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Sikandar Raza has been named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for August 2022, creating history after becoming the first Zimbabwean to win the prestigious accolade.
The star all-rounder clinched the award on the back of a terrific run of form that saw him scoring three centuries against Bangladesh and India in August.
Raza was instrumental in claiming the ODI series victory for Zimbabwe against Bangladesh thanks to unbeaten scores of 135 and 117 which came during two superb run-chases.
He followed this up with a fine 115 against India in the final ODI in Harare, albeit in a losing cause.
In addition to his batting feats, he took seven key wickets during August, cementing his growing all-round credentials and seeing him rise to a career-high position of fourth in the MRF Tyres ICC Men’s ODI Player Rankings.
On being crowned the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for August, Raza said: “I’m incredibly humbled and honoured to have won the player of the month award from the ICC – more humbling that I’m the first Zimbabwean to ever win such an award.
“I would like to thank everybody who has been in the changeroom with me over the past three to four months – that goes out to the technical staff and to the players. Without you guys this would not have been possible.
“Lastly, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the fans in Zimbabwe and overseas for all your prayers, for all your wishes . . . they were well received and I’m forever grateful.”
Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has congratulated Raza on his latest achievement.
“You have been enjoying an absolutely sensational year and after watching your terrific performances with the bat – including three centuries – against Bangladesh and India in August, I had no doubt you were miles ahead of the other nominees for the global accolade,” ZC Managing Director Givemore Makoni said.
“On behalf of Zimbabwe Cricket, I wish to extend our heartiest congratulations to you on achieving this well-deserved recognition, a clear testament to your hard work and determination over the years.”
Apart from Raza, the other nominees for the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for August were New Zealand all-rounder Mitchell Santner and England star Ben Stokes.
SOURCE: ZIMBABWE CRICKET