Pakistan skipper Babar Azam voted ICC Player of the Month, first player to win this award twice

Dubai: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday announced Pakistan skipper Babar Azam, and Australia's run-machine Rachael Haynes the ICC Men's and Women's Players of the Month for March.

Azam received the award beating fellow nominees Kraigg Brathwaite (West Indies) and Pat Cummins (Australia), becoming the first player to win the ICC Men's Player of the Month award on two occasions, after being crowned back in April 2021.

He scooped the award following a number of thrilling batting displays in Pakistan's multi-format series against Australia.

Amassing 390 runs in a pulsating Test series, his contribution was highlighted by his record-breaking innings of 196 in the second Test, salvaging a draw for his side against odds on the final day in Karachi. His exploits during the subsequent ODI battles that took place in March also cemented his claim as the standout player in international cricket during the month.

On the other hand, Haynes celebrated becoming the ICC Women's Player of the Month following a formidable set of displays on the road to Australia's seventh ICC Women's Cricket World Cup trophy. Scoring 429 runs in eight matches at an average of 61.28, her extraordinary feats at the top of the order proved crucial to her side's unbeaten run to the final, where they subsequently overcame England to cap a thrilling tournament. In securing this month's award, she surpassed fellow nominees Sophie Ecclestone (England) and Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa) following their outstanding displays with both bat and ball in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup in New Zealand. (UNI)