In the cricket calendar, March was eventful. Fans experienced some incredible fixtures in both men’s and women’s cricket. After an eventful month, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has revealed the ICC Men’s and Women’s Player of the Month award winners for March 2024. Kamindu Mendis and Maia Bouchier won those awards.
Kamindu Mendis: Men’s Player of the Month:
The ICC has announced the winners of the ICC Men’s and Women’s Player of the Month awards for March 2024, following the unveiling of the shortlists the previous week. Kamindu Mendis clinched the ICC Men’s Player of the Month accolade following his remarkable display at the crease, which played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka‘s resounding victory in the ICC World Test Championship encounter against Bangladesh in Sylhet.
Mendis initially faced a daunting task when he walked out to bat with Sri Lanka reeling at 57 for five. However, he orchestrated a remarkable recovery alongside Dhananjaya de Silva, crafting a composed 102 runs – his maiden Test century – to steer Sri Lanka to a respectable total of 280 in the first innings.
In the second innings, Sri Lanka found themselves in a precarious position at 126 for six, but once again, Mendis rose to the occasion. With an outstanding knock of 164 runs from 237 balls, he propelled Sri Lanka to a commanding lead, ultimately securing victory by a staggering margin of 328 runs. Notably, Mendis’ century in the second innings marked a historic milestone as he became the first player batting at number seven or lower to score two centuries in a single Test match.
Mendis’s Words:
After winning the prestigious award, Kusal Mendis opened up. He said, “I am extremely happy to be named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month, which I consider an inspiration for my international career. A recognition such as this motivates and makes us as players work more and more to deliver in the middle for the team, country, and fans.
Later he added, “I also wish the very best for the other two players who were nominated along with me, Mark Adair and Matt Henry, whom I consider excellent players and good competitors.”
Maia Bouchier: ICC Women’s Player of the Month for March
In a stellar performance during England‘s T20I series in New Zealand, the 25-year-old all-rounder Bouchier secured her maiden ICC Women’s Player of the Month award. Throughout the month, she amassed a remarkable total of 223 runs at an impressive average of 55.75 across five T20I matches, playing a pivotal role in England’s commanding 4-1 series triumph.
Bouchier’s impactful contributions began with an unbeaten 43 in the series opener, where she partnered with captain Heather Knight to set a formidable total that England’s bowlers successfully defended. Despite England’s loss in the third match, Bouchier showcased her batting prowess with a dazzling 71 runs off just 47 deliveries in Nelson, demonstrating her ability to thrive under pressure.
However, it was in the crucial encounter in Wellington where Bouchier truly shone. Promoted to open the batting, she delivered her highest T20I score, smashing an explosive 91 runs from 56 balls, including 12 boundaries and two sixes. Her stellar performance not only secured England’s series victory but also earned her the Player of the Match award in a convincing 47-run win, highlighting her significant impact on the team’s success.
Bouchier’s Words:
It was a prestigious award for the cricketer. After winning that, Bouchier said, “First of all, thank you to everyone who voted for me. I am so happy and grateful to everyone: my family and partner and the staff and my teammates who have supported me whilst playing at the international level.”
Further, she added, “I am so honored to have won this award and I hope there are many more to come. It’s been such an amazing couple of months, from training through the winter with my coaches at home and transferring what I’ve been working on into this series, so I am really glad I have been able to perform for the team.”
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