World-renowned cricket website ESPN Cricinfo has selected the best ODI XI of 2024, based on overall performances in the format. Among the standout players, Bangladesh pacer Taskin Ahmed made the cut, becoming the only Bangladeshi to feature in the list. In an interesting turn, seven of the eleven players are from Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, showcasing their impressive performances throughout the year.
Taskin Ahmed’s Impressive Performance: Taskin’s inclusion in the prestigious list is a recognition of his outstanding bowling performance in 2024. Playing in 7 matches, he took 14 wickets at an average of 23.9. His best performance of the year came against Afghanistan in Sharjah, where he took 4 wickets for 53 runs. This was the only occasion in 2024 where he claimed 4 wickets in an ODI match.
Though he faced some challenges in the West Indies series, where he only managed 1 wicket in 2 matches, Taskin’s remarkable start to the year played a significant role in his selection. In March, he was exceptional against Sri Lanka in Chittagong, taking 8 wickets in 3 matches at an average of 18.87. His excellent performance in this series made him the best bowler of the series and contributed to his place in Cricinfo’s Best ODI XI.
ESPN Cricinfo's Best ODI XI of 2024:
- Pathum Nissanka (Sri Lanka)
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Afghanistan)
- Kusal Mendis (Sri Lanka, Wicketkeeper)
- Charith Asalanka (Sri Lanka, Captain)
- Sherfane Rutherford (West Indies)
- Liam Livingstone (England)
- Azmatullah Omarzai (Afghanistan)
- Mohammad Nabi (Afghanistan)
- Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka)
- Taskin Ahmed (Bangladesh)
- Haris Rauf (Pakistan)
Taskin Ahmed's inclusion in this list highlights his consistent performance with the ball in 2024, cementing his place among the best in the world.
