Proteas kick off T20I tri-series campaign with victory against hosts Zimbabwe
The Proteas started their T20I series tri-series campaign with a five-wicket victory against host nation Zimbabwe in Harare on Monday.
Aiden Markram scoops ICC Player of the Month award after WTC final heroics
The 30-year-old opener struck a magnificent 136 off 207 balls and featured in a 147-run third wicket stand with captain Temba Bavuma in a successful run-chase of 282.
The five-wicket victory helped the Protea win an ICC title for the first time since the Champions Trophy in 1998. Markram also picked with up a wicket each in the two innings.
The South African batter won the award ahead of team-mate Kagiso Rabada, who took nine wickets in the WTC final, and Sri Lanka opener Pathum Nissanka.
Markram said: "It is a privilege to receive this award. To contribute to an ICC World Test Championship win for our team and South Africa is something that means a lot to me.
"Winning the final at Lord's is a historic moment for South African cricket, and it is something we will all remember forever.
"This victory was only possible due to the combined efforts of the entire team, with crucial contributions from KG (Kagiso Rabada) and Tembs (Temba Bavuma)."
West Indies all-rounder Hayley Matthews took the same the prize on the women's side, edging out South Africa’s Tazmin Brits and compatriot Afy Fletcher to become only the second player to win the award four times after Australia's Ashleigh Gardner.
Matthews, who previously scooped the prize in November 2021, October 2023 and April 2024, said: "It's an honour to receive the Player of the Month award again.
"I've been pleased with my form recently, but more importantly, it's been great to contribute to the team's success—especially in a hard-fought T20I series against South Africa.
"Recognition like this is appreciated, but my focus remains on what's ahead. There's a lot more I want to achieve, both personally and with this team.
"We're heading in the right direction, and I'm excited about where we can go from here."
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