Harmar Beats Taijul to Claim November’s ICC Honour

South Africa’s experienced off-spinner Simon Harmar has been named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for November, edging past Bangladesh’s Taijul Islam in a keenly contested field and underlining South Africa’s growing dominance in world cricket awards.

Taijul Islam had enjoyed a remarkable month, particularly in Bangladesh’s two-Test series against Ireland. The left-arm spinner claimed 13 wickets across the series, playing a decisive role in Bangladesh’s success. More significantly, Taijul surpassed Shakib Al Hasan to become Bangladesh’s highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, a landmark achievement that reflected his consistency and longevity at the highest level. This outstanding run of form earned him a place on the ICC’s shortlist for the November award, raising hopes of individual recognition to match his historic feat.

However, the final accolade went to Simon Harmar, whose performances in India proved impossible to overlook. The 36-year-old off-spinner was instrumental in South Africa’s emphatic 2–0 Test series victory on Indian soil — the country’s first such series win there in 25 years. Harmar dismantled India’s batting line-up with relentless accuracy and subtle variation, finishing the series with 17 wickets at a remarkable average of just 8.94. His efforts powered South Africa to a comprehensive whitewash and earned him widespread acclaim as the defining player of the series.

With Harmar’s triumph, South African cricketers have now claimed the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for two consecutive months. In October, the honour went to all-rounder Senuran Muthusamy, highlighting the depth and balance currently evident in South Africa’s red-ball squad.

Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz was the third nominee for the men’s award, recognised for his all-round contributions during the month, though he ultimately fell short of matching Harmar’s match-winning impact.

In the women’s category, India’s World Cup-winning star Shafali Verma was crowned ICC Women’s Player of the Month for November. She finished ahead of Thailand’s Thipatcha Putthawong and the United Arab Emirates’ Esha Oza. Shafali’s award followed her decisive contribution in the Women’s ODI World Cup final, where she scored a composed 87 off 78 balls against South Africa. Drafted into the squad following Pratika Rawal’s injury, Shafali seized her opportunity, playing a pivotal role in guiding India to the world title.

ICC Player of the Month – November Overview

While Taijul Islam narrowly missed out on the individual honour, his achievements in November remain a proud chapter in Bangladesh cricket. For Harmar, the award serves as fitting recognition of a masterclass that reshaped a historic series and reaffirmed his enduring value to South African cricket.