Saim Ayub named among ICC’s ‘Emerging Cricketers’ of 2024
Pakistani batter Saim Ayub has been listed by the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) as one of its ‘Emerging Cricketers’ of 2024.
While Saim has been nominated for the 515 runs he has scored in nine ODI matches with an average of 64.37, Sri Lanka's Kamindu Mendis, West Indies’ Shamar Joseph and England's Gus Atkinson have also been added to the list.
Here’s all you need to know about these emerging players’ performance:
Saim Ayub (Pakistan)
515 runs in 9 ODIs | Average: 64.37
Saim emerged as Pakistan's dynamic new opener in 2024, delivering outstanding performances in ODIs. He made his mark during Pakistan's historic away series wins against Australia, Zimbabwe and South Africa.
In South Africa, Ayub smashed two centuries in three matches, earning the ‘Player of the Series’ honour in a 3-0 sweep — the Proteas’ first-ever whitewash at home. He also starred in Pakistan’s first ODI series win in Australia in 22 years.
Ayub contributed with the ball as well, taking five wickets at an economy of 4.63.
In Paarl, Ayub was instrumental in Pakistan's series-clinching win against South Africa. After dismissing Aiden Markram, he anchored a tricky chase of 240 with a composed 109 off 119 balls, sharing a crucial partnership with Salman Agha (82). His knock included 10 fours and three sixes.
Kamindu Mendis (Sri Lanka)
1451 runs in 32 matches | Average: 50.03
Kamindu Mendis became a key player for Sri Lanka in 2024, matching Sir Don Bradman's record by reaching 1,000 Test runs in just 13 innings. He scored 1049 runs in nine Tests at an incredible average of 74.92, including five centuries and three fifties.
He also led Sri Lanka’s scoring on England tour with 267 runs in three Tests, helping secure their first Test win in England in 10 years.
His career-best 182 came during a 2-0 home series win against New Zealand, a crucial result for Sri Lanka's ICC World Test Championship hopes. His marathon innings, featuring 16 fours and four sixes, earned him ‘Player of the Match’ honours.
Gus Atkinson (England)
52 wickets in 11 matches | Average: 22.15
Gus Atkinson burst onto the Test scene in James Anderson's farewell match, taking 52 wickets in 11 games this year. He shone at home with 34 wickets in three Tests and played a key role in England's historic series win in New Zealand, claiming 12 dismissals in three matches.
Atkinson also impressed everyone with the bat, smashing a 101-ball century against Sri Lanka at Lord’s.
During his Test debut at Lord's, Atkinson claimed 7/45 in the first innings and 12/106 overall — the fourth-best figures by a debutant in men's Tests — earning ‘Player of the Match’ as England triumphed by an innings and 114 runs.
Shamar Joseph (West Indies)
29 wickets in 8 Tests | Average: 26.75
Shamar Joseph made an instant impact in his debut Test series in Australia, helping West Indies secure their first win there since 1997. He took 13 wickets in two matches, including two five-wicket hauls.
Joseph continued his impressive form at home, taking 12 wickets in the series against Bangladesh and South Africa, solidifying his place as a key bowler for the Windies.
Joseph's heroics at the Gabba were unforgettable. After being hit while batting, he returned with the pink ball to deliver a match-winning 7/68. His efforts secured an eight-run victory, making West Indies only the second team to beat Australia at the Gabba since 1989. He was also named ‘Player of the Series’.