ICC Men’s Player of the Month Sonal Dinusha
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.”
