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“Shakib won the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for the second time after series-winning exploits against England and Ireland,” the ICC stated in a media release.
All-rounder Ishimwe started the year at the heart of the Rwandan team that lit up the inaugural ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa. Her breakout tournament included a memorable four wickets in four balls in the win over Zimbabwe.
Opening the month with an ODI series against England, Shakib registered two half-centuries, the second of which coming in a familiar scintillating all-round display. A consolation win in Chattogram was inspired by Shakib, first thanks to his 75 in 71 balls and then with the ball as he took four for 35 in ten overs to seal a 50-run win.
In the T20I series that followed, Shakib skippered his side to a decisive 3-0 victory, with valuable runs in the first encounter, and key wickets across all three matches, in a string of impressive team displays characterised by excellent fielding and disciplined bowling.
No fewer than four days separated England’s departure and the first ODI against Ireland, and Shakib once more took up the task with aplomb, top scoring with 93 in 89 balls as Bangladesh comfortably won by 183 runs, setting the tone for another series victory.
His final performances in the month came in the form of three T20Is against Ireland, and Bangladesh sealed the series thanks to another outstanding display from the top-ranked all-rounder. A quickfire 38 from 24 balls rocketed the hosts to 202 for 3 from their 20 overs, before Shakib’s bowling prowess dismantled the Ireland chase with a brilliant five for 22 from his four overs.
Reflecting on another ICC Men’s Player of the Month prize, Shakib said, “I am honoured to win the award and would like to thank the expert panellists who have voted for me. 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.”
Shakib overcame fellow nominees Asif Khan of UAE and Kane Williamson of New Zealand in the global vote, and former Sri Lanka international Farveez Maharoof elaborated on Shakib’s win, “Shakib gets my vote for his overall contribution to Bangladesh’s success last month, notably beating a top side like England.
“While all three candidates have enjoyed excellent periods, for me he has been the standout player and a deserving Men’s Player of the Month for March.”
Ishimwe’s blistering start to 2023 at the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup helped her make a name for herself on the world stage, and a little over two months later, she finds herself in the headlines again after enjoying plenty of success in March’s NCF Women’s T20I Tournament in Lagos.
The 20-year-old was the star player in Rwanda’s opening match against Ghana, firstly coming in at number three and smashing a brisk 32 in 22 balls. Defending a healthy total, Ishimwe and her fellow bowlers then took apart the reply, taking wickets at regular intervals and ending with a flourish, as the pacer took another hattrick to end the game and seal a 117-run victory.
Reacting to her award win, Ishimwe commented, “I am humbled and honored to win this award for my performances in the last month.
“I owe this award to the many people who have supported me throughout my journey in cricket. To my coaches, who have invested countless hours into my training and development, to my teammates, who have been my source of inspiration and motivation, and to my family and friends, who have always stood by me, and above all, the almighty God, who has made all this possible.
“I look forward to continuing to contribute to the world of cricket and win more matches for my country.”
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