Proteas Women face selection dilemma as Dane van Niekerk struggles ahead of T20 World Cup opener

Former Proteas Women captain Dane van Niekerk suffered another failure with the bat in the final ICC T20 Women’s World Cup warm-up against New Zealand on Tuesday. The upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England and Wales represents a golden opportunity for a Proteas squad desperate to finally cross the final hurdle. After heartbreaking defeats in the last two finals, the inclusion of returning stalwarts Shabnim Ismail and Dané van Niekerk has signaled a clear intent: The Proteas are banking on battle-hardened experience to secure their maiden global crown.

But while the romanticism of Van Niekerk’s return is undeniable, the reality of her current form — or rather, the sheer lack of it — presents one of the biggest question marks ahead of Saturday’s opening game against Australia at Old Trafford in Manchester. Van Niekerk’s journey back to the national setup is nothing short of a Hollywood script. The heartbreak of missing the 2023 T20 World Cup on home soil due to a failed fitness test, the subsequent bitter retirement, and her reversal of that decision showcases a fierce competitor with unfinished business.

But since reintegrating into the team and showing glimpses of her old self against Ireland late last year, Van Niekerk has been plagued by a thigh injury that has kept her out of competitive cricket since March 2026. Missing the crucial inbound series against New Zealand and the recently concluded home series against India means the 33-year-old is severely undercooked. Her last three scores in full T20Is are 16, 3, and 0, all against Pakistan at home.

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Her form has not shown any signs of improvement in the warm-up matches since arriving in England, managing just 1 and 12 in the two matches against Australia, before a further nightmarish 3 off 9 balls against New Zealand at Loughborough on Tuesday. It is not only her lack of runs that is a concern, but her sluggish strike rate is also proving to be a problem. Head coach Mandla Mashimbyi, along with convenor of selectors Clinton du Preez, has rolled the dice on Van Niekerk, citing her unparalleled experience, her prowess against spin, and her deep knowledge of English conditions — honed over years in The Hundred and the Super League — in the hope that the veteran can shore up a middle order that has, in the past, shown a tendency to wobble under pressure when momentum slows.

But it remains a colossal risk. Van Niekerk needs to rediscover her mojo quickly if she is to help alleviate the pressure on captain Laura Wolvaardt, who once again looked in sublime touch during her 43 off just 27 balls against the defending T20 world champions. The selectors have a variety of options to replace Van Niekerk in the batting line-up, with youngsters Annerie Dercksen and Kayla Reyneke banging the door down for inclusion, while the Proteas can also revert to the experience of Tazmin Brits at No.

However, having included Van Niekerk, it is likely management will stick to their guns. It is now up to Van Niekerk to prove that class is permanent, even when recent form is entirely absent.

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