Nahid Rana named ICC Player of the Month

Bangladesh pace sensation Nahid Rana has been named the ICC Men's Player of the Month for April following his devastating performances against New Zealand and Pakistan.

The 23-year-old right-arm pacer claimed eight wickets in the three-match ODI series against New Zealand at an economy rate of just 4.46, earning him the Player of the Series award . He recorded a five-wicket haul in the second ODI in Mirpur, returning figures of 5 for 32 to restrict New Zealand to 198 runs .

Rana continued his red-hot form into the Test arena, taking a career-best 5 for 40 in the first Test against Pakistan in Dhaka . His crucial three-over burst after tea dismissed Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan and Noman Ali in the space of 18 balls, conceding just five runs . He finished the innings with five wickets, bowling Bangladesh to a historic 104-run victory .

Known for his raw pace, Rana consistently clocked speeds above 145kmph and breached the 150kmph mark during the series . This is the first time the young pacer from Rajshahi, who started his career playing taped tennis ball cricket, has been nominated for the monthly ICC award .