Babar Azam and Virat Kohli were not nominated for ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year 2024. The list includes two Sri Lankan wonders, an Afghan all-rounder, and a West Indies power-hitter who made an impact in 50-over cricket this year. Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga’s leg-spin captivated batsmen in 2024.
His early season highlight was a career-best 7/19 against Zimbabwe in Colombo. The leg-spinner had a remarkable sequence of multi-wicket performances against Afghanistan, the West Indies, and India. His ability to strike every three overs made him a match-winner for Sri Lanka. Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai excelled at bat and ball.
He opened the year with a brilliant 149* against Sri Lanka and won matches against South Africa and Bangladesh. His performance in Afghanistan’s historic ODI series win over South Africa made him one of the most adaptable players in the game. Former Sri Lankan captain Kusal Mendis averaged above 50 in ODIs in 2024. His career-best 143 in Dambulla stood out against world-class teams like New Zealand, India, and the West Indies.
Mendis was important to Sri Lanka’s 50-over win behind the wickets, taking 19 dismissals. West Indies hard-hitting hitter Sherfane Rutherford showed his powerful batting style in ODIs. He scored 113 off 80 balls against Bangladesh in St. Kitts to lead a spectacular run chase. Rutherford helped the West Indies win 3-0, establishing him as an emerging star.
