The nominees for the ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year award have been revealed, featuring standout players Wanindu Hasaranga and Kusal Mendis from Sri Lanka, Azmatullah Omarzai from Afghanistan, and Sherfane Rutherford from the West Indies. Each nominee has delivered exceptional performances throughout 2024.

Wanindu Hasaranga, known for his all-round capabilities, emerged as a key player, taking wickets consistently with an average of one every three overs. He kicked off the year impressively, claiming 11 wickets in his first three ODIs. A highlight of his season was a stunning 7-19 against Zimbabwe in Colombo. Hasaranga also took six wickets against Bangladesh in March and recorded 3-58 against India in August, followed by 2-18 and 4-40 in matches against the West Indies in October.

Kusal Mendis, the wicketkeeper-batsman for Sri Lanka, showcased remarkable batting consistency, scoring half-centuries against six different teams and a century against New Zealand. His standout performance was a commanding 143 runs in Dambulla, complemented by a 74 not out in Pallekele, leading to an impressive batting average of over 50 in ODIs for the year. Mendis also excelled behind the stumps, achieving 19 dismissals in 2024. Under his and Hasaranga’s contributions, Sri Lanka had a successful ODI campaign, winning 14 out of 17 matches.

Azmatullah Omarzai, the Afghan all-rounder, made a significant impact with both bat and ball. His unbeaten 149 against Sri Lanka in February was a remarkable performance, followed by another half-century against the same team. Omarzai played a crucial role in Afghanistan’s historic ODI series win over South Africa, scoring an unbeaten 86 and taking 1-17 in the second ODI. He continued his excellent form against Bangladesh, where he contributed a match-winning 70 not out and 4-37 in the series-deciding match.

Sherfane Rutherford, the aggressive West Indies batsman, demonstrated his dynamic batting style throughout the year. He opened the year with three consecutive half-centuries against Sri Lanka, amassing 204 runs in the series at a strike rate of 107.36. His impressive form continued with a sensational 113 off just 80 balls against Bangladesh in December, along with scores of 24 not out and 30, helping his team secure a 3-0 series victory.

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