Sri Lanka`s 2 female cricketers crowned ICC Players of the Month

The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced Sri Lanka players Dunith Wellalage and Harshitha Samarawickrama as the ICC Players of the Month for August 2024m, reports indiatoday.

Wellalage earned the accolade following his outstanding performance in Sri Lanka's home ODI series against India, where his all-round contribution helped his team secure a 2–0 series win. The 31-year-old left-handed all-rounder was instrumental with both bat and ball, delivering key performances throughout the series.

The Sri Lankan all-rounder amassed scores of 67*, 39, and 2, while also taking seven wickets, including a match-winning 5/27 in the final game. Wellalage's consistent displays earned him the Player of the Series award and propelled him ahead of South Africa's Keshav Maharaj and West Indies pacer Jayden Seales for the ICC honor.

Upon receiving the award, Wellalage expressed his delight, stating: "This recognition gives me further strength to continue contributing to my team and striving for excellence. It's a great encouragement for young players like me."

This is the fifth time a Sri Lankan cricketer has won the ICC Men's Player of the Month award, with previous winners including Angelo Mathews (May 2022) and Wanindu Hasaranga (June 2023)._Agencies.