In 2024, ODI cricket took a backseat as teams focused on the shorter formats. The first half of the year was dominated by preparations for and participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, while the latter half saw the longest format of the game, Test cricket, take center stage.
India triumphed in the prestigious men’s T20 World Cup in June, while South Africa became the first team to secure a spot in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 final.
The year also saw several historic milestones, including India suffering their first-ever home Test series whitewash, and Afghanistan achieving a remarkable victory over Australia in the T20 World Cup, ultimately reaching the semi-finals of the tournament.
Test cricket
Jasprit Bumrah had an exceptional year in Test cricket, finishing as the leading wicket-taker of 2024 with 71 wickets at an outstanding average of 14.92, which included five five-wicket hauls. In second place was Gus Atkinson, who impressed with 52 wickets at an average of 22.15.
Shoaib Bashir, the off-spinner from Atkinson’s team, claimed third place with 49 wickets at an average of 40.16. Matt Henry, Ravindra Jadeja, and Prabath Jayasuriya rounded out the top performers, each taking 48 wickets, with averages of 18, 24, and 32, respectively.
Most wickets in test cricket in 2024:
- Jasprit Bumrah – 71 wickets
- Gus Atkinson – 52 wickets
- Shoaib Bashir – 49 wickets
- Matt Henry – 48 wickets
- Ravindra Jadeja – 48 wickets
- Prabath Jayasuriya – 48 wickets
ODI cricket (Only Full Members)
Sri Lanka’s spin wizard Wanindu Hasaranga was the highest wicket-taker in ODIs in 2024, claiming 26 wickets in 10 matches at an impressive average of 15.61. Close behind him is Afghanistan’s Allah Ghazanfar, who had a breakout year with 21 wickets at an average of 13.57, including two five-wicket hauls.
Ghazanfar’s teammate, fast bowler Azmatullah Omarzai, secured the third spot with 17 wickets at an average of 20.47. The West Indies pair of Alzarri Joseph and Gudakesh Motie round out the list, each taking 15 wickets.
Most wickets in ODI cricket in 2024 (Full Members):
- Wanindu Hasaranga – 26 wickets
- Allah Ghazanfar – 21 wickets
- Azmatullah Omarzai – 17 wickets
- Alzarri Joseph – 15 wickets
- Gudakesh Motie – 15 wickets
T20I cricket (Only Full Members)
Wanindu Hasaranga emerged as the highest wicket-taker in T20Is among bowlers from full-member nations in 2024, with 38 wickets. He is closely followed by India’s Arshdeep Singh and Pakistan’s Shaheen Afridi, who both claimed 36 wickets.
Bangladesh’s Rishad Hossain and Australia’s Adam Zampa complete the list, each taking 35 wickets.
Top wicket-takers in T20I cricket among Full Members in 2024
- Wanindu Hasaranga – 38 wickets
- Arshdeep Singh – 36 wickets
- Shaheen Afridi – 36 wickets
- Rishad Hossain – 35 wickets
- Adam Zampa – 35 wickets
Top wicket-takers in international cricket across all three formats in 2024
Jasprit Bumrah topped the list of highest wicket-takers in international cricket across all formats in 2024, claiming 86 wickets. Following Bumrah, Wanindu Hasaranga secured the second spot with 64 wickets, while Alzarri Joseph took third place with 63 wickets.
Bangladesh’s Taskin Ahmed finished fourth on the list, also with 63 wickets, just behind Alzarri Joseph in terms of average. New Zealand’s Matt Henry rounded off the top five, having taken 59 wickets.
Top wicket-takers in international cricket for 2024
- Jasprit Bumrah – 86 wickets
- Wanindu Hasaranga – 64 wickets
- Alzarri Joseph – 63 wickets
- Taskin Ahmed – 63 wickets
- Matt Henry – 59 wickets