Sydney Thunder have signed South African allrounder Nadine de Klerk ahead of Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 12. The announcement came on October 24, 2026, with one week remaining before the club’s first home match. De Klerk joins after four seasons with Brisbane Heat and following a career-best 12 months. Thunder’s opening home game will be against Brisbane Heat at Drummoyne Oval on Sunday, November 1, at 3:40pm.
The 26-year-old made a strong impression for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Women’s Premier League (WPL). She scored an unbeaten 63 in a match-winning performance and took 4/26. De Klerk also finished as the competition’s third-leading wicket-taker, with 16 wickets. Her contributions with bat and ball helped her enjoy a successful campaign, and she continued that form in The Hundred.
For the London Spirit, de Klerk scored 165 runs and claimed nine wickets in eight matches. Her recent batting performances caught the attention of Thunder Head Coach Lisa Keightley and Trent Copeland. Earlier this month, she scored 101 for Western Province Women in the CSA Women Pro50 Series. De Klerk made her international debut as a teenager in 2017. She has since played four Tests, 64 ODIs and 87 T20Is, bringing experience to her new team.
De Klerk said joining Thunder was an exciting move. She said: “It’s always exciting to be a part of a new adventure. It was a pretty easy decision to end up here.” She hopes to finish matches with the bat lower down the order, while keeping the bowling tight and taking wickets. She called the squad well-balanced and spoke about Georgia Voll and Lauren Bell, her teammates at RCB, where they lifted the trophy together. She praised Lauren’s new-ball bowling and Georgia’s achievements despite her young age.
Thunder General Manager Trent Copeland said de Klerk brings experience from World Cups, WPL-winning teams and major tournaments around the world. He highlighted her explosive batting and calm bowling in important phases. Copeland also pointed to her partnership potential with Laura Harris in the middle order. He said: “We think she’s going to be a fantastic addition to our group, and we can’t wait to see what she can do in lime green this summer.”
Thunder have four home matches at Drummoyne Oval during November. Brisbane Heat will be the first opponent, followed by Perth Scorchers, Melbourne Stars and Sydney Sixers. The first two matches will be shown on Seven, 7plus, Foxtel and Kayo. The final two fixtures are listed on Foxtel and Kayo.
Sydney Thunder WBBL 12 Squad
Head Coach: Lisa Keightley
Jemma Barsby, Sam Bates, Lauren Bell (INT), Hannah Darlington, Nadine de Klerk (INT), Lucy Finn, Hasrat Gill, Nicola Hancock, Laura Harris, Heather Knight (INT), Anika Learoyd, Phoebe Litchfield, Georgia Voll, Tahlia Wilson
De Klerk’s signing adds an experienced allrounder after her performances in the WPL, The Hundred and South Africa. Thunder will start at home against Brisbane Heat before facing Perth Scorchers, Melbourne Stars and Sydney Sixers in November. She can contribute with both bat and ball as the side begins its WBBL 12 home campaign. The club’s schedule and squad now include the new international signing for the season ahead.
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