Bangladesh star all-rounder Shakib al Hasan scooped the ICC Men's Player of the Month Award for March 2023.
Rwanda's Henriette Ishimwe on the other hand was named the ICC Women's Player of the Month.
The International Cricket Council Wednesday revealed the winners.
In claiming the ICC Men's Player of the Month for March, Shakib wins his second Player of the Month crown after first winning back in July 2021.
He triumphs following a string of fine displays with bat and ball, cementing his position at the summit of the MRF Tyres ICC Men's Twenty20 International Player Rankings for all-rounders.
As well as an impressive series win over Ireland, Shakib was instrumental in securing an historic 3-0 T20I series victory over touring world champions England.
With 12 short format games throughout the month, Bangladesh had plenty of game-time in March, and their formidable short-format maestro Shakib was once again a key contributor to their success against England and Ireland.
Veteran all-rounder @Mahmudullah30's "rest" from the @BCBtigers one-day international team continued as the Bangladesh Cricket Board Sunday declared the squad for the upcoming tour of Ireland sans the experienced campaigner.https://t.co/NLcnFhN8FL
— Dhaka Tribune Sports (@Sport_DT) April 11, 2023
Opening the month with an ODI series against England, the all-rounder registered two half-centuries, the second of which coming in a familiar scintillating all-round display.
A consolation win in Chittagong was inspired by Shakib, first thanks to his 75 in 71 balls and then with the ball as he took four for 35 in 10 overs to seal a 50-run win.
In the T20I series that followed, Shakib skippered his side to a decisive 3-0 victory, with valuable runs in the first encounter, and key wickets across all three matches, in a string of impressive team displays characterized by excellent fielding and disciplined bowling.
No fewer than four days separated England's departure and the first one-day international against Ireland, and Shakib once more took up the task with aplomb, top scoring with 93 in 89 balls as Bangladesh comfortably won by 183 runs, setting the tone for another series victory.
@mipaltan batter @surya_14kumar needs to be a little more patient early on in his knock if he is to find a way out of his slump in the @IPL, former @BCCI head coach @RaviShastriOfc said.https://t.co/zDUO1eUHzS
— Dhaka Tribune Sports (@Sport_DT) April 11, 2023
His final performances in the month came in the form of three T20Is against Ireland, and Bangladesh sealed the series thanks to another outstanding display from the top-ranked all-rounder.
A quickfire 38 from 24 balls rocketed the hosts to 202 for 3 from their 20 overs, before Shakib's bowling prowess dismantled the Ireland chase with a brilliant five for 22 from his four overs.
“I am honored to win the award and would like to thank the expert panellists who have voted for me. This is a recognition I greatly value because there are so many special performances in a month from a number of amazing cricketers,” said Shakib in the ICC media release.
“If I was to pick my highlight from the past month, it has to be the T20 series sweep against England and, with the team continuing to perform beautifully as a unit in all departments, it is easier for me now to concentrate on my role and contribute,” the Bangladesh Test and T20I captain added.
Shakib overcame fellow nominees Asif Khan of United Arab Emirates and Kane Williamson of New Zealand in the global vote, and former Sri Lanka international Farveez Maharoof elaborated on Shakib's win, “Shakib gets my vote for his overall contribution to Bangladesh's success last month, notably beating a top side like England.
The @BCBtigers has announced the squad for the tour of United Kingdom in May where they will play three One Day Internationals against @cricketireland.https://t.co/jGSMiDifxq
— Dhaka Tribune Sports (@Sport_DT) April 9, 2023
“While all three candidates have enjoyed excellent periods, for me he has been the standout player and a deserving Men's Player of the Month for March.”
Both Shakib and Henriette edged out their fellow contenders following a vote conducted among a specialist panel – comprising ICC Hall of Famers, former international players, and media representatives – and global cricket fans registered at icc-cricket.com, who had been voting since the nominees were announced last week.