South African star Annerie Dercksen has been named the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Women Cricketer of the Year 2024. Annerie Dercksen beat India’s Shreyanka Patil and Scotland cricketer Saskia Horley to secure the prestigious award after her remarkable efforts on the international stage.
Annerie Dercksen made her debut for South Africa in January 2023 during the T20I triangular series involving India and West Indies. The 23-year-old all-rounder has become a key player in international cricket. She made her Test and ODI debut for the National Cricket Team in 2024, while continuing to impress in the T20Is.
It’s obviously a great honor – Annerie Dercksen
In a video interview with ICC, Annerie Dercksen expressed her gratitude for winning the award, adding that it was a reflection of the hard work of her coaches and the support of her teammates. She highlighted several key moments from the year, including her ODI and Test debuts in India.
“Obviously it’s a great honor. I think it’s probably more about the hard work of my coaches and the support of my teammates than myself. But yeah, like I said, very, very grateful, very humbled and very motivated to keep working,” Dercksen said.
“I think this year has probably been filled with a lot of special moments. I think my ODI and Test debut in India was pretty special.”
The World Cup and probably the final have always been all special places in my heart – Annerie Dercksen
Dercksen said she cherished the trip despite not winning the World Cup final and added that the final itself was a significant career milestone. She also mentioned the memorable 44 not out in Multan against Pakistan.
“But I have to say the World Cup, even though we didn’t win the final, the World Cup journey and probably the final have always all held special places in my heart. And that probably highlighted my career” She added.
“I have to say, I think the innings I played in Multan against Pakistan, 44 not out, was probably very special. It was a serious decision. And yes, I mean the World Cup.”
Annerie Dercksen had a great year in the format
Dercksen had a great year in the format. The right-handed batter amassed 161 runs and 5 wickets in 17 T20Is, 60 runs in 2 Tests and 70 runs with 6 wickets in 4 ODIs. She played a key role in South Africa’s ICC T20 World Cup campaign, where they reached the final but lost in New Zealand.
Dercksen’s unbeaten 44 off just 23 balls ensured a thrilling win for South Africa in the T20I decider in Pakistan. She recorded a career-best 15/2 against Sri Lanka. Her ODI bowling also shone with a career-best 3/16 against England. In Test cricket she was a valuable contributor, including a crucial 41 in Bloemfontein.
