The One-day champions: Best ODI XI of 2020
Irrefutably, the year 2020 was supposed to be an overwhelming year when it comes to T20 cricket mainly because of the two potential back to back T20 World Cups. But because of the pandemic’s incursion, the cricketing calendar had to undergo massive changes which eventually did integrate a sustainable number of ODIs in it. In total there were more than 30 ODIs which did occur in the year 2020 and based on that here’s our best ODI XI of 2020.
1. Aaron Finch (C)
Matches-13 | Runs-637 | Average- 56.08
Aussie skipper Aaron Finch reflects on his outstanding form in the Pakistan ODI series! #PAKvAUS pic.twitter.com/3ZxzJKeNpY
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) March 31, 2019
The Australian skipper is not only our first opener but also the captain of our team. His consistency also made him the highest run-scorer of ODIs in 2020. Finch had scored two remarkable hundreds which both came in a winning cause against the Indians. He also continues to maintain his presence in the top 10 rankings.
2. KL Rahul (wk)
Matches- 9 | Runs- 443 | Average- 55.37
Although Rahul has played most of his innings down the order but his red-hot form in the last twelve months is the reason no one would want him to warm the benches. His ability to don the wicket-keeping gloves has turned out to be a valuable aid for India which eventually has made him earn a permanent spot in the ODI team.
3. Steve Smith
Matches- 10 | Runs- 568 | Average- 63.11
The uproar of Steve Smith which is often a case in Test cricket now has been transpired into the ODIs as well. His back to back 62 ball hundreds against India which were the defining moments of the series are surely the apex ones out of all the innings he has played this year.
4. Virat Kohli
Matches- 9 | Runs- 431 | Average- 47.89
Although we didn’t see Virat’s roar while getting a hundred but he still remains the king when it comes to ODIs. Despite depriving himself of attaining the three-figure mark he still has scored second most ODI runs from Asia. Regardless of his performances, Kohli still remains the no.1 ranked ODI batsman.
“Virat Kohli is the Only Indian Batsman to End the year As No.1 ODI Batsman in Rankings in The 4 Years. – 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020*.!! Greatness. @imVkohli? pic.twitter.com/3bSiTAccgA
— CricketMAN2 (@man4_cricket) December 22, 2020
5. Sam Billings
Matches-6 | Runs- 315 | Average- 78.75
Sam Billings has often been England’s biggest bench warmer ever since their transformation days back in 2015. However, with some temporary openings, Billings did make the most when he played in England’s middle-order. His knock of 110 against Australia does flash volumes of brilliance.
6. Glenn Maxwell
Matches-6 | Runs- 353 | Average- 70.60
Maxwell perhaps had an astonishing year for Australia. He not only scored quick runs against India during Australia’s first two innings but also finished games for them which includes a breathtaking knock of 108 vs England at Manchester.
7. Ravindra Jadeja
Matches- 9 | Runs- 223 | Average- 55.75
Jadeja’s batting has now often been producing some valuable scores for India at no.7 since his semi-final World Cup knock. As India’s fifth bowler Jadeja has taken 7 wickets at an overall economy rate of 5.36.
8. Lungi Ngidi
Matches- 4 | Wickets-12 | Economy- 5.67
Lungi Ngidi who has got off to a promising start to his international career has now become South Africa’s prominent pacer in all formats. The speedster played a very crucial role when South Africa clean-swept Australia earlier and his spell of 6-58 in the second ODI was the defining moment of the series.
9. Adam Zampa
Matches- 13 | Wickets-27 | Economy-5
Leg Spinners are often used in ODIs to pick wickets in middle overs and Zampa’s tally of wickets does paint a rosy picture for him. The leg spinner has now become a prominent name in the Aussie squad and played a crucial role when the hosts won the series against India.
As good as it gets from Adam Zampa! @toyota_aus | #OhWhatAFeeling pic.twitter.com/XUIjHRAGXP
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) March 13, 2020
10. Alzarri Joseph
Matches-6 | Wickets-18 | Economy- 4.41
The rise of Alzarri Joseph in 2020 has become a phenomenal feat for West Indies cricket. Despite his 10 wickets in three matches, West Indies couldn’t avoid a clean sweep from the hands of Lankans. However, it looks like the speedster has established his permanent place in the ODI setup for the Windies.
11. Josh Hazelwood
Matches- 10 | Wickets-16 | Economy-5
If there’s one bowler who can give you Test match vibes in ODI cricket then it has to be Hazelwood. He was one of the prominent performers when Australia thrashed England in their ODI face off.
