Patiala, 29 December (Sports Desk)
The ICC has announced the nominees for the Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year, featuring two Sri Lankan standouts, a rising Afghan all-rounder, and a powerful West Indian batter.
see this link also….Four Stars Shortlisted for ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year
Here’s a look at their impressive performances in 2024:
Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka):
- Statistics: 26 wickets at 15.61, economy 5.36; 87 runs at 17.40, strike rate 101.16
- Key Achievements: Continued his dominance in white-ball cricket, taking a wicket roughly every three overs. Took 11 wickets in his first three ODIs of the year, including a 7-wicket haul against Zimbabwe. Consistently took wickets throughout the year in various series.
- Memorable Performance: Claimed 7/19 in just 5.5 overs against Zimbabwe in Colombo in January, dismantling their batting lineup and earning Player of the Match.
Azmatullah Omarzai (Afghanistan):
- Statistics: 417 runs at 52.12, strike rate 105.56; 7 wickets at 20.47, economy 4.90
- Key Achievements: Showcased his all-round abilities with both bat and ball. Scored a remarkable 149* against Sri Lanka in February. Played crucial roles in Afghanistan’s first-ever ODI series win over South Africa and a series win against Bangladesh, earning Player of the Match in the latter.
- Memorable Performance: Scored a stunning 149* off 115 balls against Sri Lanka in Pallekele, despite his team losing the match. He formed a 242-run partnership with Mohammad Nabi after Afghanistan were struggling at 19/3.
Kusal Mendis (Sri Lanka):
- Statistics: 742 runs at 53.00, strike rate 90.59
- Key Achievements: A consistent performer for Sri Lanka in ODIs throughout the year. Scored half-centuries against all six opponents Sri Lanka faced. Scored a century against New Zealand and finished the year with an average above 50. Also performed well as a wicketkeeper, with 19 dismissals.
- Memorable Performance: Scored 143 off 128 balls against New Zealand in Dambulla in November, leading Sri Lanka to a rain-affected victory. His 206-run partnership with Avishka Fernando provided the foundation for a strong total.
Sherfane Rutherford (West Indies):
- Statistics: 425 runs at 106.25, strike rate 120.05
- Key Achievements: Excelled in the ODI format in 2024, showcasing his aggressive batting style. Scored three consecutive half-centuries against Sri Lanka. Played a crucial innings of 113 off 80 balls against Bangladesh to help West Indies secure a series lead and eventual 3-0 series victory.
- Memorable Performance: Scored a match-winning 113 off just 80 balls against Bangladesh in St. Kitts, turning a challenging chase into a comfortable victory. He came in with his team at 94/3 and needing 161 off 114 balls, and his aggressive innings propelled them to victory.
