Simon Harmer, Shafali Verma named ICC Players of the Month

South African spinner Simon Harmer and India batter Shafali Verma were named ICC Players of the Month for November after match-winning performances in the World Test Championship and Women’s World Cup respectively, underlining their impact in landmark series and tournament victories.

Hyderabad: South African spinner Simon Harmer went past Bangladesh’s Taijul Islam and Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz to be named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for the first time.

The 36-year-old received the honours after taking an incredible combined haul of 17 wickets in the two-match ICC World Test Championship series to help South Africa to a comprehensive two-nil victory, their first Test series victory in India 25 years.

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He returned 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, ending the series with his 17-wicket haul coming at an average of 8.94 and an economy of 1.91.

Harmer said: “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.

“I share this award with my teammates, coaches and support staff and dedicate it to my family who allow me to go out and live my dream, often having to leave them at home to do so.

“It’s a privilege to be a part of the Proteas team and I hope to enjoy many more successful seasons with this remarkable group of people.”

Shafali Verma beat out Thipatcha Putthawong from Thailand and Esha Oza from the UAE for her first-ever Player of the Month award. Her success is made all the sweeter because she was drafted into the India Women’s Cricket World Cup squad as a late replacement for an injured Pratika Rawal.

She scored an excellent 87 from 78 deliveries – the highest by an Indian opening batter in a Women’s World Cup Final – to set up India’s total of 298 for seven in the title decider against South Africa.

She compounded her batting brilliance by taking the game-changing wickets of Suné Luus and Marizanne Kapp. Her impressive all-round performance earned her the Player of the Match award.

Verma said: “My first ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup experience didn’t go as I expected but it ended far better than I could have ever wished or imagined.

“I’m grateful that I could contribute to the team’s success in the Final and that I was able to be a part of making history in winning the World Cup for the first time and in front of a home crowd.

“I’m truly honoured to be named the Women’s Player of the Month for November. I dedicate this award to my teammates, coaches, family and everyone who has supported my journey until now. We win and lose as a team, the same goes for this award.”