Dubai: Three Pakistani players - Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Afridi have been included in the ICC Team of the Year 2021.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) today announced the team by declaring Babar Azam as the captain of the team. None of the Indian players could make the cut.
No Indian players: Babar Azam, Shaheen, Rizwan named in ICC T20I Team of the Year
England's Jos Buttler and Mohammad Rizwan were included in the squad as openers, while Shaheen Afridi is among the specialist bowlers selected by the ICC.
ICC T20I Team at a Glance
Jos Buttler - England
Jos Buttler was in combative form throughout the year in the shortest form of the game, scoring 589 runs in 14 matches at 65.44 with a century.
Mohammad Rizwan – Pakistan
Rizwan scored 1,326 runs in just 29 matches, striking at an average of 73.66 and a strike rate of 134.89. Apart from his exploits with the bat, he was as strong behind the stumps as ever.
Babar Azam - Pakistan
Babar played 29 matches and scored 939 runs at an average of 37.56 with one century and nine half-centuries. His captaincy was also praised as he led his team to the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates and Oman.
Aiden Markram - South Africa
In 18 matches, Makram scored 570 runs at an average of 43.84, including six half-centuries, with a strikeout of 148.82. He also proved to be a handy part-time spin bowling option with 5 wickets in hand.
Michelle Marsh - Australia
Australia's success in the T20 World Cup can be traced back to the decision to move Mitchell Marsh to No. 3 in the batting order, instead of naming him as a finisher. He scored 627 runs in 21 matches at an average of 36.88 and also took 8 wickets.
David Miller - South Africa
The South African finisher again enjoyed a fruitful year in 2021, with some impressive knocks. He played 17 matches in which he scored 377 runs at an average of 47.12 with two half-centuries. He also scored runs at a fast pace, striking 149.60.
Wanindu Hasaranga – Sri Lanka
It was a successful year for Wanindu Hasaranga, who established himself as one of the best spinners in the shortest format, as well as a player who could contribute with the bat. He took 36 wickets in 20 matches at an average of 11.63, while also scoring 196 runs.
Tabrez Shamsi – South Africa
The No. 1 ranked T20I bowler in the world showed off his entire class in 2021, showcasing his shrewd brand of variations. He took 36 wickets in 22 matches at an average of 13.36 and a poor economy of 5.72.
Josh Hazlewood - Australia
Test specialist, Josh Hazlewood was instrumental in Australia's race for T20 World Cup glory, having always been present in their bowling attack. He took 23 wickets in 15 matches at an average of 16.34 and economy of 6.87.
Mustafizur Rahman - Bangladesh
The left-arm seamer ruled T20I cricket again in 2021 with his clever variations and pace changes. At the time of fatal front and death, he took 28 wickets in 20 matches at an average of 17.39. He also proved difficult for the batsmen, as evidenced by his economy of 7.00.
Shaheen Afridi - Pakistan
It was a year to remember for Shaheen Afridi, especially in the shortest form of the game. Afridi took 23 wickets in 21 matches at an average of 26.04 and economy of 7.86.