Bangladesh all-rounder Mosaddek Hossain Saikat has been shortlisted for the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for June. He will compete with India captain Shubman Gill and New Zealand fast bowler Nathan Smith for the honour, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced in a press release today.
Outstanding Performances
Mosaddek earned his nomination for his outstanding all-round performances in Bangladesh’s 2-1 home ODI series victory over Australia. He was named Player of the Series after scoring 157 runs in three matches at a strike rate of 116.29 and taking two wickets with his off-spin. Both wickets came in the opening ODI in Dhaka, where he also produced a match-winning unbeaten 86 off 70 balls to earn the Player of the Match award.
Competitors
Gill secured his place on the shortlist following a string of impressive displays in the home Test and ODI series against Afghanistan. He starred across formats, scoring 126 in India’s innings victory over Afghanistan in the one-off Test at New Chandigarh. He then amassed 238 runs in three ODIs at a strike rate of 135.22, including an unbeaten 84 and 154 in the first two matches. He did not bat in the third ODI, as India chased down the target with nine wickets to spare in Chennai to complete a 3-0 series sweep. Gill was also named Player of the Series.
Smith, 27, finished as the leading wicket-taker in New Zealand’s 2-1 Test series victory over England. The seamer claimed 16 wickets at an average of 23.00, including figures of six for 70 in the second innings of the opening Test at Lord’s, where he ended with match figures of nine wickets. He, too, was named Player of the Series.
Women's Award
Meanwhile, Scotland all-rounder Kathryn Bryce, India spinner Sree Charani, and England opener Danni Wyatt-Hodge have been shortlisted for the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award for June.
Significance for Bangladesh
Mosaddek’s nomination is a significant recognition for Bangladesh cricket, highlighting the talent and skill within the national team. His performances have not only contributed to Bangladesh’s success in the recent ODI series but also placed him among the elite players in international cricket. This nomination could inspire upcoming cricketers in Bangladesh and boost the morale of the current squad.
