ICC announces Men's ODI team of the year 2021

20th January 2021: ICC has announced the men's ODI team of the year considering the best performances in the 50-over format in the calendar year of 2021. Not many ODIs were played in 2021 with the main focus being the T20 Internationals as the World Cup was set to be played. Having said that, around 70 matches were played in the format and interestingly, no Indian cricketer has made it to this XI.

Here's ICC ODI Team of 2021:

Paul Stirling (Ireland)

With 705 runs in a total of 14 matches at an average of close to 80, Stirling concluded 2021 as the highest run-scorer. With three centuries and two half-centuries, he always gave Ireland a quick start and stayed at the pitch for long.

Jannneman Malan (South Africa)

Malan cemented a place in the South African top-order after his debut a year ago, and deservingly so. His consistency in all conditions earned him a spot in the team of the year, and he scored 509 runs in 8 matches at an average of close to 85 in the year.

Babar Azam (C) (Pakistan)

2021 belonged to Babar Azam in all the formats of the game. He scored consistently match after match. He only played 6 ODI matches, but still got over 400 runs at an average of 67.5. Scoring runs in England and South Africa, Azam was the best Pakistan batter on both tours.

Fakhar Zaman (Pakistan)

Almost taking Pakistan through in a match against South Africa with his 193 in a chase of 342, Zaman was incredible for his team. He scored a total of 365 runs at an average of 60.83 in just 6 matches.

Rassie van der Dussen (South Africa)

Rassie van der Dussen was the backbone of the South African middle-order in 2021, having an impact in every match. He scored 342 runs in 8 matches at an average of 57 and has been able to continue his form this year too.

Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh)

With his all-round performance every year, Shakib Al Hasan always has records set to his name. He scored 277 runs at an average of 39.57 and got 17 wickets in the 9 matches he played in 2021.

Mushfiqur Rahim (WK) (Bangladesh)

With 407 runs at an average of 58.14 in 9 matches, Rahim had a particularly busy year. He has been a crucial part of the Bangladesh team and has always given it his all to win them matches, 2021 was no different.

Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka)

After his masterclass against India, he became very popular overnight; which led him to produce great performances in the year. With the bat and the ball, Hasaranga became a vital part of his team. He scored 356 runs at an average of 27.38 and picked 12 wickets in 14 matches.

Mustafizur Rahman (Bangladesh)

Rahman has been able to perform and extract wickets in any playing conditions, and 2021 was a spectacular year for him. He picked up 18 wickets in 10 matches with an economy of 5 runs per over.

Simi Singh (Ireland)

Yet another player from Ireland stood out in 2021. The all-rounder scored 280 runs at an average of 46.66 in 13 matches, including a century and a half-century. He also picked up 19 wickets in the year.

Dushmantha Chameera (Sri Lanka)

Chameera was the underdog of the Sri Lankan team and was always at the top of his game. In 2021, he bagged 20 wickets in 14 matches and managed his workload and his fitness throughout the year.