Bangladeshi fast bowler Nahid Rana has been named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for April 2026 following a standout performance in the ODI series against New Zealand.
The right-arm pacer claimed eight wickets across three matches against the Black Caps, playing a key role in Bangladesh’s strong showing at home. His consistency and match-winning spells helped him secure his first-ever ICC monthly award, making him only the second Bangladeshi to win the honour in recent times after all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who achieved the feat in April last year.
Nahid Rana’s form had already been impressive before the New Zealand series, as he also picked up eight wickets in a three-match ODI series against Pakistan in March, continuing a breakthrough run in international cricket.
In the first ODI against New Zealand, Nahid Rana had a quiet outing, taking just one wicket for 65 runs. However, he made a strong comeback in the second ODI, producing the second five-wicket haul of his career. He struck early in the Powerplay with two quick wickets and later returned to dismantle the middle order, finishing with figures of 5 for 32 as New Zealand were bowled out for 198.
He carried that momentum into the third ODI in Chattogram, where he added two more wickets, helping Bangladesh seal a 2-1 series victory. For his consistent impact across the series, Rana was also named Player of the Series.
Across the three matches, he finished with eight wickets at an average of 16.75 and an economy rate of 4.46, underlining his growing reputation as one of Bangladesh’s most promising fast bowlers on the international stage.
Following the announcement, Rana said it was a special feeling to be recognised by the ICC, especially for performances against a strong side like New Zealand, and credited his teammates for their support throughout the series.
