In a social media post on August 25 (Monday), former South African captain Dane van Niekerk declared that she had withdrawn her retirement from the game. During the 2024–25 season, the 32-year-old made her comeback to domestic cricket for Western Province. She was later added to the 20-member extended group for the August 25–September 1 pre-World Cup training camp in Durban.
“I’m happy to declare that I’ve made the decision to not retire from international cricket. The absence has made me realize how much I’ve missed representing my nation. I’m determined to do all in my power to have that chance again,” she posted on Instagram.
The former South Africa captain resigned in 2023 at the age of 29. After failing to satisfy the fitness standards needed to be selected for a home T20 World Cup squad. For the tournament, Sune Luus assumed the role of captain.
Van Niekerk played 194 games for South Africa, including 1 Test, 86 T20Is, and 107 ODIs. Throughout her international career, she scored 4074 runs and claimed 204 wickets. Additionally, she captained South Africa for 50 ODIs and 30 T20Is, winning 29 and 15 games, respectively.
During the Covid era, she suffered numerous injuries despite being a stalwart in South Africa. She missed the most of the 2020 season due to a lower back ailment. She was unable to compete in the 2022 ICC World Cup in New Zealand because of an ankle issue.
In addition to expressing regret to Cricket South Africa (CSA) for how she handled her retirement. Van Niekerk, now 32, expressed her desire to play for South Africa once more. I genuinely apologize to Cricket South Africa and the cricket community for my retirement. I am incredibly appreciative of the chance to perhaps showcase my abilities on a global level once more in the future.
South Africa will travel to Pakistan.
As a final preparation for the ODI World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, South Africa will choose the side that will fly to Lahore for a three-match ODI series against hosts Pakistan from September 16 to 22. After the Durban training camp.
Laura Wolvaardt, Marizanne Kapp, and Chloe Tryon. Who are all presently competing in the Hundred Competition, are not included in the 20-player camp.
South Africa Women’s training squad:
Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Lara Goodall, Anneke Bosch, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Sune Luus, Eliz-Mari Marx, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Seshnie Naidu, Luyanda Nzuza, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase, Miane Smit, Faye Tunnicliffe, and Dane van Niekerk
