Dane van Niekerk’s Personal Details:
Full Name: Dane van Niekerk
Date of Birth: 14 May 1993
Batting Style: Right-hand batter
Bowling Style: Leg-break
Playing Role: All-rounder
Dane van Niekerk is one of the best players in South African women’s cricket. She is known for her smart captaincy, strong batting, and wicket-taking leg-spin bowling. Over the years, she became one of South Africa’s most important all-rounders and helped the team improve in international cricket.
Dane made her international debut at the age of 16 during the 2009 Women’s World Cup. In only her second match, she took 3 wickets against Sri Lanka and quickly showed her talent at the international level.
She became known for her clever leg-spin bowling and calm performances in pressure situations. In 2013, she became the first South African woman to take an international hat-trick when she picked up 5/28 against West Indies in an ODI match.
Dane also became one of South Africa’s best batters. In the 2014 Women’s T20 World Cup, she scored an unbeaten 90 against Pakistan and shared a record 163-run opening partnership with Lizelle Lee.
In 2016, Dane became the captain of South Africa Women. Under her leadership, South Africa became one of the strongest teams in women’s cricket. She was known for leading the team with confidence and staying calm in difficult moments.
Dane has also played franchise cricket in different countries for teams like Adelaide Strikers, Oval Invincibles, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Sydney Sixers, and Guyana Amazon Warriors.
In 2023, she announced her retirement from international cricket after missing out on South Africa’s T20 World Cup squad. However, in 2025, she decided to return and has been available for selection, also featuring in a few bilaterals.
Dane van Niekerk’s T20I Career
Dane van Niekerk has been one of South Africa’s most experienced T20I players. She made her T20I debut against West Indies on 11 June 2009.
So far, she has played 91 T20I matches and scored 1958 runs. Her highest T20I score is 90 not out. She has also scored 10 half-centuries in the format.
With the ball, Dane has taken 65 wickets in T20Is with best bowling figures of 4/17. Her leg-spin bowling has helped South Africa in many important matches.
Dane van Niekerk’s T20 Career
Dane has also done well in T20 leagues around the world. She has played in the Women’s Big Bash League, The Hundred, Women’s Premier League, and Women’s Caribbean Premier League.
In The Hundred, she scored 324 runs for Oval Invincibles and played many useful innings. In the WBBL, she scored more than 1300 runs and took 78 wickets, showing her value as an all-rounder.
Recent Form Ahead of ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026
Before the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, Dane returned to international cricket and continued playing domestic matches in South Africa. In March 2026, she scored an unbeaten 39 for Western Province Women in a domestic one-day match.
Her experience, leadership, and all-round skills make her one of South Africa’s important players to watch in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Loves all things female cricket