Taskin included in Wisden's ODI team of the year

The year 2024 was nothing short of a dream for Taskin Ahmed. The Bangladeshi right-arm pacer was remarkably consistent across all three formats of the game.

Taskin claimed 63 wickets at an average of 19.23, the highest among Bangladeshi bowlers and jointly the third-highest in world cricket.

His outstanding performances were recognised at the start of the new year with a spot in Wisden's ODI team of the year for 2024.

Last year was unique for ODI cricket, with no team playing a large number of matches. Following the ODI World Cup in 2023, most teams began preparations for the T20 World Cup held in June 2023. After the conclusion of the T20 tournament, the focus shifted to Test cricket. Similarly, Bangladesh had limited opportunities to play ODIs, contesting only nine matches across three series.

Taskin didn't feature in all of Bangladesh's matches but played seven ODIs. Even with such limited appearances, he made a significant impact, demonstrating his prowess as the leader of Bangladesh's pace attack. In these seven matches, the 29-year-old pacer took 14 wickets at an average of 23.9 and an economy rate of 5.3. Whether it was dismissing openers early, applying pressure in the middle overs, or picking up wickets at the death, Taskin consistently delivered when the team needed him most.

Wisden's ODI team of the year includes a strong Sri Lankan presence with three players from the island nation. Pakistan, the West Indies, and Afghanistan each have two players in the team. Meanwhile, one player from Bangladesh and one from England complete the XI. Notably, no cricketers from Australia, India, New Zealand, or South Africa made the cut. India and New Zealand, in particular, played only three ODIs each last year.

Wisden's ODI team of the year for 2024:
Saim Ayub (Pakistan), Pathum Nissanka (Sri Lanka), KC Carty (West Indies), Kusal Mendis (Sri Lanka), Azmatullah Omarzai (Afghanistan), Liam Livingstone (England), Sherfane Rutherford (West Indies), Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka), Shaheen Shah Afridi (Pakistan), Allah Ghazanfar (Afghanistan), Taskin Ahmed (Bangladesh).

Performances of players included in the team

Saim Ayub (Pakistan)

• Batting: 515 runs at an average of 64.4, strike rate: 105.5
• Bowling: 5 wickets at an average of 27.8, economy rate: 4.6

Pathum Nissanka (Sri Lanka)

• Batting: 694 runs at an average of 63.1, strike rate: 106.4

KC Carty (West Indies)

• Batting: 560 runs at an average of 62.2, strike rate: 88.1

Kusal Mendis (Sri Lanka)

• Batting: 742 runs at an average of 53.0, strike rate: 90.6

Azmatullah Omarzai (Afghanistan)

• Batting: 417 runs at an average of 52.1, strike rate: 105.6
• Bowling: 17 wickets at an average of 20.5, economy rate: 4.9

Liam Livingstone (England)

• Batting: 286 runs at an average of 57.2, strike rate: 133.0
• Bowling: 4 wickets at an average of 61.5, economy rate: 7.7

Sherfane Rutherford (West Indies)

• Batting: 425 runs at an average of 106.3, strike rate: 120.1
• Bowling: 2 wickets at an average of 65.0, economy rate: 9.4

Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka)

• Bowling: 26 wickets at an average of 15.6, economy rate: 5.4
• Batting: 87 runs at an average of 17.4, strike rate: 101.2

Shaheen Shah Afridi (Pakistan)

• Bowling: 15 wickets at an average of 17.6, economy rate: 5.1

Allah Ghazanfar (Afghanistan)

• Bowling: 21 wickets at an average of 13.6, economy rate: 4.1

Taskin Ahmed (Bangladesh)

• Bowling: 14 wickets at an average of 23.9, economy rate: 5.3