Nahid Rana crowned ICC Player of the Month for stunning New Zealand displays

Bangladesh fast bowler Nahid Rana was named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for April 2026 after starring in his side’s ODI series win against New Zealand national cricket team.

Rana claimed eight wickets in three matches as Bangladesh secured a 2-1 series victory over New Zealand at home. The right-arm pacer had also enjoyed a productive March against Pakistan, where he picked up eight wickets in another three-match ODI series, continuing a breakthrough year in international cricket.

The award is the first ICC monthly honour of Rana’s career. He also became the first Bangladesh player to win the men’s award since Mehidy Hasan Miraz received the recognition in April last year.

“It’s a great feeling to be named the ICC Player of the Month after performing well against a world-class side like New Zealand,” Rana said.

“To deliver on home soil made the series even more special and it was a series that I will always cherish.

“I’m grateful to my team-mates for their constant support and belief in me throughout.

“I hope to keep contributing to more victories and memorable moments for my team.”

Rana began the series quietly in the opening ODI, finishing with one wicket while conceding 65 runs. However, he bounced back strongly in the second match with one of the best performances of his ODI career.

The pacer ripped through the New Zealand batting order with figures of 5/32, registering the second five-wicket haul of his career. His maiden ODI five-for had also come earlier this year during Bangladesh’s series against Pakistan.

Rana struck twice during the Powerplay to put New Zealand under pressure early before returning to remove the middle and lower order. His spell helped bowl the visitors out for 198 and levelled the series for Bangladesh.

The 23-year-old continued to trouble the New Zealand batters in the deciding ODI in Chattogram. Rana picked up two more wickets in the final match as Bangladesh sealed the series 2-1, with the fast bowler also being named Player of the Series for his performances.

Across the three matches, Rana finished with eight wickets at an average of 16.75 and an economy rate of 4.46. His pace and ability to strike with the new ball proved crucial in Bangladesh’s success throughout the series.

Rana’s rise has added another dimension to Bangladesh’s bowling attack at a time when the side is building towards major ICC tournaments. His performances against New Zealand further strengthened his reputation as one of the most promising fast bowlers in Bangladesh cricket.