ICC Player of the Month: Veteran Bangladeshi all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has been rewarded with the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for March award for his remarkable performances for his national side. Shakib had to overcame some tough competition, especially former New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson who is currently injured. Shakib also beat Asif Khan of UAE to walk away with the award. Bangladesh have become a force to be reckoned with at home and have recently beaten Ireland after giving India some tough competition. Their success at home has a lot do with the left arm all-rounder exploits. Follow ICC Awards 2023 Updates with InsideSport.IN.
Shakib Al Hasan named ICC Men’s Player of the Month for March 2023! This is his second win after July 2021. #ICCPOTM #ShakibAlHasan pic.twitter.com/FIGhSZcdJA
— Syed Sami 🏏 🇧🇩 (@SamisDaily) April 12, 2023
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.
Shakib Al Hasan’s journey through the eight T20 World Cups | T20WC 2022
His form carried over to the T20I series, where Bangladesh recorded a historic 3-0 whitewash over the reigning Men’s T20 World Champions. Shakib picked up a wicket in each of the three T20Is while finishing the game for his side in the opening match with an unbeaten 24-ball 34.
Shakib was at the top of his game when Ireland came visiting, scoring a match-winning 93 in the first ODI. Later in the second T20I of the series, the 36-year-old smashed a 24-ball 38* and then went to pick up five wickets inside the Powerplay in a dominating all-round display.
In the 12 games played in March, Shakib scored 353 runs and scalped 15 wickets.
After winning the award for the second time, Shakib was quick to thank the panel that voted for him ahead of a pair of his contemporaries.
Shakib on being awarded ICC Player of the Month Award
“I am honoured to win the award and would like to thank the expert panelists who have voted for me,” Shakib said.
“This is a recognition I greatly value because there are so many special performances in a month from a number of amazing cricketers.
“If I was to pick my highlight from the past month, it has to be the T20 series sweep against England and, with the team continuing to perform beautifully as a unit in all departments, it is easier for me now to concentrate on my role and contribute.”
Editors pick
