Annerie Dercksen has secured her first national contract with South Africa’s women’s cricket after being named ICC’s Emerging Women’s Cricketer of the Year 2024. The 2025-26 roster excludes Lara Goodall and Delmi Tucker, and features seasoned players like Marizanne Kapp and Laura Wolvaardt. The squad aims for success in upcoming series and the World Cup, focusing on consistent performance.
Annerie Dercksen has earned her first national contract with South Africa, becoming the ICC’s Emerging Women’s Cricketer of the Year for 2024. She is included in a 15-player roster for the 2025-26 season, replacing Lara Goodall and Delmi Tucker, who were excluded despite being on the fringes of the first-choice squad. Dercksen’s consistent performances in all formats contributed to her elevation to the national team.
The contracted squad features several experienced players, including captain Laura Wolvaardt, former captain Sune Luus, and allrounders Chloe Tryon and Nadine de Klerk. Notably, Marizanne Kapp continues her commitment to international cricket, having been dissuaded from retirement last year. She is contemplating participating in both the upcoming ODI World Cup and the subsequent T20 World Cup.
While the lack of new names in the squad suggests stability, concerns around the emerging talent persist, as seen in the case of under-19 wicketkeeper batter Karabo Meso, who was not awarded a national contract despite her recent achievements. Enoch Nkwe, the director of cricket, emphasized the importance of rewarding consistent performance and the aim to maintain a balance between experienced players and youthful talent.
Looking ahead, South Africa is preparing for a pivotal year following an extended break since December when they faced England. They will engage in a tri-series in Sri Lanka with India, followed by a series of matches in the West Indies leading up to the ODI World Cup. The current contracted squad is poised to perform at the highest competitive level and uphold the nation’s pride.
Annerie Dercksen’s debut national contract reflects her notable rise within South African women’s cricket. The continuity in the contracted squad underscores the balance between experience and youth in preparation for significant upcoming tournaments. South Africa aims to build on their recent successes as they approach the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup and other international competitions.
Original Source: www.espncricinfo.com
