November's Top Cricket Players: Harmer, Islam, and Nawaz Nominated for ICC Awards
ICC Men's Player of the Month Nominees Announced
Dubai [UAE], December 5: The ICC has revealed the nominees for the Men's Player of the Month award for November, featuring spinners Simon Harmer and Taijul Islam, along with all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz.
In the women's category, the shortlist includes Esha Oza and Thipatcha Putthawong from the recently held inaugural ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy, as well as Shafali Verma, who was named Player of the Match in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup final.
Harmer and Islam played pivotal roles in their respective Test series victories for South Africa and Bangladesh against India and Ireland. Meanwhile, Nawaz made significant contributions with both bat and ball during the recent Tri-Series involving Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe.
Outstanding Performances by Men’s Nominees
Putthawong's exceptional bowling helped Thailand secure a memorable win in the Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy held in Bangkok, where Oza led the UAE to a commendable runner-up finish. Verma's remarkable batting, especially in the final, was crucial in India’s first ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup triumph, earning her a spot on the November shortlist.
Simon Harmer, the seasoned off-spinner from South Africa, was instrumental in their historic 2-0 Test series victory over India, marking the Proteas' first win against them in 25 years. Harmer took an impressive 17 wickets at an average of 8.94 across two Tests in Kolkata and Guwahati.
In the first Test, he claimed eight wickets and was named Player of the Match, followed by nine wickets in the second Test, including a match-winning performance of six for 37, leading to a 408-run victory and a series sweep.
His outstanding performance throughout the series earned him the Player of the Series accolade.
On the other hand, Taijul Islam from Bangladesh continued his impressive form at home, leading his team to a 2-0 series win over Ireland with 13 wickets at an average of 26.30, also securing the Player of the Series title.
Mohammad Nawaz showcased his all-round abilities during Pakistan's Tri-Series victory over Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, scoring 104 ODI runs at an average of 52.00 and taking four wickets. In T20Is, he added 52 runs and claimed 11 wickets at an impressive average of 12.72, culminating in a standout performance of three for 17 in the Tri-Series final against Sri Lanka, which earned him the Player of the Series award.
Women’s Nominees Shine in Emerging Nations Trophy
Esha Oza, the captain of the UAE, demonstrated her match-winning capabilities during the ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy. In seven T20Is throughout the month, she scored 187 runs at a strike rate of 137.50, while also taking 7 wickets at an average of 18.14, showcasing her all-round talent.
Her standout performance came in the final match against Namibia, where she scored an unbeaten 68 and took two wickets, leading her team to a 28-run victory and earning her the Player of the Tournament award.
Shafali Verma, who was brought into the Indian team as an injury replacement, made a significant impact in the ICC Women’s World Cup final, where she was the top scorer, helping India secure their first title in Mumbai. In her only ODI of the month, she scored 87 runs off 78 balls, striking at 111.53, and also took two crucial wickets, earning the Player of the Match award.
Thipatcha Putthawong from Thailand had a remarkable month, winning the ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy and finishing as the joint leading wicket-taker in the tournament with 15 wickets.