Best ODI XI of 2021
In a year of the T20 World Cup and World Test Championship final, ODI cricket held a little lesser significance. However, nothing can defy the fact that the 50-over format is a treat for cricket fans. With an innings comprising of 300 legal deliveries, teams and players need to make précised strategies and execute them to finish on top.
Although fewer ODIs were played in comparison of the other two formats, fans still got to witness some exciting battle over the 22 yards. Various individuals were at their best and were consistent throughout the year. So much so that they went on to further enhance their reputation.
Meanwhile, let’s look at the best ODI XI of 2021
- Shikhar Dhawan
It won’t be wrong to say that Shikhar Dhawan is one of the finest ODI players of this generation. Although he didn’t get many opportunities this year, he still managed to make his bat talk, scoring 297 runs at an average of 59.40.
- Fakhar Zaman
Zaman also played some fine knocks and scored 365 runs in six games including two centuries. He even came close to becoming the first batter to smash an ODI double ton while chasing. However, he got out on 193 against South Africa.
- Janneman Malan
These are still Janneman Malan’s early days in international cricket but he still has managed to make a significant mark. The youngster slammed 509 ODI runs this year at an average of 84.83.
- Babar Azam (C)
The top-ranked ODI batter was certain to feature in this list. In ODIs this year, Azam scored 405 runs in just six games at an average of 67.50. He’s also the captain of this team.
- Mushfiqur Rahim (wk)
Veteran Bangladesh batter Mushfiqur Rahim has certainly aged like fine wine and seems to get better with time. He has scored 407 runs in just nine ODIs in 2021, with a best of 125.
- Charith Asalanka
The young Sri Lankan batter has been sensational in the last 12 months, to say the least. He has scored 326 runs in eight ODIs this year at an average of 40.75 per game.
- Wanindu Hasaranga
It was a year to remember for Wanindu Hasaranga as he was sensational in all departments. The all-rounder scored 356 runs in 14 ODIs and also picked 12 wickets.
- Mitchell Starc
Arguably the best white-ball bowler going around, Mitchell Starc also finds himself on this list. The pacer managed to pick 11 wickets in just three games.
- Haris Rauf
The right-arm pacer has emerged as a vital cog of Pakistan’s limited-overs team. Rauf picked 13 wickets in just six ODIs in 2021.
- Tabraiz Shamsi
While 2021 will be remembered for Tabraiz Shamsi’s heroics in T20Is, he did well in the 50-over format too. The left-arm spinner picked 14 wickets in just eight innings, with his best figures being 5/49.
- Mustafizur Rahman
Star Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman completes this elite list. “Fizz” picked 18 wickets in just 10 games at an average of 21.55.
