Cape Town, Dec 2 (LatestNewsX) – After stepping away from international play in 2023, South Africa’s seasoned all‑rounder Dane van Niekerk is gearing up to return to the Proteas for a three‑match T20I tour against Ireland, a chance she says will help her gauge her current form and role.
The 32‑year‑old, who reversed her retirement early this year, will once again don the national colors. With more than 190 caps in ODIs and T20Is, van Niekerk explained that the main focus of her comeback is to prove to herself that she can still meet the standards she set for her career.
“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,” she remarked at a pre‑tour camp here.
When asked about how it feels to re‑join the squad, the former captain admitted that the return feels almost surreal.
“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,” she added, describing the emotion of pulling on the kit again after a long break.
Van Niekerk’s domestic form for Western Province this season—four half‑centuries in her last seven innings—has paved the way for her re‑entry.
She notes that the South African side has evolved considerably since she stepped away, now consistently reaching the finals of the last three ICC women’s tournaments and setting higher standards across the board.
“A lot of things have changed since I was part of the team, and for the better. The intensity is through the roof,” she observed.
While she acknowledges the team’s upward trajectory, van Niekerk expressed a desire to add her experience and cricketing insight to the mix.
“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.
She also shared how the team’s historic run to the World Cup final in India was a bittersweet moment. Though she couldn’t take the field, she felt a deep sense of pride watching the Proteas from the sidelines, in the commentary box, or simply as Marizanne Kapp’s wife and a teammate.
“I have been very vocal about how chuffed I am for the team and their successes. On the sidelines, or in the commentary box, or just as a wife [to Marizanne Kapp], or a friend, it is always nice to see,” she told reporters.
She added that missing the June finale stirred mixed emotions. “Obviously, I wish I were there, because who wouldn’t? I think any person, even if they didn’t play cricket, would have loved to walk out in India, against India in a World Cup final. That is just electric, and that’s the moment you live for. I am very proud.”
Van Niekerk is confident the squad is close to clinching a coveted world title and believes they deserve to lift the Cup.
“I think this team is due for a World Cup. Whether I’ll be part of it or not, it doesn’t matter. I just think it is due for this group of players to lift the Cup,” she mused.
The Proteas will open the series against Ireland with a T20I at Newlands in Cape Town on Friday, followed by matches in Paarl on Sunday and Benoni on Wednesday—marking the start of van Niekerk’s new chapter in international cricket.
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