Bangladesh pacer Nahid Rana has been named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for April 2026 following his standout performances against New Zealand national cricket team in the recent ODI series.
Rana picked up eight wickets in three matches as Bangladesh defeated New Zealand 2-1 in the home series.
It is the first ICC monthly award for the right-arm pacer. He also became the first Bangladeshi player to win the men’s award since Mehidy Hasan Miraz claimed the honour in April last year.
“It’s a great feeling to be named the ICC Player of the Month after performing well against a world-class side like New Zealand,” Rana said in a statement.
“To deliver on home soil made the series even more special and it was a series that I will always cherish.
“I’m grateful to my team-mates for their constant support and belief in me throughout.
“I hope to keep contributing to more victories and memorable moments for my team.”
Rana endured a difficult outing in the first ODI, taking one wicket while conceding 65 runs. However, he responded strongly in the second match by registering the second five-wicket haul of his ODI career.
The pacer dismantled New Zealand’s batting order with figures of 5/32, helping bowl out the visitors for 198. He struck twice during the Powerplay before adding three more wickets in a decisive spell.
In the third and final ODI in Chattogram, Rana claimed two more wickets to help Bangladesh seal the series.
Overall, the pacer finished the series with eight wickets at an average of 16.75 and an economy rate of 4.46. His performances also earned him the Player of the Series award.
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