ICC Player Of The Month: Celebrating Wanindu Hasaranga And Ashleigh Gardner's Outstanding Performances

In a recent announcement by the International Cricket Council (ICC), Wanindu Hasaranga, the Sri Lankan spinner, and Ashleigh Gardner, the Australian women's team all-rounder, were celebrated for their outstanding performances in June. 

Hasaranga was lauded for his achievements during the World Cup Qualifier matches in Zimbabwe. Meanwhile, Gardner, a star of the Women's Ashes, clinched the Player-of-the-Month accolade for a record third time. Now, let's dig deep into the Wanindu Hasaranga stats and Ashleigh Gardner stats that led to these recognitions.

Why Wanindu Hasaranga?

Wanindu Hasaranga, the talented Sri Lankan spinner, was a shining star during the ICC World Cup Qualifiers. His important role ensured Sri Lanka's spot in India's upcoming 2023 ODI World Cup. Let's consider some of the key Wanindu Hasaranga stats from the qualifiers:

  • He took 22 wickets in 7 matches, boasting an impressive average of 12.90.
  • Wanindu Hasaranga's journey commenced with a six-wicket haul against the UAE.
  • He stunned audiences with figures of 5-13 and 5-79 against Oman and Ireland.
  • He created history, becoming the first spinner with three consecutive five-wicket hauls in ODIs.

Wanindu Hasaranga stepped into the national limelight straight from Sri Lanka's under-19s. He's a remarkable spinner and a force to be reckoned with his aggressive batting. 

His international journey began with a bang, clinching a hat-trick in his first ODI outing. A look back at the 2018 season further cements his prowess, with 765 runs in nine matches for the Colombo Cricket Club.

Wanindu Hasaranga's international journey has been bright, particularly his exceptional performances in the T20Is against Pakistan. This and his invaluable contributions in the qualifiers speak volumes about his potential.

Why Ashleigh Gardner?

Ashleigh Gardner showcased her prowess in the Women's Ashes, helping Australia clinch victory by 89 runs. Glancing at some key Ashleigh Gardner stats:

  • She scored 40 runs in the first innings and took 12 wickets.
  • Her 8-wicket haul for just 66 runs in the second innings was the game-changer.

Ashleigh Gardner's cricketing journey is impressive. A right-handed batter and right-arm off-spinner, she has consistently performed in various leagues, earning numerous individual honours. 

Her dominant display against New Zealand in the 2022 Women's Cricket World Cup and her heroics in the 2022 Commonwealth Games further emphasise her quality. 

Ashleigh Gardner's recent performance against England in the Ashes test, where she achieved the best bowling figures in Australian women's cricket, is a testament to her skill.

Born in Sydney and of Indigenous Australian heritage, Gardner has also made waves off the field. Her artistic pursuits, like dot painting, and her efforts to promote education among Aboriginal kids showcase a multifaceted personality.

How were they selected?

The 'Player of the Month' accolade winners were chosen through a voting process. 

This involved an expert panel consisting of: 

  • ICC Hall of Famers 
  • Former international players 
  • Media representatives
  • Fans registered at ICC-cricket.com

Sri Lanka's Wanindu Hasaranga and Australia's Ashleigh Gardner are a testament to the talent and potential that the cricketing world holds. Their recent achievements are only the tip of the iceberg when considering their budding careers.

FAQs
Where was Wanindu Hasaranga born?
Wanindu Hasaranga was born in Galle, Sri Lanka.
How many wickets were taken by Wanindu Hasaranga in IPL 2023?
Wanindu Hasaranga took nine wickets (in 8 IPL innings) with a strike rate of 19.33 and an average of 28.66.
When was Ashleigh Gardner born?
Ashleigh Katherine Gardner (born 15 April 1997) is an Australian cricketer.
When did Ashleigh Gardner debut?
Gardner made her T20I debut in February 2017 against New Zealand, with her ODI debut soon after against the same team.