Kohli, Jaiswal sparkle, T20 World Cup, Mandhana and Sana arise: 2024 review

From Shamar Joseph’s searing spell of fast bowling to New Zealand’s Women’s T20 World Cup win, Al Jazeera picks the top 10 cricketing moments in 2024.

Cricket fans will remember 2024 for two thrilling T20 World Cups in the space of four months, the display of youthful exuberant talent from upcoming stars, and the rollback of years by older icons to end long trophy droughts for their nations.

From a young pacer offering a throwback to the glory days of West Indian fast bowling to women’s cricket claiming its rightful limelight and Afghanistan building on their reputation as world beaters – Al Jazeera picks cricket’s top 10 moments of 2024:

Australia were comfortably placed on 60-2 in pursuit of 216 against the West Indies on the third day of their second Test in Brisbane. Steve Smith and Cameron Green occupied the crease while the likes of Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey, Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins were still to come.

The West Indies, meantime, were short on bowling resources as young quick Shamar Joseph was injured by a Starc thunderbolt that struck his toes while batting. All signs pointed to a straightforward chase and a dominant 2-0 series victory for Australia.

Enter, the injured Joseph. With bandaged toes and pain-killing medicines numbing his anguish, the 24-year-old rattled the hosts within 12 ferocious overs.