Bangladesh left-arm spinner Nahida Akter has been announced as the International Cricket Council Women’s Player of the Month for November.
Nahida became the first ever Bangladesh women’s player to win the award.
Nahida beat compatriot Fargana Hoque Pinky and Pakistan spinner Sadia Iqbal to win the award and was thrilled to accept the monthly honor.
“This is a moment to cherish," Nahida said.
"To be recognized by such a distinguished panel of cricket experts mean a lot and winning the ICC Women Player of the Month award will be a massive source of inspiration and motivation for me.
“We have played some amazing cricket in recent months and I am so happy to have contributed to the successes we have tasted as a team. I must thank my captain (Nigar Sultana Joty), coaches and teammates for always believing in me and that has allowed me to play my natural game against quality opponents and perform under pressure.”
Nahida’s seven One Day International wickets at an average of 14.14 were instrumental in setting up an important series win for Bangladesh during November, with her haul earning the Player of the Series award.
In the first game, Bangladesh were dismissed for merely 81, but the slow left-arm spinner did not give up.
She struck thrice before Pakistan eventually managed to overhaul the modest total.
In the second ODI, she finished with 1/43 and broke a pivotal stand between Diana Baig and Najiha Alvi.
Bangladesh eventually tied the game, and Nahida was given the responsibility of bowling the Super Over.
The 23-year old gave away just seven runs and scalped two wickets.
The batters then finished the job by chasing down the score and levelling the series.
The final game saw her pick up 3/26 and help restrict Pakistan to 166/9.
This total was eventually hauled in by the Bangladesh batters in the 47th over.
The sensational youngster is already the highest wicket-taker for Bangladesh in Twenty20 Internationals and the third highest in ODIs.
* Source: ICC