October 14, Colombo (LNW): Kamindu Mendis has once again been recognised for his outstanding performances on the global stage, securing the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for the second time in 2024, ICC announced.
The left-handed Sri Lankan batsman outshone fellow nominees, Sri Lankan spinner Prabath Jayasuriya and Australia’s Travis Head, to clinch the prestigious honour.
Mendis had previously won the accolade in March, cementing his growing reputation as one of the most exciting talents in international cricket.
During September, Mendis featured in four Tests, accumulating an impressive 451 runs at an average of 90.20. His consistency with the bat was instrumental in Sri Lanka’s resurgence, helping his side to a crucial victory at The Oval in England, followed by a remarkable series win over New Zealand back on home soil.
His performances during this period were highlighted by his ability to steady the ship for his team in challenging situations, showcasing not only his skill but also his composure under pressure.
Expressing his joy at winning the award, Mendis remarked, “It’s an honour to be named ICC Men’s Player of the Month once again. This recognition reflects the hard work that has gone into my development as a player, and I’m thrilled to see it paying off on the international stage. This motivates me to strive for even greater achievements, to help my team win more matches, and to bring pride to our country and joy to our fans.”
Mendis’ achievements in September were nothing short of historic. He became the first male cricketer ever to score fifty or more runs in each of his first eight Test matches—a feat that had never been accomplished before in the long history of the game.
Additionally, he reached the 1,000-run milestone in Test cricket in just his eighth match, equalling the legendary Don Bradman’s record of achieving the mark in 13 innings, making him the fastest to do so in the past 75 years.
One of Mendis’ standout performances came during Sri Lanka’s second Test against New Zealand, where he scored an unbeaten 182, guiding his team to a formidable first-innings total of 602/5 declared. This innings set the platform for a commanding victory.
However, his century in the first Test of the series might have been even more significant. Walking in with Sri Lanka struggling at 88/3, and with veteran Angelo Mathews retiring hurt, Mendis played a crucial knock of 114.
His effort proved decisive as Sri Lanka narrowly won the match by 63 runs, with no other batsman on either side managing to reach triple figures.
Mendis’ performances have been a beacon of hope for Sri Lankan cricket during a time when the team is working hard to regain its place among the world’s elite. His hunger for success and relentless pursuit of excellence continue to make him a vital asset for Sri Lanka as they look to build a strong foundation for the future.
The young batsman’s ability to handle pressure and deliver under difficult circumstances suggests he could have a long and successful international career ahead, with many more accolades likely to come his way.
