Bangladesh batter Nazmul Hossain Shanto has been selected for the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men's Player of the Month award for May 2023.
Shanto and Pakistan captain Babar Azam, who currently holds the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy (given to the Men's Cricketer of the Year) for his performances at the tail end of his team's series triumph over New Zealand, were named as candidates by the International Cricket Council on Tuesday. The final candidate in line for the award is Ireland's Harry Tector, who continued his fine international form against Bangladesh, albeit in a losing cause. The rise of Najmul Hossain Shanto continued in the past month, with the 24-year-old enjoying another prolific series in the ODI format this time against Ireland.
Put into the No.3 position for the series, Najmul began with a knock of 44, though his innings proved futile as the rain arrived and led to there being no result. In match two, Najmul’s heroics led to a stunning victory. Chasing 320 in a 45-over affair, Najmul thundered to a maiden century in the format in just 83 balls, finishing with 117 from 93 deliveries with 12 fours and three sixes.
Bangladesh went on to win in the final over of the chase, and Najmul again contributed in match three, making 35 and taking 1/10 with his off-spin in a five-run victory.
Najmul’s effort was rewarded with Player of the Series honours, as Bangladesh finished their successful Super League campaign on a high.
