As we reach the conclusion of another year in cricket, the sport has treated fans to spectacular games across all formats, although the faster pace of T20 inevitably comes out on top for many followers. Hosting the tournament this year, reigning champions Australia were unable to defend their crown, falling by the wayside as England went on to win the Men’s T20 World Cup, beating Pakistan by 5 wickets in the final.
But no matter which format of the game we all prefer, there is always plenty of cricket action for everyone to enjoy throughout the year, accompanied by increased access via TV broadcasts or online streams. Likewise, many of the top betting sites reviewed by SBO feature live coverage of matches, offering a wide range of markets and odds for varied aspects of the sport, along with appealing promotions to keep us entertained and engaged.
One thing that remains important to anyone betting on cricket is the statistics, enabling them to carefully monitor the performances of teams and players, before deciding who they are going to back in upcoming matches. Arguably the best location for crunching the numbers, the official ICC website provides rankings for every format, but which teams and players end the year at the top of the T20I charts?
Men’s T20I Team Rankings
England made sure this would be a memorable year, defying the opening tournament odds to win the 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, following a fine string of excellent performances throughout the competition. What’s more, this group of England players ensured their legacy as an iconic team in the nation’s sporting history, becoming the first men’s team to hold both limited overs World Cups at the same time.
Nevertheless, when it comes to the official ICC Men’s T20I Rankings, England finished 2022 in second position on 13,029 points with a 266 rating, just behind India o 16,881 points and their 286 rating. However, we should also consider the difference in participation throughout the year. England played 49 matches in 2022 to achieve their points and rating, while India played 63 matches, which is far more than any other nation during the year in the T20I format.
Men’s T20I Batting Rankings
While the collective performances of England placed them top of the Team Rankings, individual excellence can often be decisive when matches are played. Focusing on the official ICC Men’s T20I Batting Rankings, no player could equal the consistent statistical excellence of Suryakumar Yadav, with the Indian batsman rounding off 2022 with his 890 rating. In fact, the nearest contenders were some considerable margin behind the rating he achieved in 2022.
Closest in second place in the rankings was Mohammad Rizwan, posting his rating of 836 for the year with Pakistan, himself some way ahead of any following rivals. Next in third position was Devon Conway of New Zealand on 788, then Babar Azam of Pakistan in fourth on 778, with Aiden Markram of South Africa on 748. The only other player rating above the 700 benchmark was Dawid Malan of England on 719.
Men’s T20I Bowling Rankings
Only one player achieved a cumulative bowling ranking above 700 in 2022, which either means that batters are getting tougher, or that Wanindu Hasaranga enjoyed a spectacular year. His rating of 704 topped the final calculations posted in December, underlining what a dangerous bowler and important player he remains for Sri Lanka. Narrowly behind in second position is Rashid Khan of Afghanistan with his 698 rating.
Claiming third spot in the T20I bowling rankings is Adil Rashid of England, joined in the top five by fellow countryman Sam Curran on 688, while sandwiched between them both in fourth position is Josh Hazlewood of Australia and his 690 ranking. Having two England bowlers in the top five underlines their team consistency.
Men’s T20I All-Rounder Rankings
Crucial for any cricket side are players who can do everything well, from batting and bowling, to making important catches when fielding or quick decisions as wicket-keepers. Throughout 2022 the greatest overall consistency was demonstrated by Shakib Al Hasan of Bangladesh, who comfortably topped the T20I All-Rounder Rankings, finishing the year with his excellent 252 rating.
The only player to come anywhere close was Mohammad Nabi of Afghanistan with 233, some way ahead of Hardik Pandya of India on 194 to round out the top three positions. Then came Sikandar Raza of Zimbabwe on 184, followed by J.J. Smit of Namibia to conclude the top five all-rounders.