Dubai, Dec 12: Australia’s left-handed batter Travis Head and Bangladesh all-rounder Nahida Akter have been crowned ICC Players of the Month in the Men’s and Women’s category for November 2023.Head overcame fellow Australian and World Cup winner Glenn Maxwell and senior Indian fast-bowler Mohammed Shami to claim the award, while Akter wins from two other stars of the same series, compatriot Fargana Hoque and Pakistan’s Sadia Iqbal.
Head gets the honour after starring with Player of the Match contributions in both the semi-final win over South Africa, and the blockbuster final victory over India in Ahmedabad to help Australia clinch their sixth Men’s ODI World Cup title.
South Africa were the first opponents to be undone by Head’s brilliance in the semi-final showdown in Kolkata. Bowling first, the spinner removed the dangerous Heinrich Klaasen and Marco Jansen in consecutive balls, limiting the Proteas score to a modest 212. With bat in hand, the opener then set a brisk pace in response, and top scored with 62 from 48 balls as Australia chased down the target with three wickets in hand.
His crowning glory however came in the final triumph over India in Ahmedabad. An economical bowling display and a phenomenal running catch in the outfield to dismiss Rohit Sharma was followed by hitting a sparkling 137 in 120 balls to see Australia overcome the tournament hosts, who were on a ten-match unbeaten streak.
“It’s been an incredible 12 months for the team which it has been a real privilege to be a part of. The way we have navigated a home summer, away trips to India, England, South Africa, India and the World Cup has been great credit to Pat, the players and the staff.”