Annerie Dercksen named ICC Emerging Women’s Cricketer of the Year

'I am truly humbled by this recognition,' says Dercksen

By Web Desk
January 26, 2025
South Africa's Annerie Dercksen celebrates dismissing India's Harmanpreet Kaur during first ODI in Bengaluru on June 16, 2024. — BCCI

DUBAI: South Africa’s young all-rounder Annerie Dercksen on Sunday, has been crowned the ICC Emerging Women’s Cricketer of the Year for her stellar performances across formats in 2024.

The 23-year-old beat out stiff competition from India’s Shreyanka Patil, Scotland's Saskia Horley and Ireland's Freya Sargent to claim the prestigious award.

Dercksen, who made her debut in 2023, soon emerged as a pivotal part of South Africa’s women’s side, thanks to her all-round exploits.

She accumulated 291 runs across formats in 2024, coupled with 11 wickets. Her best, however, came in T20Is, where she scored 161 runs besides taking five wickets.

Dercksen was also a part of South Africa’s squad that reached the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 final before losing to eventual champions New Zealand.

She was equally impressive in the longer white-ball format, the highlight of which was her career-best 3/16 during South Africa’s triumph over England in the first ODI.

Annerie Dercksen also showcased her brilliance in the longest format during tough series against India and England. Her best was a 41-run knock in Bloemfontein, during which she helped rebuild the innings with a 92-run partnership for the second wicket.

“I am not one for personal awards or recognition. But it’s a great honour and I am truly humbled by this recognition,” said Dercksen.

“It genuinely feels like I’m living a dream. I still have the same excitement as when I was a 5-year-old playing in the backyard, but now I’m playing alongside and against all my heroes. Being part of this team has been an incredible experience, and I’m incredibly grateful for the chance to learn and grow from such talented and experienced players. When I reflect, in some ways I almost don’t recognise the player I was a year ago,” she added.

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