Dane van Niekerk returns to South Africa squad for white-ball series against Ireland

Former South African skipper Dane van Niekerk has been recalled by Cricket South Africa for the white-ball series against Ireland in December. 

The 32-year-old, who last represented South Africa in September 2021, reversed her international retirement in August this year. She has been picked for both T20I and ODI squads on the back of an impressive domestic season. van Niekerk registered four half-centuries and a 40 in her last six innings while playing for Western Province Women. 

Van Niekerk is not the only one returning to the international cricket arena. Top-order batter Faye Tunnicliffe and leg-spinner Seshnie Naidu have also been shortlisted for the series following significant performance in the domestic circuit.

The workload of a lot of senior players has been managed through the bilateral series. Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk and Annerie Dercksen have been rested from the ODI leg. Anneke Bosch has dropped out entirely for domestic duties.

Clinton du Preez, the Convenor of Selectors, said that the Ireland series offers a great chance to “take a closer look at the options within our playing pool”.

“Dane’s return is a result of her notable domestic form. Leah Jones, along with several other domestic performers, has shown growth and maturity in her game,” du Preez was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

South Africa will kickstart the assignment by taking on the Irish at Newlands in Cape Town. The primary focus of this series will be the Women’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place next year.

South Africa women squad for Ireland T20Is

Laura Wolvaardt (c), Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Sune Luus, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Seshnie Naidu, Nondumiso Shangase, Chloe Tryon, Faye Tunnicliffe, Dane van Niekerk

South Africa women squad for Ireland ODIs

Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Lara Goodall, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Leah Jones, Sune Luus, Eliz-Mari Marx, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase, Miane Smit, Faye Tunnicliffe, Dane van Niekerk