The International Cricket Council (ICC) today announced that Pakistan’s superstar skipper Babar Azam, and Australia’s run-machine Rachael Haynes have been named the ICC Men’s and Women’s Players of the Month for March 2022.

Azam scoops the Men’s award following a number of thrilling batting displays in Pakistan’s multi-format series against Australia. Amassing 390 runs in the pulsating Test series, his supreme contribution was highlighted by his record-breaking innings of 196 in the second Test, salvaging a draw for his side against the odds on the final day in Karachi. At the forefront of his side’s batting outfit, his exploits during the subsequent ODI battles that took place in March also cemented his claim as the standout player in international cricket during the month. Scores of 57 and 114 – the latter helping his side chase down an imposing 349 set by Australia, saw him as a constant threat to an otherwise formidable bowling attack.

Azam receives the award ahead of fellow nominees Kraigg Brathwaite (West Indies) and Pat Cummins (Australia), and in doing so, becomes the first player to win the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award on two occasions, after being crowned back in April 2021.

Speaking about Babar’s phenomenal performances in March, member of the voting panel and former West Indies international Daren Ganga said, “Babar wins this award not only because of the significant glut of runs scored during the Pakistan v Australia tour, but also because his success with the bat across formats. Being able to fulfil the burden of expectation as a captain and batter for Pakistan as host to an Australian team visiting after 24 years is a monumental achievement.”

Rachael Haynes celebrates becoming the ICC Women’s Player of the Month following a formidable set of displays on the road to Australia’s seventh ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup trophy. Scoring 429 priceless runs in eight matches at an average of 61.28, her extraordinary feats at the top of the order proved crucial to her side’s unbeaten run to the final, where they subsequently overcame England to cap a thrilling tournament.

Her accomplishments at the crease throughout the month laid the foundations for her team to set imposing totals and chase down big targets, and were made even more impressive by her ability to perform during pivotal times. Her 130 against England in the opening game set the tone for a dominant unbeaten run to the final, while her other standout performance came in the form of a classy 85 during the semi-final win against the West Indies.

In securing this month’s award, she overcomes fellow nominees Sophie Ecclestone (England) and Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa) following their outstanding displays with both bat and ball in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in New Zealand.

“Rachael Haynes has displayed tremendous consistency for Australia,” remarked Sana Mir, the former Pakistan international and ICC Player of the Month voting panel member. “She set the tone for the tournament with a big hundred in their first game and her contributions throughout the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup set a platform for the other batters to build on. Haynes is a quality batter and a leader in women’s game.”

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Lahore, 25 March 2022:

Pakistan captain Babar Azam held an online press conference after the conclusion of the third and final Benaud-Qadir Trophy, ICC World Test Championship series match at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on Friday.

Australia won the series 1-0 courtesy their 115-run win on the fifth day of the Lahore Test.

The audio and video links of Babar’s press conference are available here

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2020 champions Karachi Kings suffered their fourth successive defeat as 2017 winners Peshawar Zalmi held their nerves to win their second match by nine runs in the 11^th fixture of the HBL Pakistan Super League 2022 at the National Stadium on Friday.

Chasing 174 for victory, Karachi Kings recovered from three to two to reach 77 for two in the 10^th over before Zalmi pulled things back and conceded 87 runs in the last 10 overs (19 off the last over) to restrict Karachi Kings to 164 for six.

World’s No.1 ranked T20I batsman faced the first and the last ball of the innings and finished at 90 not out. His 63-ball innings included 12 fours and a six.

The stars of Zalmi’s bowling were young pace duo of Mohammad Umar and Salman Irshad, who conceded 46 runs between them from eight overs with the former capturing three wickets.

Zalmi’s victory means they have joined Islamabad United and Lahore Qalandars on four points, while Quetta Gladiators are fifth on two points and Kings yet to get off the mark. The table is headed by defending champions Multan Sultans, who have won all their four matches.

Other performers

Put into bat, Zalmi were lifted by Shoaib Malik who struck five fours and two sixes in a 28-ball 52 not out. Opener Hazratullah Zazai scored a 27-ball 41 with five fours and two sixes.

For Karachi Kings, fast bowler Umaid Asif finished with three for 36.

In turn, Karachi Kings’ innings was off to a horrendous start when Sharjeel Khan and Sahibzada Farhan were back in the hut with the scoreboard reading three. Babar and Ian Cockbain added 74 runs for the third wicket, but Cockbain’s departure began the start of the end for the Kings.

Mohammad Nabi scored run-a-ball 10, Aamer Yamin scored a 15-ball 20 and Imad Wasim got a second-ball duck as Kings limped to 164 for six, including 19 runs in the final over of the match.

Interesting, after six straight wins for sides batting second, this was the fifth consecutive time the side batting first successfully defended the score.

Player of the match Shoaib Malik: “Success in T20 cricket is all about quickly assessing the conditions and playing your shots. I did exactly that and I am pleased I was able to make a good contribution. But we receive a good start from Hazartullah Zazai and Kamran Akmal, and that also allowed me to construct the innings.

“It was a strategic move that I bowl the first over to Sharjeel Khan as he is a dangerous batsman and capable of taking the match away very quickly. I am glad it worked.”

Scores in brief:

Peshawar Zalmi 173-4, 20 overs (Shoaib Malik 52 not out, Hazratullah Zazai 41, Ben Cutting 24, Kamran Akmal 21Umaid Asif 3-36)

Karachi Kings 164-6, 20 overs (Babar Azam 90 not out, Ian Cockbain 31, Mohammad Umar 3-22)

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