South African star Aneri Derksen has been named the 2024 Emerging Cricketer of the Year by the International Cricket Council (ICC). India's Shreyanka Patel Scottish cricketer Saskia Horley received the prestigious award after making great strides on the international scene.
Aneri Derksen made her debut for South Africa in January 2023 during a T20I tri-match series Includes India and the West Indies. The 23-year-old has become a major player in international cricket. She made her Test and ODI debut for the national cricket team in 2024 while continuing to impress in T20Is.
Obviously it's a great honor – Aneri Derksen
In a video interview with the ICC, Aneri Derksen 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 debut in India.
“Obviously it's a great honor. I think it probably reflects the hard work of my coaches and the support of my teammates more than it does me. But yeah, like I said, very grateful, very humbled, and very excited to keep working.” Derksen 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 very special.”
The World Cup and maybe the final have always had all the special places in my heart – Aneri Dirksen
Derksen said she cherished the trip despite not winning the World Cup final, adding that the final itself was a milestone in her career. She also mentioned his memorable 44 innings in Multan against Pakistan.
“But I have to say that the World Cup, even though we didn't win the final, the World Cup journey and maybe the final were always going to be special places in my heart. It 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 think that win gave us good momentum going into the tournament. The World Cup.”
Aneri Derksen has had a breakout year across formats
Derksen had a breakout year across formats. The right-handed batsman has 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 Women's T20 World Cup campaign, where they reached the final but lost to New Zealand.
Dirksen made 44 off just 23 balls to secure a thrilling win for South Africa in the deciding T20I in Pakistan. She scored 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.
