Matthews and Pakistan's Tuba Hassan win ICC Player of the Month awards

Sri Lanka’s allrounder Angelo Mathews and Pakistan’s spin sensation Tuba Hassan on Monday were voted ICC Men’s and Women’s Players of the Month respectively for May.

Mathews piled on the runs over the course of his side’s impressive 1-0 series victory against Bangladesh, amassing 344 runs at an average of 172 in two Tests. Mathews registered his second highest Test score of 199 in the draw at Chattogram, and then followed it up with his 13th Test hundred score of 145 not out in Mirpur. Matthews' ton enabled Sri Lanka to post an imposing total of 506 and complete a 10-wicket victory.

Mathews is the first Sri Lanka player to be named the ICC Player of the Month since its inception in January 2021, beating teammate Asitha Fernando, and Bangladesh's veteran batter Mushfiqur Rahim.

On being named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month, Mathews said: “I am absolutely honoured and delighted to be the ICC Men’s Player of the Month. I would like to congratulate Asitha Fernando and Mushfiqur Rahim who were front runners for this award, on their spectacular performances.

“I am grateful for the opportunity and I wish to thank the almighty, my teammates, support staff, and fans for believing in me and supporting me as always. I would like to dedicate this to the people of Sri Lanka. Let's never stop believing,” he added.

Pakistan’s Tuba Hassan was named the ICC Women’s Player of the Month after enjoying significant success with the ball during her debut international series against Sri Lanka. The 21-year-old leg spinner was instrumental in restricting the opposition in the three-match T20I series at home. She was awarded Player of the Series after taking five wickets at an average of 8.8 and an economy rate of 3.66. 

In her international debut match in Karachi, Hassan claimed 3-8 which set the platform for the hosts' six-wicket win. Hassan beat compatriot Bismah Maroof, and Jersey's teenage batter Trinity Smith to the award.

Former Pakistan captain and member of the voting panel Sana Mir felt that the youngster's impact will be a big plus for the side going forward. 

 “Tuba has shown a lot of confidence and skill to make an impact for Pakistan in her debut series. She has been working hard for some time and it is really heartwarming to see her celebrating success in her first series for Pakistan,” Mir said.