Wolvaardt and Muthusamy claim ICC Player of the Month awards for October

Laura Wolvaardt, the highest run-getter at the Women’s Cricket World Cup, has won the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for October 2025.

Wolvaardt led from the front as South Africa reached the final of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 and the South Africa skipper has been named the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for October 2025 for her exceptional leadership and outstanding performances with the bat.

Wolvaardt played eight ODIs in October at the Women's World Cup, amassing 470 runs at an stunning average of 67.14 and an impressive strike rate of 97.91.

The right-hander said it was a great thrill to claim the monthly award for October.

“It’s an honour to win this award following the team’s World Cup performances in India, as part of a historic event for women’s cricket. The tournament featured outstanding matches and remarkable displays, which makes this recognition especially meaningful," she said.

“While winning the tournament would have been ideal, we take pride in our victories and the unbreakable spirit we showed, while remaining confident that an ICC World Cup title is within reach.

“I appreciate everyone’s support and I will always strive to make you proud on the field.”

After a shaky start to their World Cup campaign, where South Africa were bowled out for just 69 against England, they bounced back strongly with a win over New Zealand.

The Proteas’ true strength was on display in the third game against hosts India, where they produced a remarkable performance to secure a three-wicket victory.

Wolvaardt’s composed 70 off 111 balls laid the foundation, followed by Nadine de Klerk’s clutch finish that sealed South Africa’s second win of the tournament.

The runs kept flowing from the South African captain’s bat, with a steady 31 in their next match against Bangladesh was followed by an unbeaten 60* in a 125-run opening stand with Tazmin Brits. A third half century of the tournament came in the form of a quickfire 90 off 82 balls against Pakistan.

The crowning knock of Wolvaardt’s World Cup campaign came in the semi-final against England.

In the crunch encounter against their old foes, Wolvaardt smashed 169 runs in 143 balls helping South Africa set a whopping target of 320. The target eventually ended up proving too much for England, sealing South Africa’s place in their first-ever World Cup final.

In total Wolvaardt recorded three fifties and a stunning century in October leading from the front as South Africa booked their place in the World Cup decider.

Wolvaardt’s exceptional consistency and match-winning performances saw her rise to the No 1 spot in the ICC Women’s Rankings and also earn the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award for October 2025.

Meanwhile, South Africa spin ace Senuran Muthusamy has been adjudged the ICC Men's Player of the Month for October.

The left-arm tweaker beat competition from fellow spinners Noman Ali (Pakistan) and Rashid Khan (Afghanistan) to claim the coveted award.

Muthusamy has been rewarded for stellar performances with both bat and ball during South Africa’s Test tour of Pakistan and the 31-year-old was thrilled to collect his first ICC Player of the Month award.

“It feels great to be named the Player of the Month by the ICC, especially since it comes for performances in Test cricket, a format that every player wants to excel in," Muthusamy said.

“Playing for a side that won the World Test Championship this year is a matter of great pride. I was privileged to be part of such a competitive series in Pakistan and am happy to have contributed with both ball and bat. I would like to thank my teammates for their support and look forward to contributing for my team in the years to come.”

Across the two-match Test series against Pakistan that ended in a 1-1 draw, Muthusamy scored 106 runs at an average of 53 and claimed 11 wickets at a stunning average of 18.36, also winning the Player of the Series award in the process.

In the first Test, despite South Africa ending on the losing side, Muthusamy recorded career-best figures of 11/174, taking six wickets in the first innings and five in the second.

With South Africa eyeing a comeback in the second Test, Muthusamy’s batting brilliance came to the fore. He had two crucial lower-order partnerships with Keshav Maharaj and Kagiso Rabada, anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 89, his highest Test score to date.

The knock helped the Proteas gain a crucial first-innings lead and eventually seal the win. With a drawn outing, the ICC World Test Championship-holders now sit at the fourth spot on the standings.

Muthusamy has been vital to South Africa’s spin unit in recent times, sealing his place in the red-ball side on the back of impressive showings.