Mendis and Beaumont Clinch ICC Player of the Month Awards for September 2024

International Cricket Council (ICC) has revealed the Players of the Month for September 2024, honoring Sri Lanka’s Kamindu Mendis and England’s Tammy Beaumont for their outstanding performances in international cricket. Both players have earned this prestigious recognition for the second time, reflecting their consistency and dominance on the global cricketing stage.

Kamindu Mendis: A Record-Breaking Streak in Test Cricket

Kamindu Mendis, the 26-year-old Sri Lankan cricketer, has been named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for September 2024. Mendis is no stranger to this accolade, having previously won it in March 2024. This latest recognition comes after an impressive month in the Test format, where he showcased his skill and determination.

Mendis was up against tough competition, including Travis Head of Australia and his Sri Lankan teammate Prabath Jayasuriya, but his exceptional performances secured him the award. His win also continues a successful streak for Sri Lankan cricketers, with Dunith Wellalage and Harshitha Samarawickrama claiming the award in August.

Stellar Performances in September

Mendis has been in red-hot form throughout 2024, and his performances in September further solidified his reputation as one of the most promising young talents in world cricket. Playing in four Tests, Mendis amassed 451 runs at an average of 90.20. These matches were part of crucial ICC World Test Championship series, with contests held in England and at home against New Zealand.

In the England series, Mendis delivered standout scores of 74 and 64, but his best performances came during the home series against New Zealand, played in his hometown of Galle. In the first Test on a challenging surface, he scored a brilliant 114, setting the tone for his team’s dominance. In the second Test, Mendis surpassed even that effort, scoring a composed 182, leading Sri Lanka to an innings victory.

This monumental innings not only helped secure the win but also made Mendis the first player in history to score fifty in each of his first eight Test matches. Additionally, he became the fastest batter in 75 years to reach 1,000 Test runs, a feat that has placed him firmly in the ranks of cricket’s rising stars.

Tammy Beaumont: England’s Powerhouse in Short Format Cricket

Tammy Beaumont, one of England’s most fearsome batters, has been named the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for September 2024. Beaumont, who previously won the award in February 2021, continues to be a dominant force in women’s cricket. She was chosen ahead of Ireland’s Aimee Maguire and UAE’s Esha Oza, securing her place as one of the premier batters in the world.

Beaumont’s award comes after an extraordinary month where she excelled in England’s short-format series against Ireland. Her explosive batting proved instrumental in England’s success.

Dominating Performances Against Ireland

In five matches against Ireland, Beaumont amassed 279 runs, solidifying her reputation as a key player at the top of the order. Although her performance in the first match of the series was relatively subdued, Beaumont bounced back in spectacular fashion in the second contest. In this match, she scored a sensational 150 runs from 139 balls, demonstrating her wide array of stroke play and ability to dominate bowling attacks.

With the series already won, Beaumont continued her form, scoring a half-century in the final One-Day International (ODI). She then contributed 27 and 40 in the subsequent T20I series, where the honours were shared between the two teams.

Beaumont’s Historic Achievement

Beaumont’s September performances have not only helped England secure victories but have also etched her name in the history books. She is now the first English cricketer to win the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award since Maia Bouchier claimed it in March 2024. Beaumont’s ability to maintain consistency across formats has made her one of the most valuable players in the England setup.