Written by: Ankit Yadav
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The International Cricket Council (ICC) has revealed the four nominees for the prestigious Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year award for 2024. The shortlist features two Sri Lankan players, an Afghan all-rounder, and a West Indian batsman who have all excelled in the 50-over format this year.

Let’s take a look at the nominees and why are they selected for this award.

Nominees For ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer Of The Year 2024

Here are four nominees for the Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year 2024 award:

  1. Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka)
  2. Kusal Mendis (Sri Lanka)
  3. Azmatullah Omarzai (Afghanistan)
  4. Sherfane Rutherford (West Indies)

These players have excelled in 50-over cricket throughout the year, showcasing exceptional performances with bat, ball, or both. The winner will be determined through a combination of fan votes and selections from the ICC Voting Academy, with the announcement expected in late January 2025.

1. Wanindu Hasaranga

Hasaranga cemented his reputation as a white-ball wizard in 2024, taking 26 wickets at an impressive average of 15.61 and economy rate of 5.36. The leg-spinner consistently took wickets, averaging one every three overs.

Wanindu Hasaranga
Source: CricToday

Key performances:

  • 7/19 vs Zimbabwe in Colombo
  • 4/27 vs Afghanistan in Pallekele
  • 3/58 vs India
  • Multiple wicket hauls against West Indies

Hasaranga’s ability to strike regularly and contain runs makes him a vital asset in Sri Lanka’s ODI setup.

2. Kusal Mendis

Mendis showcased remarkable consistency with the bat, amassing 742 runs at an average of 53.00 and strike rate of 90.59. The wicketkeeper-batsman scored half-centuries against all six opponents Sri Lanka faced in ODIs this year.

Kusal Mendis
Source: NDTV Sports

Highlights:

  • 143 vs New Zealand in Dambulla
  • 74* vs New Zealand in Pallekele
  • 59 vs India in Colombo
  • 19 dismissals as wicketkeeper

Mendis’ reliability at the top of the order and contributions behind the stumps were crucial to Sri Lanka’s success in ODIs.

3. Azmatullah Omarzai

The young Afghan all-rounder made significant impacts with both bat and ball in 2024. Omarzai scored 417 runs at an average of 52.12 and strike rate of 105.56, while also taking 7 wickets at 20.47.

 Azmatullah Omarzai
Source: ESPNcricinfo

Notable performances:

  • 149* vs Sri Lanka in Pallekele
  • 86* and 1/17 vs South Africa
  • 70* and 4/37 vs Bangladesh

Omarzai’s versatility and match-winning abilities helped Afghanistan achieve several landmark victories, including their first ODI series win over South Africa.

4. Sherfane Rutherford

The West Indian batsman displayed his aggressive style in ODIs throughout 2024, scoring 425 runs at an outstanding average of 106.25 and a strike rate of 120.05.

Sherfane Rutherford
Source: ESPNcricinfo

Key innings:

  • Three consecutive half-centuries vs Sri Lanka
  • 54 off 36 balls vs England
  • 113 off 80 balls vs Bangladesh

Rutherford’s ability to score quickly and consistently provided the West Indies with impactful performances in the middle order.

Also Read:

Conclusion: Four Players Are Nominated For ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer Of The Year 2024

The 2024 Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year award showcases the diverse talents shaping the 50-over format. From Hasaranga’s wicket-taking prowess to Mendis’ consistent run-scoring, Omarzai’s all-round brilliance, and Rutherford’s explosive batting, each nominee brings a unique skill set to the table.

The winner will be announced in late January 2025, combining votes from fans and the ICC Voting Academy. This award not only recognizes individual excellence but also highlights the evolving nature of ODI cricket and the players who are pushing the boundaries of the game.

About the Author

Meet Ankit Yadav, a dedicated cricket analyst at The Cricket Panda. Growing up playing street leagues and college tournaments, Ankit's love for cricket has been a lifelong journey. With a knack for numbers and a talent for data analysis, he brings a unique perspective to cricket reporting. At The Cricket Panda, Ankit combines his passion for cricket with his expertise in data analysis to provide fans with in-depth insights and comprehensive coverage of the sport.

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