ICC Awards 2024: Wanindu Hasaranga and Kusal Mendis Lead Sri Lanka’s Cricket Revival
The ICC Awards 2024 have brought much excitement to the cricketing world, and Sri Lanka is in the spotlight with two of its brightest stars—Wanindu Hasaranga and Kusal Mendis—nominated for the ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year award. Their consistent performances in 2024 have placed them among the elite of international cricket, showcasing their immense talent and contribution to the sport.
Wanindu Hasaranga at ICC Awards 2024: A White-Ball Cricket Maestro
Wanindu Hasaranga’s 2024 was nothing short of magical. The leg-spinner’s ability to dominate with the ball was evident as he bagged 26 wickets at an exceptional average of 15.61. His economy rate of 5.36 underlined his control, while his Player of the Match performances, like his jaw-dropping 7/19 against Zimbabwe, became the talk of the cricketing fraternity.
Wanindu Hasaranga’s Iconic 7/19 Performance at ICC Awards 2024
Hasaranga’s spell of 7/19 against Zimbabwe in Colombo will go down as one of the most iconic performances in ODI history. Entering the attack in the ninth over, he dismantled the Zimbabwean lineup in just 5.5 overs, proving why he is considered one of the finest white-ball bowlers.
Kusal Mendis Shines Bright at ICC Awards 2024
Kusal Mendis had a phenomenal year with the bat, scoring 742 runs at an average of 53.00 and a strike rate of 90.59. His ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed made him a vital cog in Sri Lanka’s ODI successes. From half-centuries against every opponent to his career-best 143 against New Zealand, Mendis was the backbone of Sri Lanka’s batting in 2024.
Kusal Mendis’s Career-Best 143: A Highlight for ICC Awards 2024
Mendis’s unbeaten 143 in a rain-affected match against New Zealand in Dambulla was a masterclass in ODI batting. Partnering with Avishka Fernando, he played a pivotal role in setting up a commanding total, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
ICC Awards 2024: Wanindu Hasaranga and Kusal Mendis in Tough Competition
The ICC Awards 2024 shortlist for the ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year also features Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai and the West Indies’ Sherfane Rutherford, making the competition fierce. However, the brilliance of Wanindu Hasaranga and Kusal Mendis gives Sri Lanka a strong chance to bring home the prestigious title.
