Sportskeeda Cricket Awards 2018: ODI Team of the Year

Yet another engrossing year of cricket comes to an end. Even though some highly competitive cricket was played across different formats this year, due to the much anticipated World Cup, which will be played in England in 2019, ODI cricket was in top focus.

All the teams were trying to prepare themselves for the mega-event by putting a conscious effort to build a strong squad to give them the best chance of winning the coveted title.

Teams like India and England made the best of the opportunities presented to them and put up a strong performance throughout the year. On the other hand, Australia's year was marred by the sandpaper controversy which stunned the cricket world.

Bans were imposed by Cricket Australia on Steve Smith and David Warner, and the absence of the team's premier batsmen was reflected in the team's performances as they failed to win a single series after the bans. Asian giants, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, also did not have the best of years in ODI cricket and are currently fifth and eighth in ICC's ODI team rankings.

On the basis of their performances here are top three ODI teams of 2018 with the number one team being the Sportskeeda ODI team of the year.

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#3 New Zealand

New Zealand thrashed Pakistan 5-0

New Zealand has been one of the most consistent teams in recent years. Under the captaincy of Kane Williamson, the Kiwis delivered a steady performance in ODIs. They started the year by whitewashing Pakistan 5-0 in the five-match series that was played in New Zealand. The Blackcaps did not give the visitors much of a chance and won all the matches convincingly.

They lost a well-fought series 3-2 against England. After a long layoff, they played an ODI series against Pakistan in UAE. The Kiwis played some good cricket and drew the series 1-1.

New Zealand will look to take this momentum into the World Cup and pose a major challenge to the other teams.

#2 India

Team India lost just one ODI series in 2018

Team India had a fulfilling 2018 when it comes to ODI cricket. The men in blue started 2018 with a bang when they crushed a strong South African side 5-1 in their own backyard. The Indian team suffered a minor setback when they lost the 3-match ODI series against England 2-1.

But, they made a brilliant comeback by winning the Asia Cup 2018 that was held in UAE. In the absence of regular captain Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma led India to the victory. India also won the home series against West Indies 3-1.

Apart from winning a number of series, during the course of the year, the Indian team found solutions to most of the problems that could have been a roadblock in their World Cup campaign. Kedar Jadhav and Hardik Pandya have settled down as all-rounders, while in Ambati Rayudu, Team India has found a solid number 4. Also, Khaleel Ahmed has made an impressive start to his international career.

With so many positives, India surely had a fruitful 2018 as far as ODI cricket is concerned.

#1 England (Sportskeeda ODI team of 2018)

England

The Sportskeeda ODI team of 2018 is England. After a terrible 2015 World Cup, limited-overs cricket in England has changed upside down. With the inclusion of players like Jason Roy, Johnny Bairstow, Ben Stokes, England has achieved great heights in ODIs.

The aggressive approach that the English side has adopted in ODI cricket has done them a world of good. The team is blessed to have a number of world-class all-rounders in Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali and Chris Woakes in the side. Also, the likes of Eoin Morgan and Jos Buttler provide a strong middle-order to the team. The testimony of the talent of these players is the terrific results that they have produced.

They travelled successfully beating Australia 4-1 and New Zealand 3-2 earlier this year. After suffering a minor hiccup in the one-off match against Scotland, England won back-to-back ODI series against Australia and India at home. They ended the year with a comprehensive series win against Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka.

England has looked unbeatable this year and if they can continue their form until next year's World Cup, they will be favourites to lift their maiden World Cup title.