Anrich Nortje

Anrich Nortje has established himself as a formidable fast bowler, but his career has been plagued by injuries that have forced him to miss several key tournaments for South Africa. Despite these setbacks, he has continued to be a vital part of the Proteas' pace attack whenever fit.

In April 2021, Nortje was named in Eastern Province’s squad ahead of the 2021–22 domestic cricket season in South Africa, reinforcing his presence in the domestic circuit. Later that year, in September 2021, he was included in South Africa’s squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, highlighting his importance in the national setup.

Anrich Nortje ODI Career

After impressing the national selectors with his blistering 150kph+ bowling speed in the 2018-19 Mzansi Super League, fast bowler Anrich Nortje made his ODI debut against Sri Lanka on March 3, 2019, in Johannesburg.

Very early in his career, Nortje was added to South Africa’s squad for the 2019 Cricket World Cup. However, his dream was shattered soon as he was ruled out of the tournament due to a hand injury.  

The similar storyline followed Nortje: despite being named in South Africa’s team for the 2023 Cricket World Cup, he was later ruled out due to injury.

In 2025, just before the ICC Champions Trophy, he was ruled out due to a back injury, forcing South Africa to bring in Corbin Bosch as his replacement.

Anrich Nortje T20I Career

After narrowly missing out on his T20I debut in March 2019, Anrich Nortje finally received his maiden T20I cap on September 18, 2019, against India in Mohali.

In September 2021, the South African bowler was rewarded a spot in the nation’s squad for the 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. 

Moreover, in South Africa’s 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup run, Nortje played an instrumental role with his raw pace and wicket-taking ability. His notable performances included the best-ever figures for an SA bowler in the tournament, and he became the pick of the bowlers with 2/26 in the final against India.

Nortje was a part of the South African side during the 2026 T20 World Cup, but the right-arm quick could only feature against the UAE and Zimbabwe. 

Anrich Nortje Test Career

Making his Test debut for South Africa on October 10, 2019, against India, Anrich Nortje picked his maiden Test fifer only a couple of months later against England in January 2020 during the fourth Test.

Moreover, the South African secured his second Test five-wicket haul, 5/36 on Day 2 of the 1st Test against the West Indies in Centurion on March 1, 2023. His exploits helped SA take a commanding lead and eventually win the game. 

Plagued with injuries, the Proteas team management decided not to include Anrich Nortje in the scheme of things for the Test format after last featuring in 2023. 

Anrich Nortje Franchise Career

Anrich Nortje’s growing reputation as a fast bowler drew attention from leagues around the world. The right-arm quick was first included in the IPL in 2020, representing the Delhi Capitals, where he paired up with Kagiso Rabada. 

In March 2023, he was drafted into the Washington Freedom squad for the inaugural season of Major League Cricket (MLC) in the United States. 

Moreover, in the IPL, Nortje’s services remained in high demand. In November 2024, he was picked up by the Kolkata Knight Riders for INR 6.50 crores in the IPL 2025 auction, marking his return to the franchise. However, his battle with injuries remained a concern.

Despite his struggles with injuries, Nortje remains one of the most feared fast bowlers in world cricket. His raw pace and aggressive bowling make him a prized asset for any team, and if he can overcome his injury concerns, he is likely to continue making significant contributions to both South African cricket and various T20 leagues around the world.

(As of March 2026)