The International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled the much-anticipated shortlist for the ICC Emerging Women’s Cricketer of the Year 2024. This prestigious award recognizes the brightest young talents who have made significant strides on the international stage over the past year.
Among the nominees are four outstanding players—India’s Shreyanka Patil, South Africa’s Annerie Dercksen, Scotland’s Saskia Horley, and Ireland’s Freya Sargent—each of whom has delivered exceptional performances that have elevated their teams in 2024.
Shreyanka Patil: India’s Rising Star
Patil has emerged as a pivotal figure in India’s white-ball squads, delivering consistent and impactful performances throughout 2024. The 22-year-old made history as the first Indian to play in the Women’s Caribbean Premier League before earning her international debut in December 2023. Since then, she has cemented her place in the team, contributing significantly in T20Is with 15 wickets from 13 matches and in ODIs with 4 wickets from 2 games.
Patil’s versatility as a bowler has been instrumental for India, whether delivering breakthroughs during powerplays, maintaining pressure in middle overs, or executing precise death-overs bowling. Her memorable performance came during the Women’s T20 World Cup against Pakistan, where her spell of 2/14, including a wicket-maiden over, turned the tide in India’s favor, restricting Pakistan to a manageable total. Although her lower-order batting potential is yet to be fully realized, her all-round capabilities make her one of the most exciting prospects in international cricket.
Annerie Dercksen: South Africa’s All-Round Powerhouse
Annerie Dercksen’s journey from teaching to international cricket has been nothing short of remarkable. The 23-year-old has grown into a key player for South Africa across all formats, showcasing her skills as a reliable all-rounder. In 2024, she featured in 17 T20Is, amassing 161 runs and 5 wickets, while also contributing in ODIs with 70 runs and 6 wickets from 4 games. Her Test performances were equally commendable, scoring 60 runs in the two matches she played.
Dercksen’s standout moment came in a T20I decider against Pakistan, where her unbeaten 44 off just 23 balls secured a thrilling win for South Africa. With six boundaries and two towering sixes, she single-handedly turned the game around and earned the Player of the Match award. Her ability to deliver in high-pressure situations highlights her value to the South African side and her potential to dominate the international stage for years to come.
Saskia Horley: Scotland’s Trailblazing All-Rounder
Saskia Horley has been a revelation for Scotland in 2024, making history as her team’s first-ever ODI centurion. The 23-year-old’s consistent performances in white-ball cricket have made her an indispensable part of the Scottish lineup. In T20Is, she contributed 142 runs and 3 wickets from 10 games, while her ODI record includes 276 runs and 9 wickets from just 5 matches.
Horley’s defining performance came during the tri-series against Papua New Guinea (PNG), where she scored a magnificent 100 off 121 balls, anchoring Scotland to their highest-ever ODI total of 258/6. She complemented her batting display with a stellar bowling effort of 4/24, leading her team to a comprehensive victory. From her early days as a 13-year-old coached by her idol Ellyse Perry to becoming Scotland’s cricketing star, Horley’s journey exemplifies dedication and excellence.
Freya Sargent: Ireland’s Teenage Sensation
At just 18 years old, Freya Sargent has already made a lasting impression in international cricket, carrying forward her family’s rich cricketing legacy. Debuting in late 2023, she quickly established herself as a key player for Ireland, excelling in both ODIs and T20Is. In 2024, she played 11 ODIs, picking up 13 wickets, and 9 T20Is, where she claimed 7 wickets.
Sargent’s ability to rise to the occasion was evident during Ireland’s ODI clash against Zimbabwe, where she delivered career-best figures of 3/29. In a T20I against England, she showcased her prowess by dismissing key batters and securing critical breakthroughs in the death overs, finishing with 3/30. Her all-round contributions, including a direct run-out in the same match, underline her potential as one of the brightest young stars in women’s cricket.
Shreyanka Patil, Annerie Dercksen, Saskia Horley, and Freya Sargent have all had breakout years, inspiring fans with their remarkable performances. The winner of this coveted title will undoubtedly be a deserving recipient, reflecting the incredible talent shaping the future of women’s cricket.
Loves all things female cricket
Related Articles