Star Sri Lankan spinner Wanindu Hasaranga got the reward of his sensational Cricket World Cup (CWC) Qualifier campaign as he claimed the ICC Player of the Month award for June 2023.
Wanindu Hasaranga beat out strong opposition from Australia batter Travis Head and Zimbabwe opener Sean Williams for the coveted award on the back of his superb performances for the island nation at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup (CWC) Qualifier.
“I am extremely happy with this award, and it comes at an important moment for Sri Lanka Cricket, after we made it to the Cricket World Cup in India. I am privileged and honoured to have been chosen as the ICC Men’s Player of the Month,” said Hasaranga.
The all-rounder collected 26 wickets at an average of 10 during the month, with the majority of those scalps helping Sri Lanka qualify for the 50-over World Cup at the end of the year.
Wanindu Hasaranga was the leading wicket-taker at the Qualifier event, with the 25-year-old also becoming just the second player in the history of ODI cricket to claim three consecutive five-wicket hauls.
Pakistan great Waqar Younis managed the feat way back in 1990 and Hasaranga matched the exploits of the dynamic quick by following up the impressive figures of 6/24 against the UAE with a pair of five-wicket hauls against Oman and Ireland.
If Wanindu Hasaranga’s efforts with the ball weren’t enough, the right-hander also managed to score 91 runs with the bat during the month of June to show his versatility in all facets of the game.
It is pertinent to mention that Wanindu Hasaranga played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s perfect campaign in the recently-concluded CWC Qualifier.
The former champions remained unbeaten in the tournament to book their spot in this year’s ICC Men’s World Cup in India, scheduled to commence on October 5.
Meanwhile, Australia’s Ashleigh Gardner edged out Ashes rival Tammy Beaumont and West Indies captain Hayley Mathews to win the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award for June 2023.