Noman Ali, Amelia Kerr ICC Players of the Month

New Zealand woman cricketer Amelia Kerr and Pakistan’s Noman Ali were announced as ICC Players of the Month for October 2024.

“All-rounder Kerr was instrumental in her side’s surge to victory at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in the UAE last month, while Noman was equally pivotal to his side’s comeback Test series win over England on home soil,” said a statement from the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Amelia and Ali won following 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.

“Kerr overcame fellow stars of the Women’s T20 World Cup, Deandra Dottin and Laura Wolvaardt to land the October prize, while Noman emerged as the men’s winner from outstanding wicket-takers elsewhere in last month’s ICC World Test Championship contests - Kagiso Rabada and Mitchell Santner,” said ICC.

With 160 runs and 19 wickets in October, which included a record-breaking haul of 15 wickets at the T20 World Cup, New Zealand talisman Amelia etched her named in New Zealand cricket folklore during a landmark month on the international stage.

Among a string of outstanding individual performances, the 24-year-old earned the Player of the Tournament crown thanks to telling contributions throughout the competition, highlighted in her efforts against Australia (29 runs and four wickets), Sri Lanka (34 runs and two wickets), and bowling spells against Pakistan (three for 14) and in the semi-final win over the West Indies (two for 14).

In the final, she once again stepped up, top-scoring with a vital 43 runs from 38 balls on a testing surface, before taking three for 24 with the ball to stifle South Africa’s chase and land the White Ferns’ maiden T20 World Cup.

New Zealand then headed to India for an ODI series, and she capped her month with another four-wicket display in Ahmedabad.

Amelia has claimed the accolade for a second time, following her maiden win back in February 2022.

Reacting to her award win, Amelia said, “It’s an honour to receive this award as there are so many world-class cricketers around the world who are also deserving of this.

“For me, it’s a special month with the World Cup win and something that means so much to myself, the team, coaches along the way, NZ and my family. Without these people I wouldn’t be able to do what I am doing.”

Noman Ali rewarded for 20-wicket haul

ICC Men’s Player of the Month Ali made a triumphant return to the Test arena in October, with 20 wickets at an average of 13.85 across his two Tests against England in Multan and Rawalpindi.

Returning to the side trailing England 1-0 in the series, left-arm spinner Ali was at his best in the second innings of both remaining encounters, first taking eight for 46 in Multan to secure a 152-run victory, and then sealing the series with figures of three for 88 in the first innings followed by six for 42 to inspire the hosts to a memorable comeback.

The award win comes after Ali entered the top 10 of the ICC Men’s Test Bowling Rankings for the first time, bowling expertly in tandem with another of Pakistan’s standout spinners during the month, Sajid Khan.

Ali said, "I am delighted to be named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month and deeply grateful to all my teammates who helped me put my best performances forward to help Pakistan win a historic home Test series against England.

"It is always exciting to be a part of such memorable wins for your country.”

Cricket, ICC, Noman Ali, Amelia Kerr, New Zealand, Pakistan, T20 World Cup