As 2024 draws to a close, it’s time to reflect on an exhilarating year in cricket. From historic victories and record-breaking performances to unforgettable tournaments, cricket fans around the world have had plenty to celebrate.
Test Cricket Highlights
A Year of Thrilling Test Cricket in 2024
Historic Test Series Victory: New Zealand in India
The cricketing year began with New Zealand achieving a landmark 2-0 Test series victory on Indian soil, a feat no Kiwi team had previously accomplished. Their success came against all odds, with India historically dominating at home. The second Test in Pune was a standout, where New Zealand triumphed by 113 runs to seal the series. Spinner Mitchell Santner was the star, delivering match figures of 13 wickets for 157 runs, dismantling India’s batting lineup on spin-friendly pitches.
England’s Busy Test Calendar
England’s Test cricket year was packed with action, starting with a dominant 3-0 series victory against the West Indies in July. While James Anderson retired after the first Test in that series, his performance remained impeccable, as he topped England’s bowling averages for the match. Zak Crawley also continued to shine with the bat until a fractured finger ruled him out of England’s August series against Sri Lanka. The team went on to secure a 2-1 victory in that series, demonstrating resilience and depth in their lineup.
Pakistan’s Triumph Over England
In October, Pakistan hosted England in a thrilling three-match Test series that concluded with a 2-1 victory for the hosts, their first home series win against England since 2021. The spin duo of Noman Ali and Sajid Khan proved decisive, particularly in the final Test in Rawalpindi. Their combined efforts claimed 19 out of 20 wickets, leading Pakistan to a commanding nine-wicket victory and solidifying their reputation as a formidable side in spin-friendly conditions.
T20 World Cup Thrills
The ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024, co-hosted by the West Indies and the United States, was a tournament filled with surprises and remarkable performances.
England's Unexpected Exit
Entering the tournament as one of the favourites, England’s journey was marked by highs and lows. In the group stages, they secured a 41-run victory over Namibia via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method, avoiding any major upsets. However, their campaign hit a stumbling block with a significant loss to Scotland, putting their Super 8 qualification in jeopardy. Despite this setback, England advanced to the semi-finals, where they faced a dominant Indian side. India outplayed England, securing a 68-run victory and ending England’s World Cup run. Although England’s campaign fell short of expectations, it was marked by moments of brilliance and challenges against formidable opposition.
India's Triumphant Campaign
India showcased exceptional form throughout the tournament, culminating in a thrilling final against South Africa. Batting first, India posted a competitive total of 176-7, with Virat Kohli contributing a vital 76 runs. In response, South Africa fell short by seven runs, securing India's victory and ending their 11-year wait for a global championship.
Standout Performances
- Rohit Sharma: The Indian captain played a pivotal role in the semi-final against England, scoring a rapid 92 off 41 balls, propelling India to a formidable total and ensuring their place in the final.
- Suryakumar Yadav: Throughout the tournament, Yadav was instrumental in India's middle order, amassing 199 runs at a strike rate of 135.37. His athleticism in the field was highlighted by a spectacular catch in the final, which was lauded as one of the best of the tournament.
- Mitchell Marsh: Leading Australia, Marsh delivered consistent performances, including a crucial innings against Scotland that kept Australia's hopes alive in the Super 8s. His leadership and all-round capabilities were evident throughout the competition.
Tournament Highlights
The 2024 T20 World Cup was notable for its expanded format, featuring a record 20 teams. The United States made a memorable impact by reaching the Super Eight stage, including a historic victory over Pakistan, signalling the growing prominence of cricket in non-traditional regions.
In summary, the tournament was a celebration of cricket's global appeal, with established powerhouses and emerging teams providing fans with unforgettable moments and setting the stage for the sport's continued expansion.
ODI Cricket and the Road to 2025
As teams gear up for the 2025 ICC Cricket World Cup, the focus on One Day Internationals (ODIs) has intensified, with several notable series shaping the competitive landscape.
England vs. Australia ODI Series
In September 2024, England hosted Australia for a five-match ODI series that culminated in a 3-2 victory for Australia. The series was fiercely contested, with England levelling the series 2-2 after a commanding 186-run win in the fourth ODI at Lord's. Harry Brook's explosive 87 off 58 balls and Liam Livingstone's all-round performance were instrumental in that match.
However, in the decisive fifth ODI in Bristol, England set a target of 309, bolstered by Ben Duckett's impressive century (107 runs). Despite this, Australia chased down the revised target under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method, securing a 49-run victory and clinching the series. Matthew Short's rapid half-century and Travis Head's four-wicket haul were pivotal in Australia's triumph.
Sri Lanka's ODI Preparations
Sri Lanka has been actively preparing for upcoming series, including their tour of South Africa in late 2024.Although primarily focused on Test matches, these encounters provide valuable match practice and opportunities to fine-tune their squad ahead of future ODI commitments.
South Africa's Dominance at Home
South Africa has demonstrated formidable form on home soil, particularly in Test cricket. In December 2024, they secured a 2-0 Test series sweep against Sri Lanka, highlighted by a 109-run victory in the second Test at St George’s Park.Spinner Keshav Maharaj's five-wicket haul was instrumental in this win
These performances underscore South Africa's strength at home, setting a competitive tone for their future series, including anticipated encounters with England. As the cricketing world looks ahead to 2025, teams are strategically building momentum and refining their squads, aiming for peak performance in the upcoming World Cup.
Women’s Cricket Takes Centre Stage
The year 2024 marked significant achievements in women's cricket, with dominant performances and the continued expansion of the sport globally.
Australia's Continued Dominance
Australia's women's cricket team maintained their supremacy in both T20 and ODI formats throughout 2024. In the ICC Women's T20 World Cup held in the United Arab Emirates, Australia advanced to the semi-finals but faced a setback against South Africa, missing out on the final for only the second time in nine editions of the tournament.
In the ODI arena, Australia showcased resilience and depth. Notably, during their series against India, Annabel Sutherland led Australia to an 84-run victory in scorching 40°C heat at the WACA, scoring an impressive 110 off 95 balls. This performance contributed to Australia's 3-0 series sweep over India.
England's Significant Victories
England's women's team achieved notable successes, particularly in their home series against New Zealand. In the T20I series held in July, England secured a 3-0 lead in the five-match series, with standout performances from players like Alice Capsey, who powered England to a tense six-wicket win in one of the matches.
These victories were part of England's preparation for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup, reflecting their growing confidence and strategic prowess.
Global Growth of Women's Cricket
The expansion of women's cricket leagues worldwide has significantly contributed to the sport's rising popularity. The ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024, held in the UAE, featured a record prize fund and showcased talents from emerging cricket nations, highlighting the sport's global reach and increasing competitiveness.
Overall, 2024 was a transformative year for women's cricket, characterised by exceptional team performances, individual brilliance, and the sport's expanding global footprint.
Looking Ahead to 2025
With the 2025/6 NRMA Insurance Ashes Series in Australia and the ICC Cricket World Cup fast approaching, 2025 is shaping up to be a spectacular year for cricket fans. Stay tuned as cricketing rivalries, emerging stars, and historic matches continue to captivate us all.
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