The nominees for the prestigious Cricket South Africa (CSA) Awards, set to take place on September 5th at Vodaworld in Midrand, have been announced. Among the standout categories is the Women’s T20 International Player of the Year award, where Nadine de Klerk, Tazmin Brits, Masabata Klaas, and Laura Wolvaardt are all in the running. Their performances over the 2023-2024 season have earned them recognition as some of South Africa’s finest cricket talents.
This year’s event, themed ‘The Art of Cricket,’ ties in with the ‘Be Part Of It’ campaign, celebrating the passion and skill that have kept cricket alive and thriving in South Africa throughout the season. The CSA Awards will pay tribute to the top female cricketers, acknowledging their outstanding contributions to the sport.
Let’s take a closer look at the nominees:
Tazmin Brits
Tazmin Brits’ story is one of remarkable resilience. Once a promising javelin thrower, she won gold at the 2007 World Youth Championships in Ostrava, Czechia, before a car accident ended her athletic career. Undeterred, she shifted her focus to cricket, and 2023 saw her rise to prominence. In the ICC T20 World Cup, she was the fifth-highest run-scorer, amassing 186 runs. Her heroic 68 off 55 balls in the semi-final was pivotal in guiding South Africa to their first-ever final. With 489 T20I runs, including a top score of 78, from 15 outings, 2023 marked a breakthrough year for Brits.
Masabata Klaas
The 33-year-old right-arm pacer Masabata Klaas has been a vital part of South Africa’s cricket scene since her debut in 2010. Her 2023 season, though limited in opportunities, was significant. During the ICC T20 World Cup, Klaas featured in a crucial group stage match against Australia, where she took the prized wicket of Tahlia McGrath. Over the year, Klaas played in 13 T20Is, claiming 12 wickets. Her best performance came against Pakistan, where she recorded impressive figures of 4/21 against the West Indies.
Laura Wolvaardt
Stepping into the role of captain after Sune Luus stepped down, Laura Wolvaardt had an exceptional 2023. Unfazed by captaincy pressure, she flourished, scoring 586 runs in 19 T20Is at an average of 45.07. Wolvaardt’s year was highlighted by her performance in the ICC T20 World Cup, where she was the top run-scorer with 230 runs, including a crucial 53 off 44 balls in the semi-final against England and a valiant 61 off 48 in the final against Australia. Her consistent performances against top teams like Australia, England, and New Zealand have made her a strong contender for the award.
Nadine de Klerk
The 24-year-old all-rounder from Pretoria, Nadine de Klerk, had a stellar year in 2023. Her economical spell of 1 for 17 in the ICC T20 World Cup semi-final against England was a decisive factor in South Africa’s narrow 5-run victory. Throughout the year, de Klerk played in 17 T20Is, scoring 144 runs and taking 7 wickets, with her best figures of 3 for 24 coming against New Zealand.
All four nominees have delivered exceptional performances, making the decision of who will be honored as the Women’s T20 International Player of the Year a challenging one. CSA CEO Pholetsi Moseki highlighted the significance of the CSA Awards, describing them as a key event in the cricketing calendar that celebrates the remarkable talent and dedication of players at both domestic and international levels.
“The CSA Awards are a highlight of our cricketing calendar,” said Moseki. “This year’s theme, ‘The Art of Cricket,’ perfectly captures the beauty and passion our players and administrators bring to the game, and we look forward to honoring them on September 5th.”