DHAKA, Sept 21: Young opening batsman Shahriar Nafees has been named Bangladesh's Cricketer of the Year for consistent performances in Tests and One-day Internationals last season.“I hope this is just a beginning. I am really excited to have got the award,” the 20-year-old told reporters after receiving a trophy and 2,000 dollars at a function on Wednesday night.

Shahriar caught the eye when he hammered 138 in the opening Test against a formidable Australian attack, containing paceman Brett Lee and leg-spin wizard Shane Warne, at home in April.

The left-hander also scored a half-century in the second and final Test.

Shahriar was also a prolific run-getter on his team's recent tour of Zimbabwe, scoring an unbeaten 118 - the highest by a Bangladeshi batsman in One-day Internationals.

He has already been named vice-captain to Habibul Bashar for next month's Champions Trophy in India.

Shahriar, who also won the best batsman award, was nominated earlier this month for the ICC's Emerging Player of the Year award to be announced in India in October.

Veteran left-arm spinner Mohammad Rafique won Bangladesh's best bowler and all-rounder awards, while left-handed batsman Saqibul Hasan was named the top emerging player.

Bangladesh will play Sri Lanka, the West Indies and Zimbabwe in the Champions Trophy qualifying round next month. The top two teams will advance to the main draw.—AFP