The 23-year-old all-rounder, who made her One-Day International (ODI) and Test debut against India last year, has been named the ICC Emerging Women’s Cricketer of the Year for 2024, beating a competitive field to win the prestigious honour.

Dercksen, who now plays her domestic cricket for SWD, was shortlisted for the accolade alongside Saskia Horley of Scotland, Shreyanka Patil of India, and Ireland’s Freya Sargent.

Annerie Dercksen. Photo: Morgan Piek

Dercksen expressed her gratitude at winning the prestigious accolade and emphasised the importance of teamwork.

“Winning the ICC Emerging Cricketer of the Year Award is obviously a great honour. I think it’s more a reflection of the hard work of my coaches and the support of my teammates than of myself,” said the former Free State cricketer. “But, yeah, like I said, I’m very, very grateful, very humbled, and very motivated to keep working.”

The Beaufort West-born player added that making her One-Day International and Test debuts against India was special, but her match-winning knock against Pakistan and the Women’s T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates remain particularly memorable.

Annerie Dercksen. Photo: Morgan Piek

“I think this year has probably been filled with a lot of special moments – the ODI and Test debuts in India were pretty special. But I’ve got to say the T20 World Cup, even though we didn’t win the final, the journey of the World Cup and probably the final will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s probably the highlight of my career.

“I’ve got to say, I think the innings I played in Multan against Pakistan – the 44 not out – was pretty special. It was a series decider. And, yeah, I think that win gave us good momentum going into the World Cup.”

Dercksen is the only South African cricketer recognised by the ICC for 2024 with an accolade, however, Proteas captain Laura Wolvaardt was nominated for the Women’s ODI and T20 International Cricketer of the Year awards.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg