ICC announces Women's Player of the Month nominations for June 2022

A pair of South African stars and a noted big-game performer from England have been shortlisted for the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for June 2022.

Shabnim Ismail, South Africa

The South Africa veteran terrorized Ireland’s batters during much of June as she claimed a total of 11 wickets from a one-sided three-match ODI series in Dublin.

Ismail picked up 3/16 and the Player of the Match award in the opening game of the series and then backed that up with another three-wicket haul in the second match. But it was in the third and final game of the series that the fiery right-armer stood out as she claimed a second career five-wicket haul in one-day cricket and astonishing figures of 5/8 in another dominant individual performance.

It was no surprise that South Africa swept the series 3-0 and that Ismail deservedly claimed the Player of the Series award.

Marizanne Kapp, South Africa

While Ismail was dominating with the white ball, her countrywoman was doing similar against England in a spirited red-ball contest in Taunton.

And while Kapp is arguably more renowned for her exploits with the ball these days, the multi-talented 32-year-old shone brightest with the bat during the one-off Test. Kapp scored 150 of South Africa’s 284 during the first innings, remaining steady throughout while her teammates fell around her to produce one of the best knocks seen in Women’s Test cricket.

But it wasn’t just in the first innings that Kapp stood out as the stylish right-hander performed with similar aplomb during the second innings with an unbeaten 43 to ensure the Proteas held on for a well-deserved draw in what was a rain-affected contest.

Nat Sciver, England

Kapp’s efforts with the bat were matched by the England right-hander, who scored her maiden Test century with a brilliant unbeaten 169 in the same match.

Sciver, who forged her name as a big game player with an excellent century in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup final against Australia earlier this year, batted sensibly throughout to help give England the upper hand in the four-day clash. South Africa were on top when debutant Alice Davidson-Richards joined Sciver at the crease midway through the second day and the score sitting precariously at 121/5, but the pair put on 207 for the sixth wicket to put the hosts firmly in control.

Sciver was immovable at the crease during her 263-ball stay, finishing her innings with 21 boundaries in what was a standout individual performance. To top things off, Sciver also chipped in with the valuable wicket of Lara Goodall on the opening day of the clash and was duly awarded the Player of the Match for her all-around efforts.