West Indies left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie has been shortlisted for the ICC Player of the Month award for May, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced on Monday.
The 29-year-old Guyanese is in the running for the prestigious award following his outstanding performance in the three-match Twenty20 International series against South Africa, which was held exclusively in Jamaica. Motie played a pivotal role in securing a series sweep for the West Indies, earning the Player of the Series accolade for his exceptional bowling.
Motie was the standout bowler for the West Indies during the home series against South Africa, capturing eight wickets across the three matches at an impressive average of 8.50. His contributions were crucial in all three games:
- In the opening match, he took three for 25, effectively curbing South Africa’s chase.
- He followed up with another stellar performance in the second match, taking three for 22 and further stifling the South African batting line-up.
- In the final match, Motie took two wickets, turning the tide in favor of the West Indies and clinching the series.
Other contenders
Motie is up against Pakistan’s left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi and Ireland’s wicketkeeper-batsman Lorcan Tucker for the men’s Player of the Month award. Afridi, nominated for the second consecutive month, showcased his fast-bowling prowess by taking 10 wickets in five T20Is during May, including three consecutive three-wicket hauls. Tucker was recognized for his explosive batting, scoring 51 and 73 in successive matches against Pakistan, and hitting 40 and 55 against the Netherlands, providing confidence-boosting wins ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup campaign.
For the women’s Player of the Month, Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu, England left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone, and Scotland all-rounder Kathryn Bryce are in contention.
The winners of the ICC Player of the Month awards for May will be announced next Monday through the ICC’s digital channels.
