Fiery Pakistan hitter Asif Ali has been voted as the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Player of the Month for October 2021, after his match-winning performances against New Zealand and Afghanistan a few days ago.

Asif smashed 12-balls for 27 in Pakistan’s clash with New Zealand, hitting three sixes when they mattered the most.

In Pakistan’s next game against Afghanistan, the Men in Green were once again in trouble, struggling against Afghanistan’s spin maestro Rashid Khan.

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However, in came Asif again, with the team needing 24 runs off 12 balls. Asif did not come under pressure, hitting the ball with a straight bat and hit four sixes to ensure Pakistan’s victory.

Read More – ‘Aik over main 25 bhi kar leinge’: Asif Ali to Shoaib Malik

In total, he scored 52 runs without defeat across three matches for Pakistan in October at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, scoring at a strike rate of 273.68.

ICC Voting Academy member Irfan Pathan said helping Pakistan win, especially from the “jaws of defeat” is what makes Asif Ali special.

“Although he scored considerably less than other two nominated players, the contribution he made and the pressure situations from where he snatched the victories made all the difference,” added Pathan.

From the women’s cateogry, Irish skipper Laura Delany bagged the Player of the Month for October award.

Delany’s performance in Ireland’s 3-1 ODI series win over Zimbabwe was brilliant. The all-rounder impressed with the bat and the ball, scoring 189 runs at 63, and taking four wickets at 27.

Delany posted scores of 88, 35 and 68 in her three innings, scoring at a strike rate of 108.62. In the lone match where she was not required with the bat, she still contributed with the ball, taking 1/22.