Bangladeshi veteran all-rounders Shakib Al Hasan and Henriette Ishiwe have been rewarded with the ICC Men’s and Women’s Player of the Month awards for their stellar performances in March 2023, respectively.
Shakib overcame tough competition from Kane Williamson of New Zealand and Asif Khan of the UAE to walk away with the coveted prize.
Shakib was one of the few bright spots for Bangladesh during the three-match ODI series against England, finishing both as the highest run-scorer and wicket-taker for the Tigers. In Bangladesh’s only win of the series, Shakib starred with a 71-ball 75 and followed it up with a four-for to take home the Player of the Match in the hosts’ 50-run win.
“I am honoured to win the award and would like to thank the expert panellists who have voted for me,” Shakib said, as quoted by the ICC.
On the other hand, Henriette Ishimwe, the young Rwanda all-rounder, has beaten strong competition from PNG duo Sibona Jimmy and Ravini Oa to be named the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for March 2023. Still just 19 years of age, Ishimwe has already played close to 50 T20Is for Rwanda and once again gave a glimpse of her all-round prowess during March. Ishimwe started the Nigeria Cricket Federation Women’s International Twenty20 Tournament in great form with a fantastic display with bat and ball against Ghana. After a quickfire 22-ball, 32 with the bat, she produced magical figures of 4/4 to reduce Ghana to just 41. “I am humbled and honoured to win this award for my performances in the last month,” Ishimwe said, as quoted by the ICC.
“I look forward to continuing to contribute to the world of cricket and win more matches for my country,” Ishimwe added.