Dhaka: South African spinner Simon Harmer was named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for the first time following his outstanding contribution in South Africa’s first Test series victory in India since 2000. He surpassed Bangladesh’s Taijul Islam and Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz in the process.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Taijul was nominated for his stellar performance in the home Test series against Ireland, where he picked up 13 wickets at an average of 26.30 in the 2-0 series win, finishing as the leading wicket-taker. His consistent impact in the series rewarded him with the Player of the Series accolade.
However, the 36-year-old Simon Harmer received the honours after taking an incredible combined haul of 17 wickets in the two-match ICC World Test Championship series, helping South Africa secure a comprehensive two-nil victory. This marked South Africa’s first Test series victory in India in 25 years. Harmer’s remarkable performance included figures of four for 30 and four for 21 in the series opener in Kolkata, followed by three for 64 and a staggering six for 37 in the second match in Guwahati. He ended the series with a 17-wicket haul at an average of 8.94 and an economy rate of 1.91.
Harmer expressed his gratitude, stating, “It’s a privilege to be named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for November. Playing for my country is a dream come true and anything else that comes from it as a result is a bonus.”
Meanwhile, India’s Shafali Verma secured her first-ever Player of the Month award, surpassing Thipatcha Putthawong from Thailand and Esha Oza from the UAE. Her achievement is particularly notable as she was drafted into the India Women’s Cricket World Cup squad as a late replacement for the injured Pratika Rawal.