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.