Babar Azam nominated for ICC Player of the Month for May 2023

DUBAI: Pakistan all-format captain Babar Azam has been nominated for the ICC Player of the Month award for May 2023.

International Cricket Council on Tuesday revealed the three nominees for the award which include Bangladesh’s Najmul Hossain Shanto, Ireland’s Harry Tector and Pakistan skipper.

Babar Azam’s nomination came on the back of his consistent performances in the home ODI series against New Zealand last month.

“Pakistan’s skipper once again stood up for his country, this time in his team’s home ODI series against New Zealand,” said the ICC media release.

“After taking out the first two of five matches in late April, Pakistan went on to finish with two victories in early May to walk away 4-1 series winners.

It was little surprise that the positive results came through Babar’s achievements with the bat.”

“Babar joined Imam-ul-Haq for a century second-wicket stand on May 3, finishing with 54 off 62 balls, as his side went on to post 287/6. He went on to use six bowlers in his side’s effort in the field, as the tourists were bowled out for 261 in reply.

The skipper stepped up a gear in the next match two days later, claiming Player of the Match honours in his side’s 102-run win to go 4-1 up. Babar compiled 107 (117), his 18th ODI century, helping the hosts to 334/6,” it added.

It is pertinent to mention that Babar Azam is currently the No.1-ranked ODI batter in the world. He was also named the ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year for 2022, besides bagging the prestigious Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for the ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year.

Recently, he also became the fastest batter to complete 5000 ODI runs, breaking the record previously held by South Africa’s Hashim Amla.

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