Babar Azam joins elite list, ends 2024 as top-ranked ODI batter dominating Virat Kohli and Ab de Villiers
New Delhi: Babar Azam concluded 2024 as the top-ranked batter in the ICC men’s ODI rankings, announced on Wednesday, December 25. Despite facing challenges with consistency throughout the year, the star Pakistani batter reached a remarkable achievement by securing the No.1 spot in the ODI batting rankings.
The 30-year-old cricketer also topped the ODI rankings in each of the past three years, showcasing his dominance in 50-over cricket through exceptional consistency. He became the first Pakistani player to hold the No.1 ODI ranking for four consecutive years, matching the record set by cricket icons Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers.
Kohli held the No.1 spot in the ICC ODI rankings for four straight years, from 2017 to 2020, while former South African captain AB de Villiers was the first player to accomplish this achievement, ruling over 50-over cricket from 2013 to 2016.
Most consecutive years as No.1 ODI batter (since 2010)
- AB de Villiers – 4 years ( 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016)
- Virat Kohli – 4 years (2017, 2018, 2019, 2020)
- Babar Azam – 4 years (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024)
- Hashim Amla – 3 years (2010, 2011, 2012)
Babar Azam displayed signs of regaining his form by scoring two excellent fifties in his final two ODI innings of 2024. After facing difficulties with scoring throughout the year, the former Pakistan captain accumulated 148 runs in three innings, leading his team to a historic 3-0 ODI series victory in South Africa.
Babar Azam accumulated 228 runs from 6 ODI innings in 2024, averaging 57.00 with a strike rate of 76.51. He has also faced challenges with form in T20Is and Tests this year and lost the captaincy to Mohammad Rizwan. As Pakistan prepares for two away Test matches against South Africa starting on December 26, Babar will be aiming to rediscover his form in red-ball cricket.