Former captain Dané van Niekerk has been named in the Proteas Women’s T20I and ODI squads for the home series against Ireland in December.
It marks her first international call-up since 2021.
Van Niekerk quit international cricket after being left out of the squad for the 2022 T20 World Cup in South Africa for fitness reasons (she failed a 2km time trial by 18 seconds).
The 32-year-old has forced her way back into the national setup on the back of strong domestic form for Western Province, and will feature in both formats as South Africa begin their buildup to the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup.
Van Niekerk headlines a group that includes fellow returnees Faye Tunnicliffe and leg-spinner Seshnie Naidu in the T20I squad, joining established regulars Laura Wolvaardt, Suné Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Chloé Tryon, Nadine de Klerk and Nonkululeko Mlaba.
The ODI squad signals a new cycle for the Proteas following their historic run to the 2025 World Cup final. Western Province all-rounder Leah Jones earns her first call-up, while Lara Goodall, Ayanda Hlubi and Eliz-Mari Marx also return.
Tazmin Brits, recovering from a shoulder injury sustained at the World Cup, is rested for the T20Is but returns for the ODI leg.
The Proteas open the summer with three T20Is in Cape Town, Paarl and Benoni, before the ODI series moves to East London, Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg.
“There’s a renewed energy in the group after the World Cup,” said coach Mandla Mashimbyi. “Ireland will test us, and I’m excited to see how the new combinations shape our next phase. We want to grow, inspire and improve in front of our home crowd.”
Proteas Women T20I squad: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Suné Luus, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Seshnie Naidu, Nondumiso Shangase, Chloé Tryon, Faye Tunnicliffe, Dané van Niekerk.
Proteas Women ODI squad: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Lara Goodall, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Leah Jones, Suné Luus, Eliz-Mari Marx, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase, Miané Smit, Faye Tunnicliffe, Dané van Niekerk.
Proteas Women vs Ireland fixtures
5 December: 1st T20I, Newlands, Cape Town (2pm)
7 December: 2nd T20I, Boland Park, Paarl (2pm)
10 December: 3rd T20I, Willowmoore Park, Benoni (6pm)
13 December: 1st ODI, Buffalo Park, East London (10am)
16 December: 2nd ODI, St George’s Park, Port Elizabeth (10am)
19 December: 3rd ODI, Wanderers, Johannesburg (2pm)
Photo: Richard Huggard/Gallo Images
