Sanath Jayasuriya Awards ICC Men's Emerging Cricketer of the Year to Kamindu Mendis
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Synopsis
On February 18, 2024, Sri Lankan cricket icon Sanath Jayasuriya presented the ICC Men's Emerging Cricketer of the Year award to Kamindu Mendis. Mendis impressed with a stellar performance, scoring 1451 runs across formats, including a remarkable 182 against New Zealand.
Key Takeaways
- Kamindu Mendis received the ICC Men's Emerging Cricketer of the Year 2024 award.
- Mendis scored 1451 runs in 2024, averaging over 50.
- He matched Sir Don Bradman for the fastest 1000 runs in Men's Tests.
- His best score was 182 against New Zealand.
- Mendis became a key player for Sri Lanka in high-pressure situations.
New Delhi, Feb 18 (NationPress) The renowned Sri Lankan cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya bestowed the prestigious ICC Men's Emerging Cricketer of the Year 2024 award upon Kamindu Mendis.
On Tuesday, the International Cricket Council (ICC) shared a post on social media featuring Mendis accepting the accolade from head coach Jayasuriya.
"From one great to the next. Kamindu Mendis receives the ICC Men's Emerging Cricketer of the Year 2024 award from Sri Lanka legend Sanath Jayasuriya," the ICC announced on X.
Mendis achieved a remarkable total of 1451 runs across all formats in 2024, boasting an impressive average of just over 50. He also matched the legendary Sir Don Bradman in being the joint-third fastest to reach 1000 runs in Men's Tests, accomplishing this in 13 innings.
In the Test format, Mendis was exceptional, amassing 1049 runs in just nine Tests at an average of 74.92, placing him among only six players to exceed 1000 runs in a calendar year. His tally comprised five centuries and three fifties, showcasing his knack for converting starts into substantial scores, which was crucial for Sri Lanka's triumphs.
His standout performance occurred during Sri Lanka's second Test against New Zealand in Galle, where he recorded a career-best 182 in the first innings. This extraordinary innings, featuring 16 boundaries and four sixes, significantly contributed to Sri Lanka's formidable total of 602/5. His efforts were instrumental in securing a 2-0 series sweep and earned him the Player of the Match accolade. His contributions were not confined to home matches.
He also shone during international tours, emerging as Sri Lanka's top scorer in a series in England, where his performances helped secure their first Test victory in the country in a decade.
The dynamic left-handed batsman had only made one Test appearance for Sri Lanka prior to 2024, yet by year's end, he had firmly established himself as a vital all-format player for Sri Lanka, becoming their go-to performer in high-pressure situations. This was evident during Sri Lanka's quest for a maiden ICC World Test Championship Final berth, where the 26-year-old consistently delivered significant scores in Test matches.
