Dubai, 14 May (H.S.): Bangladesh pacer Nahid Rana and South Africa women's team captain Laura Wolvaardt have been named ICC Players of the Month for April. Nahid Rana has won the award for the first time, while Wolvaardt has claimed the honor for the third time in the past seven months.

Nahid Rana earned this achievement with outstanding bowling in the home series against New Zealand. He beat Oman's captain Jatinder Singh and UAE pacer Ajay Kumar to win the men's category award.

Rana was also named 'Player of the Series' in Bangladesh's 2-1 series win over New Zealand. He took a total of eight wickets in three matches with an economy rate of 4.46.

In the second match played in Mirpur, he claimed five wickets for 32 runs, helping Bangladesh secure a 55-run victory. He also picked up two wickets in the final match in Chattogram.

After winning the award, Nahid Rana said, “Being named ICC Player of the Month after performing well against a world-class team like New Zealand feels extremely special.

Achieving this on my home ground will remain memorable for me. I am grateful for my teammates' support and trust, and I want to continue contributing to the team's victories.”

In the women's category, South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt won the award through consistent brilliant batting. She edged out Sri Lanka batter Imesha Dulani and Brazil all-rounder Laura Cardoso.

Wolvaardt scored consecutive 69-69 in the last two ODIs of the series against New Zealand. She then played a key role in South Africa's 4-1 series win in the home white-ball series against India, smashing one century and three half-centuries.

After winning the award,

Wolvaardt said, “Winning ICC Player of the Month for the third time in such a short period feels incredible. I want to continue batting with the same confidence and consistency. This is one of the best phases of my career.”

She added, “What makes this award special is that these performances came against the current World Cup and T20 World Cup champion teams. I am grateful for my teammates' support and hope to maintain this form in the Women's T20 World Cup next month in England and Wales.”

ICC stated that both players were selected based on voting by global cricket fans, a specialist panel of former international players, and media representatives.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar