Mathews, Asitha Fernando nominated for ICC Player of the Month

Angelo Mathews

Asitha Fernando

The ICC Men’s Player of the Month shortlist for May features players from both sides of the recently concluded ICC World Test Championship (WTC) series between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

Angelo Mathews and Asitha Fernando were two architects of Sri Lanka’s 1-0 series victory and are named in the shortlist thanks to key performances with bat and ball. Mushfiqur Rahim of Bangladesh completes the line-up following stellar contributions at the crease in both Tests.

So often the key contributor in Sri Lanka’s batting line-up, Mathews was a constant danger for the Bangladesh side. Big centuries in both Tests saw him aggregate 344 runs at an average of 172. His mammoth 199 in Chattogram was outshone by a thrilling 145 not out in Mirpur, which set the platform for his side to post a huge score of 506 and secure an impressive series victory.

The Sri Lanka seamer proved pivotal to his side’s success in Bangladesh, taking 13 wickets across the two WTC Tests at an average of 16.61. He followed up three wickets at Chattogram with an outstanding display with the ball at Mirpur. Fernando’s figures of four for 93 helped restrict the hosts’ first innings score, before he seized the upper hand for his side by ripping through the Bangladesh order in the second innings. His six for 51 ensured the tourists coasted to a 10-wicket win and a series victory.

Stars of Pakistan’s bowling attack and batting line-up, Tuba Hassan and Bismah Maroof, are shortlisted for the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award after their recent 3-0 T20I series victory over Sri Lanka. Spin sensation Tuba enjoyed plenty of success, while skipper Bismah contributed consistently in route to chasing down targets in each fixture. Trinity Smith (Jersey) was integral to her side’s successful stint in the France Women’s International T20 Quadrangular, and her performances with bat and ball see her on the shortlist for the first time.