Dane van Niekerk will pull on South Africa colours for the first time since her retirement U-turn when the side meet Ireland in Friday’s opening T20 at Newlands. The former captain, 32, has been in free-scoring form for Western Province and says the recall is about convincing herself, not outsiders, that she still belongs at international level.
“That’s the main goal – just proving to myself that I can really tick those boxes that I want to tick. I know if I tick those boxes, I will contribute to the team, hopefully in winning situations. That’s what it’s all about for me,” van Niekerk said during the squad’s Cape Town camp earlier this week.
First the facts
• Retirement reversed in August after stepping away in March 2023.
• Fourth-highest run-scorer in the domestic one-day cup this summer.
• Seven T20 knocks have produced four fifties.
• No overs yet this season, though she hopes the bowling “wants to come”.
The all-rounder concedes she is still pinching herself. “I didn’t think the day would come. It means a lot. It means the world. I got my clothes (national kit) again, and it felt like it was my clothes for the first time. I got a new helmet as well. I was like a child. That’s what it means to me to be here.”
Why a comeback now?
Those close to van Niekerk suggest two strands: her father’s death six months ago, which sharpened her “why”, and a realisation during provincial cricket that the competitive fire remained. She describes Western Province as both a comfort zone and a proving ground.
“Initially, the goal was to give back and really assist the young players. I made it quite clear that I don’t want to do it for no reason. I’m taking somebody’s spot and contrary to what people think. I’m not doing it for the money,” she said.
A phone call from head coach Mandla Mashimbyi then nudged the process along. “Then, I did okay in the season and then I got a call from this big guy with a big personality (head coach Mandla Mashimbyi) and I just had a conversation, and that made me sign again for Western Province. Even then, with the emotions and everything, I didn’t know. But then my why got a lot bigger. I just needed some time to process everything. I’m still processing some stuff, but the why was very clear to me. I guess that’s when the real work started, and it’s still continuing. I’m really proud of the strides I’ve made. There’s still a lot of hard work, but from where I was to where I am now, I’m pretty damn proud.”
What the selectors saw
Selector Clinton du Preez pointed to her consistency and leadership: “Runs on the board, calm influence, experience in crunch overs – we felt those elements outweighed the fact she hasn’t bowled.” He confirmed she will bat in the top five and field in the ring, roles she has filled for Province.
Evolution of the Proteas
Van Niekerk last played for South Africa in September 2022, missing the 2023 home T20 World Cup after not completing a fitness run. She acknowledges the set-up has moved on. “A lot of things have changed since I was part of the team, and for the good. The intensity is through the roof. For me, contributing, whether it’s knowledge, whether it’s tactics, whether it’s chats about cricket and experiences, if I can do it with the bat in hand or in the field, whichever way, in a positive manner, if I can contribute, I’d be happy,” she said.
Captain Laura Wolvaardt welcomes the extra nous. “Dane reads the game so well. Younger players feed off that. Her being around just lifts standards,” the opener told local radio.
Fitness question
Van Niekerk says her running times are inside Cricket South Africa’s minimum standards, a sticking point last year. Strength coach Zane Webster confirms she cleared the latest test “with room to spare”. Bowling, though, remains touch-and-go. A minor ankle niggle has limited her loads; she hopes to turn her arm over later in the series.
The Ireland challenge
South Africa have not played since their ODI series win in India. Ireland arrive off the back of a rain-affected tour of Zimbabwe, but coach Ed Joyce believes his young side “can surprise if we start well in the powerplay”. The visitors are likely to target van Niekerk early, testing her footwork against off-spinner Arlene Kelly.
Looking ahead
With a T20 World Cup in Bangladesh next September, the next nine months are effectively an extended audition. Van Niekerk refuses to look that far. “One ball at a time,” she smiled.
Whether or not the comeback lasts beyond this series, the immediate storyline feels simpler: a proven leader is back, aiming to prove something to herself, and South African cricket stands to gain.
