Dane van Niekerk Returns to Proteas Squad for Ireland White-Ball Series After Two Years
Former South Africa captain Dane van Niekerk has made a stunning return to the national side as Cricket South Africa (CSA) announced its squads for the upcoming white-ball series against Ireland, scheduled from December 5 to 19. This marks her first international appearance since September 2021, completing a remarkable comeback after she reversed her retirement earlier this year.
Dane, who retired in March 2023 following her omission from the T20 World Cup squad due to fitness requirements, impressed selectors with her standout performances for WSB Western Province in domestic cricket. She was recently included in South Africa’s 20-member training squad for the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup.
Proteas Women Convenor of Selectors Clinton du Preez said,
“Dane’s return is a result of her notable domestic form… We look forward to her contribution across both formats.”
He added that the Ireland series offers a chance to assess depth while building towards the 2025 T20 World Cup and the 2029 ODI World Cup.
T20I and ODI Squads Feature New Faces and Key Returnees
Alongside Dane, South Africa’s T20I squad includes the return of batter Faye Tunnicliffe and leg-spinner Seshnie Naidu, both selected after strong domestic performances. The core of the team — Laura Wolvaardt, Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk and Ayabonga Khaka — remains intact.
The ODI squad features a major addition: all-rounder Leah Jones, who earns her maiden international call-up. Left-hander Lara Goodall also returns after missing several months of international cricket. Fast bowler Ayanda Hlubi and all-rounder Eliz-Mari Marx rejoin the ODI setup after missing out on World Cup selection.
Head coach Mandla Mashimbyi said the squad reflects a refreshed mindset after their memorable run to the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup final.
“We bring a renewed sense of excitement… I am interested to see how the new combinations come together.”
Series Schedule
- T20Is: Dec 5 (Newlands), Dec 7 (Boland Park), Dec 10 (Willowmoore Park)
- ODIs: Dec 13 (Buffalo Park), Dec 16 (St George’s Park), Dec 19 (Wanderers)
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
Dane van Niekerk’s return marks a pivotal moment for South African women’s cricket, bringing leadership, experience and all-round depth ahead of two major global tournaments. Her comeback, combined with fresh inclusions like Leah Jones and the return of Lara Goodall, reflects CSA’s intent to strengthen its player pool across formats. With Ireland offering competitive conditions and the Proteas keen to build on their World Cup success, this series provides an ideal testing ground for new strategies, combinations and emerging talent. As the team prepares to regroup in Cape Town, expectations are high for a promising new chapter in Proteas women’s cricket.