…Becomes second West Indian to receive award after countryman Joseph
The year 2024 is turning out to be fairly rewarding for West Indies players. In January, young star Shamar Joseph won the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for his sensational performance that led to the unforgettable victory over Australia at the Gabba. Now teammate Gudakesh Motie has secured the Player of the Month award for May 2024. Motie beat competition from Pakistan’s Shaheen Afridi and Ireland’s Lorcan Tucker to win the award.
The West Indies’ left-arm spinner, who has continued to shine during the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, had had a host of brilliant outings during May. He enjoyed plenty of success in the three-match home series against South Africa, picking up eight wickets across three matches at a parsimonious average of 8.50. On the back of his performance, the hosts sealed a statement 3-0 victory in Jamaica.
Gudakesh Motie is the ICC Player of the Month for May 2024
Motie picked up 3/25 to restrict the tourists’ chase in the opening contest, and backed up that performance with another impressive spell of three for 22 to stifle the middle-order in the second fixture.
Another two wickets in the final match turned the tide in favour of the hosts once more, and allowed the 29-year-old Motie to claim the Player of the Series accolade.
In the ongoing Men’s T20 World Cup, Motie has shown fine form by picking up five wickets at an average of 11.
Motie has been excited to accept this award, and is hoping he can continue his recent excellent form and help the West Indies succeed at the T20 World Cup.
“It means a lot to me, and I am very happy to win this award; it’s very encouraging. I have put in a lot of work during this season, and I am happy that I am seeing the rewards now,” Motie has said.
“The standout performance for me during the series against South Africa was the first game, where I took three for 25. The third wicket that night was my favourite.
“Playing in a World Cup means a lot to me, and playing at home in front of our fans and knowing the conditions is also special. We have started strongly, playing three games and getting three wins, and I see us going all the way and lifting that Cup on 29 June.” (ICC)
