File Pic: Nahid Rana celebrates after scoring a wicket. (NOT a photo)
Nahid Rana has been named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for April 2026 after a stunning run of performances that helped Bangladesh seal a memorable ODI series win over New Zealand.The young fast bowler took eight wickets in three matches against New Zealand and continued his remarkable streak after taking eight wickets in Bangladesh’s ODI series against Pakistan in March. His impact on back-to-back streaks made him a standout performer among the monthly nominations.It is the first ICC monthly award of Rana’s career and also makes him the first Bangladeshi player to win the men’s honor since Mehidy Hasan Miraz received the accolade in April last year.From a rough start to a serial heroRana’s series against New Zealand did not start smoothly. He managed just one wicket and conceded 65 runs in the opening ODI, but the right-arm pacer bounced back in style in the second match.He tore through the visitors with figures of 5 for 32 – the second five-wicket haul of his ODI career – removing key batsmen early before returning to finish down the order. New Zealand were bowled out for 198 as Bangladesh leveled the series.Rana carried the momentum into the decider in Chattogram, taking the next two wickets to help Bangladesh clinch the series 2–1. He finished with eight wickets at an average of 16.75 and an economy rate of 4.46, winning both the Player of the Series and ICC monthly awards.“A series I will always cherish”Reacting to the honour, Rana said the award had special significance as it came after serving against the best team at home.“It feels great to be named the ICC player of the month after a good performance against the world’s top like New Zealand,” Rana said.“Serving at home made the streak even more special. It was a streak I’ll always cherish.”At just 23, Rana’s rise is gathering pace – and Bangladesh may have found their next trailblazer for the future.
