New Delhi, 15 December (H.S.): The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday announced the winners of the Player of the Month awards for November 2025. South Africa’s veteran spinner Simon Harmer clinched the honour in the men’s category, while India’s explosive opener Shafali Verma earned the title in the women’s category.

It was Harmer’s maiden ICC Player of the Month award. The 36-year-old off-spinner outperformed Bangladesh’s Taijul Islam and Pakistan’s Mohammad Nawaz to take home the accolade. He was recognised for his exceptional performance in South Africa’s historic ICC World Test Championship series victory against India — their first Test series win on Indian soil in 25 years.

Harmer picked up 17 wickets across two Tests, playing a pivotal role in South Africa’s triumph. In the Kolkata Test, he returned figures of 4/30 and 4/21, while in the Guwahati Test, he claimed 3/64 and an impressive 6/37. He finished the series with an outstanding average of 8.94 and an economy rate of 1.91.

Reacting to the honour, Harmer said representing his country was a matter of immense pride and dedicated the award to his teammates, coaches, and family.In the women’s category, Shafali Verma was honoured for her stellar all-round performance during the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup.

She edged out Thailand’s Thipacha Putthawong and UAE’s Esha Oza to claim the award — her first ICC monthly honour.Remarkably, Shafali had joined India’s World Cup squad as a late replacement for the injured Pratika Rawal, but made the most of the opportunity.

In the World Cup final, she smashed a breathtaking 87 off 78 balls, marking the highest-ever score by an Indian opener in a Women’s World Cup final. Her innings powered India to a commanding 298/7 against South Africa.

Shafali also contributed with the ball, picking up key wickets of Sune Luus and Marizanne Kapp, earning the title of Player of the Match in the final. Reflecting on her achievement, she said her first World Cup experience was “not perfect, but unforgettable,” dedicating the award to India’s historic title win and the unwavering support of fans at home.

With these performances, Simon Harmer and Shafali Verma stood out as the ICC’s top cricketers for November 2025, celebrating a month of individual brilliance and team glory.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar