Who won the ICC Player of the Month for October 2024?

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has proudly revealed the winners of the ICC Players of the Month for October 2024. This month, the honors go to New Zealand’s all-rounder Amelia Kerr and Pakistan’s spinner Noman Ali. Both players were pivotal in their respective teams’ successes last month, showcasing skill, resilience, and leadership on the international stage.

Amelia Kerr: Propelling New Zealand to World Cup Glory

Amelia Kerr’s phenomenal performances were instrumental in leading New Zealand to victory in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup held in the UAE. As a dynamic all-rounder, Kerr left a significant mark on the tournament and proved to be an unstoppable force throughout.

A Record-Breaking Month for Kerr

The 24-year-old amassed 160 runs and claimed 19 wickets in October, a feat that included a historic 15-wicket haul during the T20 World Cup. Her performances earned her the prestigious Player of the Tournament award, cementing her place in New Zealand cricket history. Key highlights include:

• Against Australia: Kerr scored 29 runs and took four wickets, setting the tone for New Zealand’s impressive run.
• Versus Sri Lanka: Her contributions included 34 runs and two wickets.
• Bowling spells: Kerr was instrumental against Pakistan with three for 14 and West Indies in the semi-final, where she took two for 14.

Match-Winning Performance in the T20 World Cup Final

In the final against South Africa, Kerr’s all-around prowess was on full display. She top-scored with a crucial 43 runs off 38 balls on a challenging pitch, guiding New Zealand to a competitive total. With the ball, she delivered another match-winning performance, taking three wickets for 24 runs to restrict South Africa’s chase. This victory marked New Zealand’s first-ever T20 World Cup triumph and etched Kerr’s name as a cricketing hero in New Zealand’s annals. This is not Kerr’s first ICC accolade; she previously won the ICC Player of the Month award in February 2022.

Noman Ali: The Pillar of Pakistan’s Test Success

In men’s cricket, Noman Ali clinched the ICC Men’s Player of the Month title for his stellar performances in Pakistan’s Test series against England. His bowling was instrumental in Pakistan’s comeback victory at home, turning the series around from a 1-0 deficit to a memorable series win.

Outstanding Bowling Performances

Across two Tests, Noman claimed 20 wickets at an impressive average of 13.85, playing a decisive role in both matches. His critical contributions include:

• Second Test in Multan: Noman’s eight-wicket haul in the second innings (eight for 46) was pivotal in Pakistan’s 152-run victory.
• Series Decider in Rawalpindi: He secured three for 88 in the first innings, followed by a stunning six for 42 in the second innings, sealing the series for Pakistan.

Rising in the Rankings

Noman’s exceptional form propelled him into the top ten of the ICC Men’s Test Bowling Rankings for the first time. He demonstrated excellent coordination with fellow spinner Sajid Khan, creating a formidable bowling partnership that anchored Pakistan’s bowling attack.

Global Fan Engagement and Selection Process

The ICC’s Player of the Month awards are driven by the voices of global cricket fans and a specialist panel consisting of ICC Hall of Famers, former international players, and media representatives. This voting structure allows fans to actively participate in recognizing outstanding players across all formats. Both Kerr and Noman emerged victorious after a competitive vote that saw them edge out other high-performing players for the month of October.

For Kerr, this included overcoming Women’s T20 World Cup stars Deandra Dottin and Laura Wolvaardt, while Noman bested ICC World Test Championship wicket-takers Kagiso Rabada and Mitchell Santner.

Summary Table of ICC Players of the Month (October 2024)