Kelis Ndhlovu up for ICC Player of the Month

ZIMBABWE women’s national cricket team teenage sensation, Kelis Ndhlovu has been nominated for the International Cricket Council (ICC) Women’s Player of the Month Award for April.

The nomination comes after her outstanding performances with the ball against Thailand Women last month in Thailand. She becomes the second Zimbabwean woman to be shortlisted for the accolade, following in the footsteps of national team captain Mary-Anne Musonda who was the first to achieve the feat in October 2021.

The 17-year-old all-rounder, Ndhlovu has made an impressive start to her international career, including appearances at the ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 in South Africa.

Making her One Day International (ODI) debut for Zimbabwe Women last month, Ndhlovu adapted well against a strong Thailand Women outfit, taking 10 wickets at an average of 5.80 despite her side suffering a series defeat in the ODIs and T20Is.

In the recently ended series, her highlight came in the first showdown in Bangkok, where she picked up five wickets for 22 runs. Following up with three for 17 and two for 19 in the second and third ODIs respectively, Ndhlovu continues to thrive on the international stage.

The Lady Chevrons ace is nominated alongside Thailand Women captain Naruemol Chaiwai and Kavisha Egodage from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Women. The winner will be announced next week after an independent ICC Voting Academy and fans around the world cast their votes.

Ndhlovu will be looking at making history and become the first Zimbabwean female cricketer to win the decorated event. Last year, Chevrons all-rounder, Sikandar Raza became the first ever Zimbabwean cricketer to win the award after he bagged the August accolade. — @brandon_malvin