Hasaranga, Omarzai, Mendis, Rutherford Named in ICC Men's ODI Cricketer of the Year Contenders

Dubai, Dec 29 (NationPress) The ICC Men's ODI Cricketer of the Year shortlist features Sri Lanka's all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga, wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis, Afghanistan's rising star Azmatullah Omarzai, and West Indies' Sherfane Rutherford. Hasaranga excelled in ODI cricket for 2024, securing a wicket approximately every three overs. He amassed 11 wickets in his initial three 50-over matches of the year, drawing attention when he achieved remarkable figures of 7-19 in just 5.5 overs against Zimbabwe in Colombo. In March, he captured six wickets during the three-match ODI series against Bangladesh in Chattogram, and later produced a 3-58 performance against India upon returning to the bowling field in August. Additional spells of 2-18 and 4-40 were impressive against the West Indies in October.

Kusal Mendis, the Sri Lankan wicketkeeper, notably scored half-centuries against six different teams in ODI cricket throughout 2024 and hit a century against New Zealand. He recorded a stunning 143 off 128 balls versus New Zealand in Dambulla and followed it up with a 74 not out in Pallekele. He concluded the year with an average exceeding 50, and demonstrated his skills behind the stumps with 19 dismissals, contributing to Sri Lanka's success in 14 of 17 ODIs played this year.

Azmatullah Omarzai, the Afghan all-rounder, proved to be a formidable force with both bat and ball during 2024. He initially made headlines with a breathtaking unbeaten 149 off 115 against Sri Lanka in Pallekele in February, followed by a half-century in the same series just five days later. Omarzai played a pivotal role in Afghanistan achieving their first-ever ODI series victory over South Africa, scoring an unbeaten 86 from 50 balls and taking 1-17 in the second ODI to secure a 2-0 lead. He replicated this success against Bangladesh, earning Player of the Match honors with 70 not out and 4-37 in a decisive third ODI.

Sherfane Rutherford, the Windies batter, showcased his prowess in 2024 ODI cricket, starting the year with three consecutive half-centuries against Sri Lanka despite a 2-1 series loss. Rutherford amassed 204 runs in the series at a strike rate of 107.36, being dismissed only once. Even with limited opportunities against England at home in Antigua, he made his mark with a swift 113 off just 80 balls against Bangladesh in St. Kitts in December. He wrapped up the year with an unbeaten 24 and a score of 30, contributing to a 3-0 series victory for the West Indies.