A prolific ODI series against New Zealand has seen Nahid Rana named the ICC Men's Player of the Month for April 2026.
The Bangladesh pacer picked up eight wickets in three ODIs against the Black Caps, continuing his impressive run of form from March, where he had also claimed eight wickets in a three-match ODI series against Pakistan.
It is the first time Rana has won a monthly ICC award, with the right-armer becoming the first player from Bangladesh to claim the men's award since all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz did so 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.”
In the first ODI against New Zealand, Rana had a relatively quiet outing, picking up just one wicket while conceding 65 runs.
However, he bounced back strongly in the second ODI, registering the second five-wicket haul of his career, with his first also coming earlier this year against Pakistan in March.
Rana caused early problems for the New Zealand batters as he picked up two wickets in the Powerplay. He then added three more wickets to completely break the backbone of the innings, with the Black Caps bowled out for 198 as Rana finished with impressive figures of 5/32.
The third and final ODI saw Rana continue to trouble the Kiwi batters. In the decider in Chattogram, he picked up another two wickets to help guide Bangladesh to a 2-1 series victory. For his outstanding performances, Rana was also named Player of the Series.
In total his eight wickets came at an average of 16.75 and an economy of 4.46 which led Nahid Rana to the ICC Player of the Month title for April 2026.
