Babar Azam, Pakistan’s captain and two-time ICC Men’s Player of the Month, could make history by winning a third award. Explore his remarkable form and discover the other standout players nominated for August’s ICC Men’s Player of the Month award.
Babar Azam’s Remarkable Performance in August 2023
Babar Azam was the top-ranked ICC ODI batter in August. Against Afghanistan in the final two ODIs, he scored two fifties. In the second ODI, he established a formidable 118-run partnership with Imam-ul-Haq, which proved crucial in the thrilling last over. Babar contributed 53 runs, supported by Imam’s impressive 91 and some contributions from lower-order batsmen.
Captain’s Excellence in the Asia Cup Opener
Babar Azam showed off his extraordinary batting skills during the opening match of the Asia Cup against Nepal. With his 151 not out, he became the first captain in Asia Cup history to reach such a milestone. His consistency and leadership earned him a spot on the shortlist for the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award.
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The second Pakistani player on the three-man shortlist is Shadab Khan, along with Nicholas Pooran (West Indies).
Shadab Khan (Pakistan)
Babar Azam and Shadab Khan have also made it to the shortlist for the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award. In August, Shadab demonstrated his cricketing skills in multiple facets. In the first ODI, he contributed 39 runs to Pakistan’s 201-run victory against Afghanistan.
Shadab continued to impress with the bat, showcasing his power-hitting prowess in the second ODI. However, it was in the third ODI that Shadab really shone with the ball. With his all-round skills, Shadab Khan dismantled Nepal’s lower order with precision, finishing with impressive figures of 4/27. Due to his impressive all-round performance in August, he is a strong contender for Player of the Month.
Nicholas Pooran (West Indies)
Nicholas Pooran, West Indies’ explosive batter, completes the outstanding nominees. Pooran was instrumental in ending West Indies’ six-year drought against India, securing a 3-2 T20I series win. With 41 off 34 balls, his composed innings helped West Indies reach 149/6 in the first T20I.
Pooran scored 67 runs off just 40 balls in the second T20I, scoring six fours and four sixes. West Indies won the match by a margin of seven runs. After setbacks in subsequent T20Is, Pooran broke the deadlock with a magnificent 47-ball knock.
In August 2023, the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award nominations include three cricketers: Babar, Shadab, and Nicholas. The cricketing community awaits the winner after a month filled with Babar Azam, Shadab Khan, and Nicholas Pooran.
