The race for the ICC Men's ODI Cricketer of the Year 2024 has become fiercely competitive, with Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga and Kusal Mendis, Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai, and West Indies’ Sherfane Rutherford emerging as the top contenders. With stellar performances throughout the year, these four players have established themselves as the most dominant forces in the 50-over format.

Wanindu Hasaranga – Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga had a remarkable year, picking up 26 wickets in 10 matches at an impressive average of 15.61. His standout performance came against Zimbabwe in Colombo, where he delivered career-best figures of 7 for 19. Hasaranga’s ability to consistently take multiple wickets, along with his useful 87 runs from five innings, helped him become a strong contender for the title

Kusal Mendis – Sri Lanka

Mendis, Sri Lanka’s dependable batter, topped the ODI run charts for 2024 with 742 runs from 17 innings at an average of 53. He registered six fifties and one century, with a memorable knock of 143 against New Zealand in Dambulla, where Sri Lanka won via the DLS method. His consistency in anchoring the innings for Sri Lanka adds to his case for the prestigious award.

Azmatullah Omarzai – Afghanistan

Afghanistan’s rising star Azmatullah Omarzai showcased his all-round brilliance in 2024, scoring 417 runs at an average of 52.12 while maintaining a strike rate of 105.56. He also contributed with the ball, claiming seven wickets at an average of 20.47. His most notable performance came with a staggering 149 against Sri Lanka* in Pallekele, a knock that cemented his place as a versatile all-rounder.

Sherfane Rutherford – West Indies

West Indies batter Sherfane Rutherford had a breakthrough year in ODI cricket, amassing 425 runs in seven innings at an outstanding average of 106.25. Rutherford’s aggressive batting style was highlighted by four half-centuries and a century — 113 against Bangladesh in Basseterre. His ability to score consistently in pressure situations makes him a strong contender for the title.