Sri Lanka batter Sonal Dinusha has been named the ICC Player of the Month for August following his gritty knocks against India in a home ICC World Test Championship series, while Isle of Man captain Lucy Barnett has won the women’s award for her standout performances in the Continental Cup T20I tournament.
Dinusha, who won the award in a competitive group that included fast bowlers Ollie Robinson of England and Hasan Mahmud of Bangladesh, struck three centuries in four innings in the two-Test series against India, which included twin centuries in a fighting draw in the latter match.
The 25-year-old left-hander had scores of 100 and 84 in the first Test in Galle that his team lost, but his knocks of 103 and 133 not out in the second one at the Sinhalese Sports Club ground in Colombo helped stave off defeat from a difficult situation.
In saving the match, he became only the third batter ever to score a century in each innings for a team that was asked to follow on. The award was credible not only because it came in the face of some stiff competition from Robinson and Hasan but also because Dinusha got it after only five international matches - all Tests.
Sonal Dinusha said: “This recognition means so much to me, especially so early in my career, and I’m truly grateful to the ICC for this honour. The series against India will always hold a special place in my heart. Scoring three centuries was a dream come true, made even more meaningful by achieving them in Colombo and Galle in front of our home fans.
“Although we didn’t get the overall result we hoped for, the way our team fought back in the second match showed the character, belief and determination we have as a side. I’m proud to have shared that fight with my teammates.
“Representing Sri Lanka is a privilege I never take for granted, and this recognition gives me even more motivation to keep learning, improving and contributing to the team. I’ll continue to give my very best for Sri Lanka in the months and years ahead.
“I’m deeply thankful to my parents, teammates, coaches, friends and relatives for their constant love, support and belief in me. This achievement is not mine alone; it belongs to everyone who has been part of my journey and helped me reach this point.”
The women’s award this time saw all three contenders hail from Associate teams. The Thailand pair of Suleeporn Laomi and Nannapat Koncharoenkai were in the fray with some fine performances, but Barnett, hailing from the 38th-ranked European side Isle of Man, clinched the award as the fans’votes proved decisive.
Barnett scored 257 runs at an average of 128.5 and an outstanding strike rate of 178.47 in four T20Is, including a knock of 123 not out off 64 balls against Norway.
The opening batter finished as the leading scorer in the Continental Cup that was played in Ilfov County in Romania. She also chipped in with four wickets with her off-spin bowling as Isle of Man reached the final of the tournament.
Lucy Barnett said: “Winning the ICC Player of the Month award is an incredible feeling and, honestly, still feels a little unbelievable as I am making history of sorts for the Isle of Man. I knew I had a strong month, but to be recognised ahead of so many others is something I’m immensely proud of and will cherish for a very long time.
“It’s a fantastic time for women’s cricket, and to have the spotlight on me now is a truly special feeling. I’m grateful to the ICC for this honour and to all my teammates, coaches and officials who have made my international journey such an enjoyable and rewarding one.
“This award gives me even more motivation to keep pushing myself, and I hope to carry this form into the matches ahead and create many more special moments for my team.”
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Both players were crowned following a vote conducted among global fans registered at icc-cricket.com and a specialist panel comprising former international players and media representatives.