Wanindu Hasaranga, Ashleigh Gardner wins ICC ‘Player of the Month’ award: The International Cricket Council (ICC) named Sri Lankan spinner Wanindu Hasaranga and Australian women’s team all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner the ‘Player of the Month’ for their outstanding performances in June. Hasaranga earned this honor for his outstanding achievements during the World Cup Qualifier matches in Zimbabwe, where he set new records. Ashleigh Gardner, the hero of the Women’s Ashes, became the first player to win the Player-of-the-Month accolade three times.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: July 2023
Why Wanindu Hasaranga?
Wanindu Hasaranga played a critical role in Sri Lanka’s successful qualification for the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, which is set to begin on September 5. Hasaranga was the best wicket-taker in the qualifiers, taking 22 wickets in 7 matches at an average of 12.90. He made a significant impact from the very start of the tournament, claiming six wickets against UAE in the opening match. He continued his remarkable performance with figures of 5-13 and 5-79 against Oman and Ireland, respectively. Notably, Hasaranga achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first spinner to achieve three consecutive five-wicket hauls in ODI history.
Why Ashleigh Gardner ?
Ashleigh Gardner played a pivotal role in Australia’s triumph in the Women’s Ashes one-off Test match, where they emerged victorious by a margin of 89 runs. Gardner’s involvement was critical to the success of her team. She scored 40 runs in the first innings and then took four wickets in the second. Her most spectacular achievement, however, came in the second innings, when she single-handedly sealed the victory for her team by taking eight wickets for just 66 runs. Gardner’s exceptional performance proved to be the decisive factor in Australia’s victory in the match.
How they selected?
A vote conducted among a specialist panel comprising ICC Hall of Famers, former international players, media representatives and global cricket fans registered at icc-cricket.com decided the winners, following the announcement of nominees last week.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- ICC Founded: 15 June 1909;
- ICC Headquarters: Dubai, United Arab Emirates;
- ICC Chairman: Greg Barclay.