DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — In a landmark moment for West Indies cricket, Sherfane Rutherford has been named as one of the nominees for the prestigious ICC One Day International (ODI) Cricketer of the Year award.
The explosive left-handed batter from Guyana earned this honor following an unforgettable 2024, where his consistent brilliance with the bat illuminated a challenging year for the men in maroon.
Rutherford’s inclusion among cricket’s finest comes after a year that saw him rack up an extraordinary 425 runs in just seven innings, maintaining a jaw-dropping average of 106.25. His performances were marked by a blend of technical excellence and an uncanny ability to deliver under pressure, solidifying his reputation as one of the most formidable batters in world cricket.
Kicking off the year with a trio of consecutive half-centuries against Sri Lanka, Rutherford showcased remarkable resilience even as his team faltered in the series. Over three matches, he amassed 204 runs at a striking rate of 107.36, falling victim to dismissal only once.
Dominance on home soil
Rutherford’s prowess extended to his performances on Caribbean pitches, where he continued to dazzle fans. His fireworks against England in Antigua included a brisk 54 off just 36 balls in a thrilling display of power hitting.
However, the pinnacle of Rutherford’s 2024 campaign came during the home series against Bangladesh. In the opening game in St. Kitts, he delivered a match-winning masterclass, smashing a scintillating 113 off 80 balls to orchestrate a flawless chase of 295 runs. His subsequent contributions—a composed unbeaten 24 and a solid 30—sealed the West Indies’ emphatic 3-0 series triumph.
Now 26, Rutherford joins a select group of global cricketing icons vying for the ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year award. His rivals include Afghanistan’s dynamic all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai and Sri Lanka’s twin pillars of brilliance, Wanindu Hasaranga and Kusal Mendis.
The cricketing world awaits the announcement of the winner in January 2025, a decision that will undoubtedly celebrate the very best of the sport’s modern era.
