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DUBAI: Bangladesh fast bowler Nahid Rana has been shortlisted for the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for April 2026 following his outstanding performances in the ODI series against New Zealand.
The young pacer emerged as one of the standout performers of the month after playing a decisive role in Bangladesh’s 2-1 ODI series triumph over the Black Caps. Rana claimed eight wickets in three matches at an average of 16.75 while maintaining an economy rate of 4.46.
His most memorable performance came in the second ODI in Mirpur, where he ripped through New Zealand’s batting order with exceptional figures of 5-32.
He also picked up one wicket in the opening match before adding two more in the final ODI, eventually earning the Player of the Series award.
Joining Nahid Rana on the shortlist is Oman captain Jatinder Singh, who enjoyed a prolific run in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 campaign.
The experienced batter accumulated 266 runs in five ODIs at an average of 53.20 and a strike-rate of more than 115. His month included a fluent 51 against Scotland and a stunning 130 off just 96 deliveries against Nepal in Kirtipur, an innings that underlined his aggressive approach at the top of the order.
Meanwhile, UAE pacer Ajay Kumar completed the three-man shortlist after making a major impact with the ball during the same competition.
The emerging fast bowler took nine wickets in only two ODIs at a remarkable average of 7.66 and an economy rate of 3.66.
After returning figures of 3-34 against Nepal, Ajay followed it up with a sensational 6-35 against Oman, rapidly establishing himself as one of the UAE’s promising bowling prospects.
Although he also featured in a T20I during the month, it was his ODI performances in the Cricket World Cup League 2 that earned him recognition from the ICC.
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