In a major boost for South African women’s cricket, Dane van Niekerk returns after four years, marking one of the most talked-about comebacks in recent times. Cricket South Africa has announced their T20I and ODI squads for next month’s Ireland tour, and the highlight is undoubtedly that Dane van Niekerk returns after four years, ready to make an impact again.
A Big Comeback for South Africa
After being away from international cricket since 2021, Dane van Niekerk returns after four years to the national team. The former captain reversed her retirement in August and impressed everyone with her brilliant domestic form. Playing for Western Province Women, she scored four half-centuries in her last six innings, proving that Dane van Niekerk returns after four years with full confidence and strong performances.
With the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup just eight months away, South Africa are using this Ireland tour to test fresh players while strengthening their core. Selectors believe this is the right time, especially because Dane van Niekerk returns after four years as a dependable senior figure in the squad. She will be joined by other returning players like Faye Tunnicliffe and legspinner Seshnie Naidu, both selected due to their excellent domestic seasons.
The ODI squad marks the beginning of a new 50-over cycle after South Africa reached their first-ever World Cup final earlier this year. Young all-rounder Leah Jones has earned her maiden call-up, while Lara Goodall also makes her return.
Squad Rotation and Player Management
Several senior stars—including Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, and Annerie Dercksen—will sit out the ODI series for workload management. Tazmin Brits is back for the ODIs but will skip the T20Is as she recovers from a shoulder injury.
Selectors say this tour is an opportunity to check new talent more closely, especially now that Dane van Niekerk returns after four years as a leader and mentor. Clinton du Preez, the convenor of selectors, praised her domestic success and the growth of young players. He emphasized that Dane van Niekerk returns after four years at the perfect time as they prepare for the 2026 T20 World Cup and the 2029 ODI World Cup.
With fresh energy, new faces, and the huge moment where Dane van Niekerk returns after four years, South Africa’s Ireland tour is set to be an exciting new chapter.
And most importantly—fans can celebrate as Dane van Niekerk returns after four years, ready to write a new story for South African cricket.
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