Sri Lanka batter Sonal Dinusha and Isle of Man all-rounder Lucy Barnett have been named the ICC Men’s and Women’s Players of the Month for August 2026 after producing outstanding performances for their respective teams.
England’s Ollie Robinson and Bangladesh fast bowler Hasan Mahmud were the other nominees for the men’s award, while Thailand duo Suleeporn Laomi and Nannapat Koncharoenkai completed the women’s shortlist.
While Dinusha starred in a Test series against India, Barnett earned the award following a remarkable campaign at the Women’s Continental Cup T20I tournament in Romania, becoming the first cricketer from the Isle of Man to receive the honour.
Dinusha’s Remarkable Series Against India
The Sri Lankan batter enjoyed a dream series against India, scoring 420 runs across four innings in two Test matches while averaging 140.
He crossed fifty in every innings and registered three centuries.
Sonal Dinusha’s scores against India
- First Test, Galle: 100 and 84
- Second Test, Colombo (SSC): 103 and 133*
Sri Lanka managed to draw the second Test in Colombo after being asked to follow on.
Rare Follow-On Achievement
Dinusha’s second-Test performance earned him a place in the record books.
According to the ICC, he became only the third batter in Test history to score a century in both innings after his team had been forced to follow on.
The award is particularly significant given the early stage of his international career. Having played only four Test matches by the time of the announcement, Dinusha secured one of the ICC’s highest individual monthly honours after just a single breakthrough series.
Barnett Makes Isle of Man History
Lucy Barnett produced a sensational all-round campaign at the Women’s Continental Cup T20I in Ilfov County, Romania.
The 19-year-old finished as the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 257 runs from four matches at an outstanding average of 128.50 and a strike rate of 178.47.
She also contributed with the ball, taking four wickets at an average of 14.25 and an economy rate of 3.80 as Isle of Man reached the tournament final.
Outstanding Continental Cup Campaign
Barnett opened the tournament by guiding Isle of Man to victory over Romania with an unbeaten 71, steering the chase home in only 13.1 overs.
Although she managed only four runs against Greece, she still made an impact with the ball, returning figures of 1/8.
She then produced the innings of the tournament, smashing an unbeaten 123 from just 64 deliveries against Norway while also taking 1/11, helping Isle of Man finish top of the group.
Barnett continued her impressive form in the final against Turkey, top-scoring with 59 while adding figures of 2/22 to complete a memorable competition.
Lucy Barnett’s Continental Cup statistics
- Matches: 4
- Runs: 257
- Average: 128.50
- Strike rate: 178.47
- Highest score: 123*
- Fifties/Hundreds: 2 fifties, 1 century
- Wickets: 4
- Bowling average: 14.25
- Economy rate: 3.80
Barnett Reacts to Historic Award
Following the announcement, Barnett admitted the recognition exceeded her expectations and described it as a landmark moment for cricket in the Isle of Man.
“Winning the ICC Player of the Month award is an incredible feeling and, honestly, still feels a little unbelievable as I am making history of sorts for the Isle of Man,” Barnett said.
“I knew I had a strong month, but to be recognised ahead of so many others is something I’m immensely proud of and will cherish for a very long time.
“It’s a fantastic time for women’s cricket, and to have the spotlight on me now is a truly special feeling.
“I’m grateful to the ICC for this honour and to all my team-mates, coaches and officials who have made my international journey such an enjoyable and rewarding one.
“This award gives me even more motivation to keep pushing myself, and I hope to carry this form into the matches ahead and create many more special moments for my team.”
