Sportskeeda Cricket Awards 2018: T20I All-rounder of the year

All-rounders continue to hold their aces as the most valuable assets in any format of cricket. From bringing balance to adding versatility, this class of cricketers enhances a side's composition by a great deal.

While they have always been in demand in the traditional formats, their market has surged exponentially post the advent of T20 cricket. The abilities to score quick runs and bowl consistent overs in a dynamic format have made all-rounders sought-after entities in 20-overs-a-side matches.

As each year registers numerously remarkable performances from these gentlemen, 2018 too, was no different. Different all-rounders brought their best to the fore as they played crucial roles in winning games for their teams. Here, we take a look at the three best all-rounders in international T20 cricket this year, and crown one of them as Sportskeeda's T20I all-rounder of 2018.

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#3 Shakib Al Hasan

Shakib Al Hasan

It's hard to look beyond Shakib Al Hasan while compiling any list of fine all-rounders. The gifted all-rounder has been one of the most prolific players for Bangladesh over the years and 2018 was no different.

Proving his mettle as a valuable asset in the T20 format yet again, Hasan made crucial contributions with both bat and ball for Bangladesh this year. Furthermore, the 31-year-old even handled the captaincy duties of the team this year and guided them to some memorable victories.

Hasan, who is currently the third-ranked all-rounder in T20Is, accounted for 248 runs and 15 wickets, at an exceptional economy rate of 6.65 runs per over, thereby extending his efficacy as Bangladesh's prized possession. His heroics this year also include a career-best bowling performance of 5/20 against Windies in Dhaka in the recently concluded T20I series.

Matches: 11

Runs: 248 Average: 24.80 SR: 132.62 Highest Score: 61

Wickets: 15 Average: 17.73 Economy: 6.65 Best Figures: 5/20

#2 Mahmudullah

Mahmudullah

A senior pro in the Bangladeshi team now, Mahmudullah shone brightly in the T20Is this year. The fluent-batsman scored runs consistently and was the cornerstone of Bangladesh's middle order this year. As a matter of fact, with 414 runs under his belt, Mahmudullah stands as one of the top ten run-getters in T20Is in 2018.

Making his spot all the more valuable, Mahmudullah unfurled further into a multi-dimensional cricketer this year. The 32-year-old not only served the team with his batting abilities but also played a few tricks with his off-breaks as he chipped in with timely wickets, thereby claiming his stake as the world's fifth best all-rounder in the format. Often billed as the man for the crisis for the men in green, he even captained his side in a few T20Is.

Matches: 16

Runs: 414 Average: 34.50 SR: 138.00 Highest Score: 45

Wickets: 9 Average: 14.33 Economy: 7.30 Best Figures: 3/18

#1 Glenn Maxwell- Sportskeeda's T20I All-rounder of the year

Glenn Maxwell

In stark contrast to his instability in the ODI and Test formats, Glenn Maxwell continues to reign supreme when it comes to T20 cricket. And testifying this very fact is 2018, which proved to be a magical year for the dashing player from Melbourne.

In a team that searched for reliable players post the bans of David Warner and Steve Smith, Maxwell stamped his authority as one of Australia's most valuable assets in T20Is this year. In addition to his signature flamboyance with the bat, the 30-year-old was also a handy bowling option whenever the situation demanded.

The year witnessed the Australian bag 3 wickets and smoke a breathtaking century in a single game against England, as he scripted one of the finest T20I performances of all time. And the fact that Maxwell is currently crowned as the world's top all-rounder in T20Is is a resounding evidence of his superlative potential in the format.

Matches: 19

Runs: 506 Average: 36.14 SR: 143.75 Highest Score: 103*

Wickets: 9 Average: 14.33 Economy: 7.58 Best Figures: 3/10