Marques Ackerman Biography: Birthday, Career, Stats and Records

Marques Ackerman is a South African cricketer who has recently broken into the Test side.

Marques Jannie Ackerman, born on 1 March 1996 in Johannesburg, South Africa, is a right‑handed batsman who has progressed through the domestic ranks to earn Test selection. He has represented North West, KwaZulu‑Natal, the Dolphins and, abroad, Chorley Cricket Club, showcasing his ability across first‑class and limited‑overs formats. His consistent run‑scoring at provincial level, including leading the charts in several tournaments, paved the way for his international debut in 2026.

Ackerman made his Test debut against Australia at St George's Park, Gqeberha on 18 October 2026 and, within ten days, recorded a career‑best 95 at Newlands, Cape Town. In his first two Tests he amassed 163 runs at an average of 54.33, including two half‑centuries, establishing himself as a promising addition to South Africa’s top order.

Marques Ackerman: quick facts

Born: 1 March 1996, Johannesburg
Team: South Africa

Marques Ackerman career statistics

Batting

Format	Matches	Innings	Runs	Highest	Average	Strike rate	100s	50s
Tests	2	3	163	95	54.33	76.89	0	2

Figures as of 13 November 2026. Figures from Cricsheet (cricsheet.org), Open Data Commons Attribution licence.

Marques Ackerman’s early life

Marques Jannie Ackerman was born on 1 March 1996 in Johannesburg, South Africa. He grew up in the city and pursued cricket from a young age, progressing through local school competitions before entering the provincial system. His early promise earned him selection in age‑group representative sides, where his solid technique and temperament began to attract attention from senior provincial coaches.

While detailed information about Ackerman’s schooling and family background remains limited in public records, his cricketing development has been well documented through his involvement with various provincial squads. The emphasis on his sporting achievements reflects the trajectory that led him from club cricket in Johannesburg to the professional ranks, underscoring a career built on performance rather than media exposure.

Marques Ackerman’s domestic career

Ackerman entered the South African domestic scene when he was selected for the North West squad ahead of the 2016 Africa T20 Cup. His performances earned him a place in the Durban Qalandars roster for the inaugural T20 Global League in August 2017. Although Cricket South Africa postponed the competition in October 2017 and it was subsequently cancelled, the inclusion highlighted Ackerman’s rising profile among the country’s emerging limited‑overs talents.

In September 2018 Ackerman joined KwaZulu‑Natal’s squad for the Africa T20 Cup and finished as the side’s leading run‑scorer with 121 runs in four matches. He continued his form in the 2018–19 CSA 3‑Day Provincial Cup, topping the run‑charts with 439 runs from six games. These performances led to his selection for the Cape Town Blitz in the 2019 Mzansi Super League and a place in KwaZulu‑Natal’s squad for the 2019–20 CSA Provincial T20 Cup. By February 2022 he was appointed captain of the Dolphins for the CSA T20 Challenge, and in spring of 2024 he moved to England to play for Chorley Cricket Club in the Northern Premier League Division 1, where he was the standout performer with the bat.

Marques Ackerman’s international career

Ackerman earned his Test debut for South Africa against Australia at St George's Park, Gqeberha on 18 October 2026. Selected as a top‑order batsman, he entered the match with the aim of consolidating the side’s innings in the first Test of the series. The series comprised two Tests, both played in South Africa, providing Ackerman an immediate platform at the highest level and a chance to prove his technique against a strong bowling attack.

Across the two Tests, Ackerman accumulated 163 runs in three innings, averaging 54.33 with a strike rate of 76.89. He recorded two half‑centuries, the highest being a 95‑run knock at Newlands, Cape Town on 27 October 2026, which remains his best Test innings to date. He did not claim any catches in the series. His contributions helped South Africa post competitive totals in both matches, though the series outcome was decided by the bowlers.

Marques Ackerman’s franchise and league career

Ackerman’s early franchise exposure came with his selection for the Durban Qalandars in the planned 2017 T20 Global League, a competition that Cricket South Africa postponed in October 2017 and later cancelled. Despite the setback, he remained on the radar of T20 franchises and was named in the Cape Town Blitz squad for the inaugural 2019 Mzansi Super League, featuring alongside several international stars.

In spring of 2024 Ackerman joined Chorley Cricket Club in England’s Northern Premier League Division 1. His batting performances made him the standout performer for the side throughout the season, reinforcing his reputation as a reliable top‑order batsman in club cricket abroad. He contributed several key innings, often anchoring the chase and providing stability in the middle order, which earned praise from teammates and the club’s coaching staff.

Marques Ackerman’s records and achievements

Ackerman’s domestic record includes being the leading run‑scorer for KwaZulu‑Natal in the 2018 Africa T20 Cup, amassing 121 runs in four matches, and topping the run‑tally in the 2018–19 CSA 3‑Day Provincial Cup with 439 runs from six games. At the international level his highest Test score of 95, made at Newlands on 27 October 2026, stands as his top innings, complemented by two half‑centuries in just two matches.

His leadership credentials were recognised when he was appointed captain of the Dolphins for the 2021–22 CSA T20 Challenge, guiding the side through a competitive tournament. The following season, his move to England and subsequent dominance with the bat for Chorley Cricket Club further underscored his ability to adapt and excel across different conditions and formats. His performances earned him recognition among peers and reinforced his reputation as a consistent run‑getter.