The ICC awarded Pakistan spinner Noman Ali the Men’s Player of the Month for October 2024. He played a crucial role in Pakistan’s thrilling 2-1 Test series victory against England, taking 20 wickets at an impressive average of 13.85.
Pakistan’s left-arm spinner Noman Ali has clinched the prestigious ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for October 2024. Noman’s remarkable performance helped Pakistan secure a 2-1 Test series win against England on home soil, the first such victory for Pakistan since 2021. He surpassed contenders Kagiso Rabada of South Africa and New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner to win the accolade.
The 37-year-old bowler was instrumental in Pakistan’s success, taking an impressive 20 wickets in the series with an average of just 13.85. Reflecting on his achievement, Noman said, “I am delighted to be named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month and deeply grateful to all my teammates who helped me put my best performances forward to help Pakistan win a historic home Test series against England, It is always exciting to be a part of such memorable wins for your country.”
Noman’s match-winning contributions came in crucial stages. In the second Test in Multan, he achieved his career-best figures of 8/46, leading Pakistan to a 152-run victory. His 11-wicket haul in the match shifted the momentum in Pakistan’s favor after a loss in the opening Test. Noman continued his dominance in the third and deciding Test in Rawalpindi. He took six wickets and contributed a vital 45 runs batting at number nine, giving Pakistan a solid first-innings lead.
The award is a well-deserved recognition for Noman, marking him as the first Pakistani to win ICC’s Player of the Month award since Babar Azam in August 2023. Moreover, Noman and fellow spinner Sajid Khan formed a formidable spin duo. They are especially valuable as Pakistan relied on spin-friendly conditions to outmaneuver England.
Future Endeavors
With this award under his belt, Noman is expected to play a key role in Pakistan’s upcoming series against South Africa and the West Indies, scheduled for December and January. His recent success also propelled him into the ICC Men’s Test Bowling Rankings top ten for the first time. It also underscores his status as a rising force in international cricket.
This month, the ICC also recognized New Zealand’s Melie Kerr. She won the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for her all-rounder performance in New Zealand’s T20 World Cup victory.
