The year 2021 has a night and entire day left. After a disappointing 2020, where all the sports got hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, cricket returned to its purest form in 2021. We witnessed many stunning matches in all formats of the game.
And as the year 2021 comes to its end, International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced 4 names or nominees for the ICC Men’s ODI Player of the Year Award.
The 4 names that have been picked are rightfully deserving candidates. The 4 players are Ireland’s opening batsman Paul Stirling, former Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan, Pakistan’s captain Babar Azam and South Africa’s youngster Janneman Malan.
Paul Stirling – Ireland
Getting in depth with each and every players’performance this year. Paul Stirling is the highest run scorer in the One Day International (ODI) format this year.
The Ireland opening batsman had a great year, not just in International cricket, but also in league cricket. Paul Stirling has scored 705 runs in 14 ODI matches this year at an average of 54.23. That also includes 3 centuries and 2 half-centuries.
Shakib Al Hasan – Bangladesh
As for Shakib Al Hasan. The Bangladeshi cricketer was banned in 2019, but he didn’t miss much as cricket was completely suspended in 2020 due to COVID-19. He made his return late in 2020 but played his first match in 2021 only.
The star all-rounder scored 277 runs from 9 matches and also picked up 17 wickets. He has been an integral member of the Bangladesh team like always.
Babar Azam – Pakistan
Babar Azam, the name is just enough. Babar has had a great 2021, not just as a batsman, but as a skipper as well. He led Pakistan to beat India in an ICC event, and came close to the ICC T20 World Cup 2021.
Babar Azam played 6 ODI matches this year and has scored 405 runs at an average of 67.50. Throughout that, he has scored 2 centuries and 1 half-century with the highest score of 158 runs against England.
Janneman Malan – South Africa
Next up in the list is South Africa’s youngster Janneman Malan. Even though he is 25-years-old, but is quite young in terms of experience. The Mbombela born right-hand batsman has only played 22 International matches, 11 matches in ODI and as many matches in T20I.
Janneman Malan made his South Africa debut in 2019 in the T20I format. But he made his ODI debut last year only. He is yet to play Test cricket for the Proteas.
Malan played 8 of those 11 ODI matches this year and scored 509 runs at an average of 84.83. He had a great year as he as he scored 3 hundreds and 2 half-centuries. His highest score is 177 runs not out against Ireland.
