The September month was full of the shortest formats around the globe. Zimbabwe hosted Sri Lanka in the ODI and T20I series before the start of the T20 Asia Cup 2025 in the United Arab Emirates. India, under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav, went through a successful and unbeaten campaign to lift the title by beating Pakistan in the final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

India’s opening batter, Abhishek Sharma, has continued to go through a breakout year with explosive run as he was named the Player of the Tournament. The southpaw creamed 314 runs in seven T20I innings at a strike rate of 200 with the help of three half-centuries. His aggressive play at the top of the order helped them dominate throughout the event.

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Abhishek also reached the highest batting rating ever recorded in men’s T20I history with 931 points. He continued to go through the rapid rise on the international stage. The Punjab-born will look to hold the same form and rhythm against Australia in the T20I series down under.

Abhishek Sharma and Kuldeep Yadav nominated for ICC Men’s Player of September awards

The left-arm wrist spinner of the Blue Brigade, Kuldeep Yadav, has produced a dream run with the ball as it emerged as the leading wicket-taker at the T20 Asia Cup 2025 with 17 wickets at an economy rate of just over six. He began the competition with stunning figures of 4/7 against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and finished with another four-fer against Pakistan.

Kuldeep picked up at least one wicket in all of India’s games as his ability to strike in the middle overs played a crucial role in their success. The third and last player of the list is Zimbabwe’s Brian Bennett. He was in exceptional touch in September to nail 497 runs at a strike rate of 165.66 with an average of 55.22.

After topping the charts against Sri Lanka and Namibia, Brian carried the same form into the Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional final where he clubbed 72, 65, and 111 in the first three innings. Zimbabwe has also secured spot for the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.

Zimbabwe opener Brian Bennett has been ruled out of the remainder of the first Test against South Africa in Bulawayo after suffering a mild concussion. The 21-year-old was struck on the helmet by a bouncer from Kwena Maphaka on Day 2 while attempting a pull shot. The ball took a top edge and hit him on the head. Although Bennett initially cleared the on-field concussion test and continued batting, he soon appeared uncomfortable and retired hurt shortly after.

He managed to score 19 off 25 balls before walking off the field, having faced just three more deliveries from South African debutant Codi Yusuf. Later in the day, Zimbabwe Cricket confirmed that Bennett had sustained a mild concussion and, following standard protocols, would take no further part in the match. His absence is a blow to Zimbabwe, as they face a strong South African side in this important Test at Queens Sports Club.

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"Zimbabwe opener Brian Bennett will play no further part in the ongoing Test match against South Africa at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo after being diagnosed with a mild concussion. As per concussion protocols, he will take no further part in the match. Prince Masvaure has been named as his replacement, making his 10th appearance in Test cricket," the Zimbabwean press release stated.

Prince Masvaure called in as a replacement

In line with the ICC’s concussion substitute rules, Prince Masvaure was named as the replacement for Brian Bennett. The 36-year-old left-handed batter is set to make his 10th Test appearance. Masvaure last featured in a Test match against Ireland in July 2024, where he impressed with a half-century. His recent form in the 2024–25 Logan Cup has also been encouraging, having scored 165 runs across five innings at an average of 41.25, with a top score of an unbeaten 50.

South Africa declared first innings at 418/9 in the match earlier thanks to centuries from Lhuan-Dre Pretorius and Corbin Bosch. Zimbabwe's reply got off to a rough start, losing both of their openers, Takudzwanashe Kaitano on a duck and Nick Welch on four, in the first five overs. However, experienced players Sean Williams (45) and Craig Ervine (24) held the innings together until lunch, guiding Zimbabwe to reach the break at 94/3.