, Omarzai’s bowling came to the fore, as he claimed 4/37 in seven overs, restricting the opposition’s run chase and ensuring Afghanistan’s victory.

With the series hanging in the balance, Omarzai’s batting heroics sealed the win. Chasing 245, Afghanistan found themselves struggling at 84/3, but Omarzai’s composed 70* from 77 balls guided them across the line with a massive six, securing the series win with ten balls to spare.

In what was a breakthrough year for the all-rounder, Omarzai’s impressive batting average of 52.12 and his wicket-taking ability at an average of 20.47 were key factors behind his success. His all-round excellence and match-winning contributions made him the standout performer of 2024, earning him the ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year award, a well-deserved recognition for a player who continues to shine on the world stage.

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Mendis’ consistency was on full display throughout the year, with an average exceeding 50, solidifying his place among the top players in the world. Despite entering 2024 with only a single Test appearance, Mendis quickly became a vital all-format player for Sri Lanka, impressing fans and critics alike with his ability to perform under pressure.

In Test cricket, Mendis delivered some exceptional performances, accumulating 1049 runs in nine matches, with an impressive average of 74.92. His remarkable ability to convert starts into big scores saw him score five centuries and three half-centuries, making him one of only six players to surpass 1000 Test runs in 2024. His stellar average was the highest among them, showcasing his remarkable consistency.

One of the standout moments in Mendis’ career came in England, where he played a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s first Test victory there in over a decade. His contributions were key in Sri Lanka’s push for a place in the ICC World Test Championship Final, showcasing his ability to perform on the biggest stage.

Mendis’ achievements also saw him match an incredible record—he became the joint-third fastest player to reach 1000 Test runs, achieving the feat in just 13 innings, tying with none other than the legendary Don Bradman.

Among his many highlights, the second Test against New Zealand in Galle stood out as a career-defining performance. Mendis scored a career-best 182*, anchoring Sri Lanka to a commanding 602/5. His remarkable knock, which spanned 250 balls and featured 16 boundaries and four sixes, helped Sri Lanka to a dominant 2-0 series victory. Mendis’ stellar performance in this match earned him the Player of the Match award and solidified his status as one of Sri Lanka’s key players.

Kamindu Mendis’ rise in 2024 has been nothing short of meteoric. His ability to perform under pressure, combined with his technical skill and mental fortitude, has made him one of Sri Lanka’s most reliable players. His recognition as the ICC Men’s Emerging Cricketer of the Year is only the beginning of what promises to be an illustrious career on the world stage.

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Oza’s stellar contributions with both bat and ball saw her stand out as one of the finest cricketers in the Associate ranks over the past calendar year. As the driving force behind UAE’s success, she played an instrumental role in several major tournaments, leaving an indelible mark on her team’s campaign.

The year kicked off with a bang for Oza and the UAE squad, as they triumphed in the Asian Cricket Council Women’s Premier Cup. Oza finished as the leading scorer of the tournament and was named Player of the Tournament, a testament to her consistency and poise under pressure. She would go on to replicate her form later in the year, delivering a series of high-impact performances in the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier, where UAE made it to the knockout stages.

One of Oza’s standout moments came during the Qualifier, where her brilliant 66* from just 39 balls helped her side overcome the Netherlands, securing a top-two finish in a competitive Group B. Her leadership was again on display in the semi-finals, where Oza almost engineered an unforgettable upset, scoring 66 from 44 balls against Sri Lanka – the eventual champions of the tournament.

Though her batting prowess earned her the most attention in 2024, Oza’s skills with the ball were just as vital. She took 16 wickets at an impressive average of 19.68, showcasing her off-breaks as an important weapon for the UAE. She maintained a solid economy rate of 5.41, further underlining her well-rounded abilities as an all-rounder.

With a total of 711 runs in 2024, Oza’s name appeared near the top of the global run-scorer charts, with only Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththu (720 runs) and India’s Smriti Mandhana (763 runs) outpacing her. Oza’s remarkable consistency was evident as she reached double figures in 19 of her 20 innings, including one century and four half-centuries. She finished the year with an average of 41.82 and a striking rate of 111.79, making her one of the most dynamic batters in the game.

Oza’s crowning moment came in the Women’s Premier Cup, where she produced a magnificent 114* off just 69 balls against Oman. Her blistering knock included 16 boundaries, and it was pivotal in UAE’s dominant 148-run victory. This was her third century in international cricket and her highest score of an impressive year.

Esha Oza’s performance in 2024 is a testament to her leadership, skill, and determination, and her achievement of being named ICC Women’s Associate Cricketer of the Year is well-deserved. As she continues to lead the UAE women’s cricket team to greater heights, her contributions will undoubtedly inspire future generations of cricketers in the region.

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