Dane van Niekerk returns after four years as South Africa name squads for Ireland tour

Cricket South Africa have recalled former captain Dane van Niekerk for next month's white-ball series against Ireland, marking her first national selection since September 2021. The 32-year-old, who reversed her international retirement in August, has been picked in both the T20I and ODI squads after a strong domestic comeback.

Van Niekerk has been in excellent form for the Western Province Women in the domestic season leading up to this selection. She has scored four half-centuries and a 40 from her last six innings.

With the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup now eight months away, South Africa have used the home series, spread across six venues between December 5 and 19, to widen the pool while keeping one eye firmly on next year's global event.

Van Niekerk heads a group of international returnees that includes top-order batter Faye Tunnicliffe and legspinner Seshnie Naidu, rewarded for their form on the domestic circuit.

Meanwhile, the ODI squad signals the start of a new 50-over cycle following South Africa's run to a maiden World Cup final earlier this year. All-rounder Leah Jones has earned her first international call-up and could debut alongside Tunnicliffe and Lara Goodall, who returns to the ODI set-up. Ayanda Hlubi and Eliz-Mari Marx also come back into the frame after missing out on World Cup selection.

Several senior players will be managed through the tour, with Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk and Annerie Dercksen sitting out the ODIs. Tazmin Brits returns to the 50-over squad but will skip the T20Is as she completes her return-to-play programme after a shoulder knock during the World Cup semi-final. Anneke Bosch, meanwhile, drops out for domestic duties.

Convenor of selectors Clinton du Preez said the Ireland series offers a chance to "take a closer look at the options within our playing pool", while continuing to build towards both the 2026 T20 World Cup and the 2029 50-over event. "Dane's return is a result of her notable domestic form" he said. "Leah Jones, along with several other domestic performers, has shown growth and maturity in her game."

South Africa Women T20I squad: 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 ODI squad: 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