#ThatWas2017: ODI Cricket's best XI for 2017
2017 has been a record breaking year for cricket. India, England, South Africa and Pakistan have all enjoyed a successful year in the 50 over format of the game. With the year drawing to a close, we decided to give you our best ODI XI for the year 2017. As expected, the above mentioned sides dominate the list.
Rohit Sharma and Upul Tharanga
Rohit Sharma is the second highest run scorer in 2017. The right handed batsman has scored 1,293 runs in 21 matches at an astonishing average of 71.83 and strike-rate of 99.46. We have opted for Sri Lanka's Upul Tharanga to partner Rohit out in the middle. The former captain has amassed 1,011 runs in 25 matches at an average of 48.14.
Kohli , ABD and Babar Azam
Number 1 ODI batsman, Virat Kohli, is an obvious choice. He is the leading run scorer with 1,460 runs at an average of 76.84. He would captain this side. AB de Villiers will come at 4th position. He has 773 runs at an average of 59.46. Pakistan's Babar Azam has scored 872 runs from 18 matches at a tremendous average of 67.07 with 4-tons.
Quinton de Kock and Ben Stokes
Quinton de Kock has 956 runs in 19 matches at an average of 53.11. As a wicket-keeper, he has 23 catches and 2 stumpings. Ben Stokes has had a forgettable 2017 off the field, but his exploits on the field were overwhelming. In 15 matches, he smashed 616 runs including two tons while picking up 14 wickets with the ball.
Rashid Khan and Imran Tahir
Afghan spinner, Rashid Khan's numbers are just astonishing. In 16 ODIs he has bagged 43 wickets at a stunning average of 10.44 and an economy of 3.80. Imran Tahir has been fantastic for South Africa in the last 12 months with 27 wickets in 17 matches at an average of 24.88. What is even more impressive is his economy of 4.62.
Hasan Ali and Jasprit Bumrah
Pakistan's young pacer, Hasan Ali, has been the standout performer especially in an year where batsmen have sent bowlers on a leather hunt. In 18 matches, he has 45 wickets at an average of 17.04 and economy-rate of 5.03 including three five-wicket hauls. Jasprit Bumrah's brilliance needs no introduction. The Indian pacer has 39 scalps in 23 games at an average of 26.25.
