Dane van Niekerk Misses Out on South Africa's World Cup Squad

Van Niekerk left out of Proteas' World Cup team

South Africa's World Cup team has been announced, and Dane van Niekerk isn't in it. Dane van Niekerk won't be part of South Africa's Women's Cricket World Cup squad.

In the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, South Africa secured a spot in the semi-finals after defeating England in the group stage...

South Africa's Women's Cricket World Cup squad has been announced, and former captain Dane van Niekerk won't be part of the team. Despite reversing her international retirement and joining a 20-member training camp, Van Niekerk didn't make the final cut. The 15-member squad, led by Laura Wolvaardt, features a mix of experienced players and young talent.

The team will play a series of matches in the World Cup, starting with England on October 3 in Guwahati, followed by New Zealand in Indore, and hosts India in Visakhapatnam. South Africa aims to go far in the tournament and bring home their maiden ICC Women's World Cup title.

South Africa has consistently reached the semi-finals of the last two 50-over global finals but still awaits its first major trophy. The team's history of heartbreak in major tournaments is well-documented, with a notable instance being their semi-final exit at the hands of Australia in the 2023 ODI World Cup. This pattern of disappointment has led to the team being labeled as “chokers” in the past.

🚨 𝗝𝗨𝗦𝗧 𝗜𝗡! 🚨

Laura Wolvaardt will lead South Africa's 15-member 2025 World Cup squad. 🏏

Dane van Niekerk denied a spot!#CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/HNznLPpEY4

— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) September 3, 2025

Recent Performance

In the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, South Africa secured a spot in the semi-finals after defeating England in the group stage. However, they faced a setback against New Zealand in the semi-finals, where New Zealand posted a mammoth total of 362/6 in 50 overs, and South Africa fell short with 312/9 in 50 overs.

Player Availability

Benjamin van Niekerk, a key player for South Africa, retired from international cricket in March 2023 after being left out of the squad for the T20 World Cup. Despite his retirement, Van Niekerk has continued to play domestically and had reportedly hoped for a return to the international side.

But coach Mandla Mashimbyi suggested last week it was highly unlikely. Van Niekerk is married to key all-rounder Marizanne Kapp, who has been selected.

South Africa will tour Pakistan from September 16-22 for three One Day Internationals in preparation for the World Cup, where they play their first fixture against England in Guwahati on October 3.

South Africa 2025 World Cup squad: 

Laura Wolvaardt (captain), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Suné Luus, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase, Chloé Tryon.