Jasprit Bumrah, Smriti Mandhana combine to do a first at ICC Awards

Celebrations continued for the Indian cricket fans, who relished India’s title win at the T20 World Cup this month alomgwith women’s Test and ODI wins over South Africa, as pace bowler Jasprit Bumrah and opening batter Smriti Mandhana grabbed the ICC Player of the Month awards for June 2024.

Bumrah, who was crowned Player of the Tournament following India’s triumphant campaign at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the USA and West Indies, claimed his first ICC Men’s Player of the Month award.

Mandhana also clinched her maiden ICC Women’s Player of the Month award after her scintillating batting performances lit up India’s ODI series victory over South Africa.

“The double-win marks the first time the ICC Men’s and Women’s Player of the Month represent the same country since the awards began in 2021,” said the International Cricket Council (ICC) in a statement.

Bumrah was at the heart of India’s trophy-winning success, picking 15 wickets in eight matches at an economy rate of 4.17 and stunning average of 8.26. The 30-year-old, known for his control and consistency, provided valuable breakthroughs and bowled tight spells against all opposition.

“I am delighted to be named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for June. It’s a special honour for me following a memorable few weeks spent in the USA and West Indies. We have had a lot to celebrate as a team, and I am delighted to be able to add this personal accolade to the list,” he was quoted as saying by the ICC.

“I wish to congratulate my captain Rohit Sharma and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (the two other contenders for Player of Month) for their excellent performances in the same period, and I am humbled to have been chosen as the winner,” he added.

Smriti played a starring role in India’s sweep over South Africa in the ODI series last month. The opener set the tone for her prolific spell at the crease with a commanding 117 in the first outing in Bengaluru.

She went one better in the second match, hitting her second successive century and top scoring in a game that saw 646 runs in total. The opener smashed 136 in 120 balls. She came close to sealing a hat-trick of hundreds in the final outing, falling agonisingly on 90.

During the period, Mandhana recorded 343 runs at an average of 114.33, with a strike rate of over 100, earning her the Player of the Series award.

“I am really glad to have won the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for June. I’m really happy with the way the team has performed and I’m happy to have contributed,” she was quoted as saying by ICC.

Bumrah and Smriti won through a vote conducted among global fans registered at icc-cricket.com and a specialist panel comprising ICC Hall of Famers, former international players, and media representatives.

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Jasprit Bumrah, Smriti Mandhana, ICC Awards, Indian cricket