Marques Ackerman

Marques Jannie Ackerman is a South African first-class cricketer best known for his left-handed batting and occasional right-arm off-break bowling. He grew up in a cricket-loving family, spending long hours honing his technique in backyards and school nets. Those formative days instilled in him the discipline and patience that would later shape his career.

Ackerman’s journey began with the Lions and North West before he found his home with KwaZulu-Natal and the Dolphins. The Johannesburg-born player made his first-class and List A debuts in 2015.

Representing South Africa at the Under-19 level gave him valuable exposure to high-pressure cricket at a young age. Since then, he has emerged as a consistent performer in the domestic circuit. Over 70 first-class matches, he has scored more than 4,500 runs at an average in the mid-40s, with over ten centuries to his name.

Beyond statistics, Ackerman is admired for his leadership. When appointed as captain of the Dolphins, he is respected for his ability to read the game and keep teammates motivated during challenging spells. Teammates often describe him as approachable and meticulous in preparation, someone who leads by example rather than words alone. Ackerman captained the Dolphins side that won the country's premier domestic first-class competition in the 2020/21 season.

In 2019, Ackerman won the KZNCU cricketer of the year award. It should be noted that the 1996-born cricketer scored a ton in his first match for the Dolphins. 

The middle-order batter is captaincy material as well. In mid-2025, he led South Africa A to a series victory over West Indies A in both the first-class and List A legs of the tour.

An unfortunate incident happened with Ackerman in the UK in 2018. He and his South African mate Justin Watson were playing for a club in the UK, and then one night they both went for a walk down the road in Greater Manchester. However, the duo didn't know that a group of men would assault them. Both of them suffered serious injuries and had to return back home. 

Ackerman is an alumnus of the renowned St Stithians College, which has produced notable cricketers, including Kagiso Rabada, Wiaan Mulder, and Ryan Rickelton. 

In the 2025/26 season of the SA20, Ackerman will represent the Durban Super Giants franchise. 

With his blend of skill, maturity, and ambition, Marques Ackerman remains a vital figure in South African domestic cricket.

(As of September 2025)