Thursday, November 7, 2024 10:34 AM
Noman Ali earns ICC Men's Player of the Month nomination for October 2024 after stellar performances against England.
In a remarkable achievement for Pakistani cricket, spinner Noman Ali has been nominated for the ICC Men's Player of the Month Award for October 2024. This prestigious recognition comes alongside fellow nominees, New Zealand's Mitchell Santner and South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada. Noman, at 38 years old, has showcased his exceptional skills on home soil, playing a pivotal role in Pakistan's comeback victory over England.
Noman Ali made a stunning return to Test cricket in October, marking his first nomination for the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award. His performance was nothing short of spectacular, as he took 20 wickets at an impressive average of 13.85 during two Tests against England held in Multan and Rawalpindi. Partnering with the equally talented Sajid Khan, Noman proved to be a constant threat on the spinning pitches, particularly excelling in the second innings of both matches. He recorded remarkable figures of eight wickets for 46 runs and six wickets for 42 runs, leading Pakistan to a memorable victory.
In addition to his bowling prowess, Noman also contributed significantly with the bat, with his standout performance being a crucial 45-run innings in the first innings of the final Test. His all-round capabilities have not only bolstered the team's performance but have also earned him a well-deserved spot among the nominees.
Joining Noman in the race for the award is New Zealand's Mitchell Santner. Despite playing only one Test in October, Santner's impact was monumental. He played a key role in New Zealand's victory in the second Test against India in Pune, helping his team secure a historic series win. Santner's exceptional bowling skills were on full display as he took seven wickets for 53 runs in the first innings and followed it up with six wickets for 104 runs in the second innings, leading to a 113-run victory.
South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada is another strong contender for the award. He reclaimed the top position in the ICC Men’s Test Bowling Rankings during October, thanks to his outstanding performance in the series against Bangladesh. Rabada achieved a significant milestone by claiming his 300th Test wicket, finishing with match figures of nine wickets for 72 runs in the first Test, including a match-winning six for 46 in the second innings.
As the cricketing world eagerly awaits the announcement of the winners, an independent ICC Voting Academy, along with fans from around the globe, will have the opportunity to cast their votes. The results will be revealed next week, and it will be interesting to see who emerges victorious in this competitive field.
Noman Ali's nomination not only highlights his individual brilliance but also reflects the growing talent within Pakistan cricket. As fans, we can take pride in the achievements of our players on the international stage. This recognition serves as an inspiration for young cricketers in Pakistan, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and strive for excellence in the sport.