Fakhar Zaman thrilled after being named ICC Player of the Month for April - 'One of highlights of my career'

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Pakistan Fakhar Zaman has been named the ICC Men's Player of the Month for April after beating out tough competition from Sri Lanka spin wizard Prabath Jayasuriya, and 28-year-old New Zealand batter Mark Chapman.

The southpaw led the charge for the Men in Green as they pulled off their second-highest ODI run-chase in Rawalpindi late in the month. The opener smashed an unbeaten 180 to help Pakistan chase down a target of 337 against the visiting New Zealand side to go 2-0 up in the series.

The knock from Zaman inclduded 17 boundaries and six gigantic sixes as Pakistan won with 10 balls to spare in a high-scoring contest. With the win the hosts also took a 1-0 lead.

Earlier, the 33-year-old slammed 117 off 114 balls in the first ODI at the same venue, helping Pakistan chase down 289 with five wickets and nine balls to spare.

Zaman was on fire in both the matches and was deservingly adjudged Man of the Match on both the occasions. He was also given the Player of the Series award after Pakistan clinched the series 4-1 on May 7.

The left-hander started the month with a brisk 47 in the first T20I in Lahore against the Kiwis, playing an important part in Pakistan's thumping 88-run won. While he didn't get going in the next two T20I matches, Zaman stormed into form in the following ODI games.

Zaman now has 3375 ODI runs at an average of 48.43 and a strike-rate of 93.27 in his 70-match career. The Mardan-born cricketer has rated his performance in April, 2023 as one of the highlights of his career.

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

"This month has been one of the highlights of my career and it was an amazing feeling to play in front of my own people in Lahore, Rawalpindi and Karachi.

"I really enjoyed scoring back-to-back centuries in Rawalpindi, but my favourite was the 180 not out in the second match.

"I hope to continue the momentum leading into the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, and make Pakistan cricket fans happy and proud with my performances."