Nahid Rana wins ICC Men's Player of the Month Award for April
Dubai, May 14
Bangladesh fast bowler Nahid Rana has been named the ICC Men's Player of the Month for April 2026 after starring in his side's ODI series victory over New Zealand.
Rana claimed eight wickets in three ODIs against New Zealand, continuing an impressive streak after also taking eight wickets in a three-match ODI series against Pakistan in March, according to ICC.
The award marks the first monthly ICC honour of Rana's career. He also became the first Bangladesh player to win the men's award since Mehidy Hasan Miraz earned the recognition in April last year.
"It's a great feeling to be named the ICC Player of the Month after performing well against a world-class side like New Zealand," Rana told ICC.
"To deliver on home soil made the series even more special, and it was a series that I will always cherish. I'm grateful to my teammates for their constant support and belief in me throughout. I hope to keep contributing to more victories and memorable moments for my team," he added.
Rana endured a difficult start to the series in the opening ODI, managing just one wicket while conceding 65 runs. However, the right-arm pacer bounced back strongly in the second match with the second five-wicket haul of his ODI career.
The speedster ripped through New Zealand's batting order with figures of 5 for 32, striking twice in the Powerplay before adding three more wickets as the visitors were bowled out for 198.
Rana carried his form into the series decider in Chattogram, taking two more wickets to help Bangladesh seal a 2-1 series victory. His performances also earned him the Player of the Series award.
Overall, Rana finished the series with eight wickets at an average of 16.75 and an economy rate of 4.46, performances that secured him the ICC Men's Player of the Month award for April 2026.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Nice to see fast bowlers from the subcontinent getting recognition. We need more quality pacers in Asian cricket to compete with Aussies and English on their pitches. Rana's bounce-back after that expensive first ODI shows real character. Well deserved! 👏
Honestly, I'm a bit surprised. Eight wickets in three ODIs is good but not extraordinary. There were probably other contenders with better stats. But nevertheless, happy for Bangladesh cricket. They need more world-class performers to inspire young talents.
As an Indian cricket fan, I love watching our neighbors succeed! 🇮🇳🤝🇧🇩 Nahid Rana's story is inspiring - from struggling in first match to taking 5/32 in second. That's the spirit of cricket. Hope he continues this form against us in upcoming series!
ICC Player of the Month is becoming a South Asian monopoly these days! First Mehidy Hasan, now Nahid Rana, and our Indian players keep winning too. Shows how much cricket is growing in our region. Rana's average of 16.75 against NZ is seriously impressive.
Impressive from Nahid Rana. Bangladesh have quietly developed a decent pace attack over the last few years. Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur, and now Rana... they're not just relying on spinners anymore. The 5/32 against NZ was world-class bowling. Good to see!
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