Sri Lanka’s Kamindu Mendis has been awarded the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Men’s Emerging Cricketer of the Year for 2024 following a standout performance in red-ball cricket.

Mendis, who accumulated 1,451 runs across all formats, with an average above 50, excelled in 2024 and emerged as a key player for Sri Lanka. Prior to this year, the left-handed batter had only made one Test appearance but finished the year as one of the top performers in global cricket.

The 26-year-old played a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s successful bid for their first-ever ICC World Test Championship Final spot, and his match-winning contributions were pivotal in key victories. Mendis scored five centuries and three fifties, contributing significantly to Sri Lanka’s victories over New Zealand, Bangladesh, and England.

His finest performance came in Galle during the second Test against New Zealand, where he notched a career-high 182* in the first innings. This unbeaten knock, which included 16 boundaries and four sixes, helped Sri Lanka post a total of 602/5 and contributed to a 2-0 series sweep.

Mendis also became the joint-third fastest to score 1,000 Test runs, equalling Sir Don Bradman’s record by reaching the milestone in just 13 innings.

In response to his achievement, Mendis said, “Winning two ICC Player of the Month Awards in 2024, along with being named the ICC Emerging Men’s Cricketer of the Year, fills me with immense joy and pride. These accolades are a testament to the hard work and dedication I’ve put into my game, with the unwavering support of my coaches, teammates, family, and friends.”

He added, “Playing international cricket has always been a childhood dream, and having the chance to showcase my skills on such a platform is both an honour and a result of that relentless effort.”

Looking ahead, Mendis is eager to build on his early international success and reach the highest levels of excellence in the sport. “I would also like to acknowledge the immense talent of my fellow nominees — Gus, Shamar, and Saim — all of whom are exceptional players,” he said.