The ICC has revealed its shortlist for the Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year and it is a star-studded line-up. India’s rising pacer Arshdeep Singh, Zimbabwe’s lanky all-rounder Sikandar Raza, Pakistan’s batting maestro Babar Azam and Australia’s power hitter Travis Head have all made the cut. These four have done amazing work all year, and the award could have gone to any of them.
Arshdeep Singh: India
Matches: 18 | Wickets: 36 | Average: 13.5 | Best bowling: 4/9
Arshdeep Singh has given India a fresh look in T20Is this year. With Jasprit Bumrah playing sparingly, Arshdeep stepped up as the main pacer of the team and did a great job. His 36 wickets in just 18 matches came at an astonishing average of 13.5. Be it at home or abroad, Arshdeep has helped India achieve important victories in times of crisis.
Memorable Performance:
Arshdeep’s standout moment came during the T20 World Cup final. Defending 177, he dismissed Aiden Markram early and Quinton de Kock later. However, it was his 19th over in which he conceded just four runs that sealed the deal for India. The pressure was too much for David Miller, who soon collapsed.
Sikandar Raja: Zimbabwe
Matches: 24 | Run count: 573 | Wickets: 24 | Best bowling: 5/18
Sikandar Raza continues to be the heartbeat of Zimbabwean cricket. At 39 years old, he is still in match-winning form and has achieved victories against big teams like India and Pakistan. Raza, who has scored 573 runs and taken 24 wickets this year, has been Zimbabwe’s regular in all situations.
Memorable Performance:
Raza’s magic was on full display against India. He kept the innings together on tricky pitches with the bat. He then turned the play around with the ball, dismissing Shubman Gill and clearing the tail. His 3/25 helped Zimbabwe to a stunning 13-run win.
Babar Azam: Pakistan
Matches: 24 | Run count: 738 | Average: 33.54 | Strike percentage: 133.21
Babar Azam has once again become Pakistan’s batting backbone. He scored 738 runs this year, including 6 fifties, and improved his strikeout rate to 133.21. He is also eight runs behind Rohit Sharma’s record for most runs in a T20I.
Memorable Performance:
Babar’s brilliance shone in Ireland’s series decider. He scored an unbeaten 75 off just 42 balls in chase of 179. His six fours and five sixes made it look easy and guided Pakistan to a comfortable win.
Travis Head: Australia
Matches: 15 | Run Count: 539 | Average: 38.5 | Strike percentage: 178.47
Travis Head finally got his due in the Australian T20I team this year, and it paid off. With 539 runs at a blistering strikeout rate of 178.47, Head has proven that he is more than capable at the highest level. His explosive hitting was crucial to Australia’s World Cup campaign and beyond.
Memorable Performance:
Head’s fireworks display against England at Southampton is unforgettable. In just 23 balls, he smashed 59 runs and hit 12 boundaries, including four sixes. His knock gave Australia big runs and they cruised to victory.
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