Year-Ender 2024: Top 5 Players with Most Runs in ODI Cricket
In 2024, One-Day International (ODI) cricket took a backseat as the year saw an emphasis on the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in the first half and Test cricket in the latter half. However, some players still made significant contributions in the limited-overs format. Here’s a look at the top 5 players with the most runs in ODI cricket in 2024:
5. Harsh Thakkar (Canada) - 553 Runs
Canadian all-rounder Harsh Thakkar ended 2024 with 553 runs in 15 ODI matches, averaging 46.08 and maintaining a strike rate of 71.77. Thakkar scored two centuries and two half-centuries, with his highest score being an unbeaten 111 runs off 113 balls against UAE in Dubai.
4. Kacey Carty (West Indies) - 560 Runs
West Indian batter Kacey Carty accumulated 560 runs in 12 ODI matches during 2024, averaging 62.22. His performances were instrumental in strengthening the West Indies' middle order. Carty’s most notable innings was a match-winning 128* against England in Bridgetown, leading West Indies to an eight-wicket victory.
3. Charith Asalanka (Sri Lanka) - 605 Runs
Charith Asalanka was a crucial player for Sri Lanka in 2024, finishing the year with 605 runs in 16 matches at an average of 50.41 and a strike rate of 97.11. Asalanka’s only ODI century of the year came against Zimbabwe in Colombo, contributing significantly to Sri Lanka's success in the West Indies series earlier in the year.
2. Pathum Nissanka (Sri Lanka) - 694 Runs
Sri Lankan opener Pathum Nissanka scored an impressive 694 runs in ODIs in 2024 at a strike rate of 106.44. He made three centuries and two half-centuries, with his standout performance being a historic double-century (210*) against Afghanistan, helping Sri Lanka secure a 42-run victory.
1. Kusal Mendis (Sri Lanka) - 742 Runs
Kusal Mendis finished 2024 as the top run-scorer in ODI cricket with 742 runs in 17 matches, averaging 53. His consistent performances included one century and six half-centuries. Mendis' highest score was 143 runs against New Zealand in Dambulla, leading Sri Lanka to a 45-run win and earning him the Player of the Match award.
These players made significant contributions in a year dominated by shorter formats and Test cricket, leaving their mark in the 50-over format.