Bangladesh fast bowler Nahid Rana has been awarded the ICC Player of the Month for his strong performances against New Zealand in a recent home series. Meanwhile, South Africa’s captain Laura Wolvaardt has received her third award in seven months due to impressive displays in white-ball series against New Zealand and India.
Rana won the men’s award, surpassing Oman captain Jatinder Singh and UAE bowler Ajay Kumar. Wolvaardt took home the women’s award, ahead of Sri Lanka’s Imesha Dulani and Brazil’s Laura Cardoso.
Nahid Rana was named Player of the Series as Bangladesh triumphed over New Zealand 2-1. He took eight wickets at an economy rate of 4.46, with a standout performance of five wickets for 32 runs in the second match, which Bangladesh won by 55 runs. He secured two wickets in the final match in Chattogram.
“It feels great to be named the ICC Player of the Month after performing well against a top team like New Zealand. Winning at home made the series even more special, and it’s something I will always remember. I’m thankful to my teammates for their support and belief in me. I aim to keep helping my team achieve more victories and memorable moments,” Rana stated.
Wolvaardt expressed her excitement about winning her third award in such a short period, having previously won in October and December last year.
She showed impressive consistency in both white-ball formats, including scoring 69 runs in the last two ODIs against New Zealand. She also achieved a century and three half-centuries as South Africa defeated India 4-1 at home.
“It’s amazing to win a third ICC Player of the Month award in such a brief time, and I hope to keep batting with the same confidence. This has been a very enjoyable phase of my career, and I’m especially pleased to have succeeded across formats,” Wolvaardt said.
“These achievements against the reigning World Cup and T20 World Cup champions make this award even more meaningful. I’m grateful for my teammates’ support, and I look forward to continuing this form into the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup next month in England and Wales,” she added.
Both players were recognized following a vote among global fans registered with the ICC and a specialist panel that included former International players and media members.