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The ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year award nominees include Wanindu Hasaranga and Kusal Mendis from Sri Lanka, Azmatullah Omarzai from Afghanistan, and Sherfane Rutherford from the West Indies. These players have showcased exceptional skills and performances throughout 2024.
Wanindu Hasaranga, known for his all-around prowess, consistently took wickets in ODI cricket in 2024, averaging a wicket every three overs. He started the year strong with 11 wickets in his first three 50-over matches.
Hasaranga’s remarkable 7-19 against Zimbabwe in Colombo was a highlight of his year. He followed this with six wickets against Bangladesh in March and a 3-58 performance against India in August. He continued his impressive form with spells of 2-18 and 4-40 against the West Indies in October.
Kusal Mendis, Sri Lanka’s wicketkeeper-batsman, displayed remarkable consistency with the bat in 2024, scoring half-centuries against six different opponents. He also notched a century against New Zealand.
Mendis’s impressive 143 against New Zealand in Dambulla, followed by a 74 not out in Pallekele, solidified his strong batting performance throughout the year. He maintained an average of over 50 in ODIs in 2024.
Mendis also contributed significantly behind the stumps, recording 19 dismissals in 2024. Sri Lanka enjoyed a successful year in ODIs, losing only three out of their 17 matches.
Azmatullah Omarzai, the Afghan all-rounder, impacted matches with both bat and ball. His unbeaten 149 against Sri Lanka in February was a standout performance, followed by another half-century against the same opponent.
Omarzai played a pivotal role in Afghanistan’s historic first ODI series win over South Africa. His unbeaten 86 and 1-17 in the second ODI secured an unassailable 2-0 lead for Afghanistan.
Omarzai continued his excellent form against Bangladesh, contributing a match-winning 70 not out and 4-37 in the series-deciding third ODI. He was deservedly awarded Player of the Match.
Sherfane Rutherford, the West Indies batsman, displayed his aggressive batting style in ODIs throughout 2024. He started the year with three consecutive half-centuries against Sri Lanka, despite the West Indies losing the series 2-1.
Rutherford’s 204 runs in the series against Sri Lanka came at a strike rate of 107.36, and he was dismissed only once. He showcased his ability to score quickly and efficiently.
Rutherford continued to impress with a strong performance against England in Antigua. He then smashed a brilliant 113 off just 80 balls against Bangladesh in St. Kitts in December. He finished the series with scores of 24 not out and 30, contributing to the West Indies’ 3-0 series victory.
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