Pakistan star Fakhar Zaman wins ICC Player of the Month Award for April 2023

Pakistan star Fakhar Zaman has been named the ICC Men's Player of the Month for April, beating out tough competition from Sri Lanka spin wizard Prabath Jayasuriya and emerging New Zealand batter Mark Chapman.

Fakhar led Pakistan's charge to their second-highest ODI run chase in Rawalpindi late in the month. The opener hit an unbeaten 180 to help Pakistan chase down a 337-run target against visiting New Zealand to take a 2-0 lead in the series. In a high-scoring contest, Pakistan won with 10 balls to spare thanks to Fakhar's knock of 17 boundaries and six massive sixes.

This was the left-hander's second century in as many April matches,



following his 117 off 114 balls in the first game at the same venue, which helped Pakistan chase down 289. Fakhar led the run-chase from the start, and was only dismissed in the 43rd over, when Pakistan was well on their way to chasing down the winning score. For his efforts, he was named Player of the Match.

The left-hander began the month with a quick 47 against New Zealand in Lahore, contributing to the home team's 88-run victory. While he struggled in the next two T20Is, Fakhar returned to form in ODIs, a format in which he has always excelled.

"It is truly an honour for me to be named ICC Player of the Month for April," Fakhar said.