Frontrunners for ICC Men's ODI Cricketer of The Year revealed

Kusal Mendis (Sri Lanka)

17 innings, 742 runs at 53.00, Strike Rate 90.59

The year that was

Kusal Mendis’ name was prominent in what was a packed year of ODI cricket for Sri Lanka.

Making half-centuries against all six opponents in ODI cricket across 2024, Mendis also celebrated a century against New Zealand, and finished the calendar year with an average of over 50.

Mendis began the year with scores of 46, 17 and 66* against Zimbabwe in January, with the latter score made just 51 balls, having been moved down to No.3.

He remained at first-drop for the rest of the year in the 50-over format, and continued to show his consistency with three double-digit scores against Afghanistan in February, including another half-century in Pallekele.

Mendis toured Bangladesh, making 59 (75) in the first ODI in Chattogram, and made an impression against India, also making 59 (82) in a home series match in Colombo.

While the 29-year-old had threatened to peel off a big score throughout the year, and he duly delivered at the backend of the year, making an unbeaten 56* from just 22 balls against the West Indies, and 217 runs across two knocks against New Zealand. Mendis smashed a 128-ball 143 against New Zealand in Dambulla, before a collected 74* from 102 balls when the teams met in Pallekele.

Mendis also enjoyed a good year with the gloves, claiming 19 dismissals across the matches, and Sri Lanka lost just three of their 17 ODIs over the course of the year.

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