Rutherford among ICC’s elite players for 2024

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (CMC):

West Indies batsman Sherfane Rutherford has been nominated for the International Cricket Council (ICC) One Day International Cricketer of the Year award following a stellar 2024 for the Men in Maroon.

The Guyanese left-hander made the list following a remarkable year with the bat, during which he scored 425 runs in seven innings at an average of 106.25.

Demonstrating resilience and skill under pressure, Rutherford made a strong start to 2024 with three consecutive half-centuries in a losing series against Sri Lanka.

Rutherford’s contributions were exceptional, amassing 204 runs at a strike rate of 107.36 and being dismissed just once.

The 26-year-old continued his impressive form on home soil, scoring 54 off 36 balls in his sole innings against England in Antigua. However, his standout performance came in December during the home series against Bangladesh.

In the opening match in St Kitts, Rutherford played a sensational innings, scoring 113 off just 80 balls to secure a comfortable chase of 295 and give his team a 1-0 series lead. He followed up with an unbeaten 24 and a solid 30 in the remaining matches, contributing significantly to the West Indies’ commanding 3-0 series sweep.

He now stands as one of the contenders for the ICC Player of the Year award, alongside Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai and Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga and Kusal Mendis.

The winner of this prestigious award will be announced in January 2025.