2. Azhar Ali (Pakistan) – 950 runs, Ave: 52.77
This year, we saw Azhar Ali getting into the shoes of an opener from a no.3 batsman. Ali, who has been the face of dependability and consistency had a very decent year with the bat. He accumulated 950 runs in 10 matches at an average of 52.77. The Pakistani ODI skipper notched up his maiden triple-century against West Indies while also scored an excellent 139 against England at Edgbaston in 2016.
He also scored fighting half-centuries in New Zealand and Australia. Considering his mediocre record outside Asia, Azhar is showing better application in every subsequent series and is slowly stamping his authority even outside sub-continent.
