Personal Information

Full Name
Dane van Niekerk
Education
Centurion High School
International Career
2009 - 2021
Age
32 years
Batting Style
Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style
Legbreak
Playing Role
Allrounder

Teams

Adelaide Strikers Women

Australia

Highveld Women

South Africa

Northerns Women

South Africa

Oval Invincibles (Women)

England

Royal Challengers Bangalore Women

India

South Africa Women

South Africa

Tornadoes Women

Hong Kong

Trinbago Knight Riders Women

West Indies

Career Stats

Batting

FormatMatInnsNORunsHSAveBFSR100504s6sCtSt
BBL12-221511.006633.33--4---
PSL1078424217510236.25329166.08192142256-
CPL867710187790*28.01197794.94-101973125-

Bowling

FormatMatInnsBallsRunsWktsBBIAveEconSR5W10W
BBL112229011/9090.002.43222.00--
PSL107103457826421385/1719.143.4633.102-
CPL868215001363654/1720.965.4523.00--

Recent Matches

MatchDateVenueFormatTossBatBowlFieldResultSeries
WprWm vs DOL-W
2025-03-23
Cape Town
Cape Town
T20Lost (Bowl)
1
--Won
WPR Women won by 48 runs
CSA Women Pro20 Series
2024/25
WprWm vs SwdWm
2024-12-15
Oudtshoorn
Oudtshoorn
T20Lost (Bowl)
100
--Won
WPR Women won by 109 runs
CSA Women Pro20 Series
2024/25
WprWm vs SwdWm
2024-12-14
Oudtshoorn
Oudtshoorn
ODILost (Bowl)
20
--Lost
Swd D Wmn won by 3 wickets (with 30 balls remaining)
CSA Women Pro50 Series
2024/25
WprWm vs TTN-W
2024-12-01
Cape Town
Cape Town
T20Won (Bat)
26
--Won
WPR Women won by 10 runs
CSA Women Pro20 Series
2024/25
WprWm vs TTN-W
2024-11-30
Cape Town
Cape Town
ODILost (Bat)
84*
--Won
WPR Women won by 5 wickets (with 52 balls remaining)
CSA Women Pro50 Series
2024/25
WprWm vs FsWm
2024-11-24
Bloemfontein
Bloemfontein
T20Won (Bat)
36
--Won
WPR Women won by 16 runs
CSA Women Pro20 Series
2024/25
WprWm vs FsWm
2024-11-23
Bloemfontein
Bloemfontein
ODIWon (Bowl)
31*
--Won
WPR Women won by 5 wickets (with 29 balls remaining)
CSA Women Pro50 Series
2024/25
WprWm vs LIO-W
2024-11-17
Johannesburg
Johannesburg
T20Lost (Bowl)
51
--Won
WPR Women won by 56 runs
CSA Women Pro20 Series
2024/25
WprWm vs LIO-W
2024-11-16
Johannesburg
Johannesburg
ODIWon (Bowl)
38
--Lost
LIONS WMN won by 88 runs
CSA Women Pro50 Series
2024/25
WprWm vs FsWm
2024-10-13
Cape Town
Cape Town
T20Lost (Bowl)
1
--Won
WPR Women won by 33 runs
CSA Women Pro20 Series
2024/25

Debut/Last Matches

Women's One-Day Internationals
Debut
2009-03-08
South Africa Women v West Indies Women, Newcastle
Last
2021-09-19
West Indies Women v South Africa Women, North Sound
Women's Twenty20 Internationals
Debut
2009-06-11
West Indies Women v South Africa Women, Taunton
Last
2021-09-04
South Africa Women v West Indies Women, North Sound

Records

10

Most runs in an series by a captain (596)

Women's One-Day Internationals

4

Fewest ducks in career (42)

Women's One-Day Internationals

1

Outstanding bowling analyses in an innings (4/0)

Women's One-Day Internationals

About

Cricket, a sport that transcends borders, has seen many remarkable athletes, but few have left an indelible mark quite like Dane van Niekerk. From her debut in 2009 to her retirement in 2021, Van Niekerk's journey is one of resilience, skill, and groundbreaking achievements in women's cricket. As a prominent all-rounder for the South African national team, she not only showcased her talent but also became a symbol of empowerment within the sport.

Early Life and Rise to Prominence

Dane van Niekerk was born on May 14, 1993, in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Growing up in a cricket-loving family, she was exposed to the sport at an early age. Her passion and talent were evident, and by the time she was a teenager, she had already made waves in local cricket circles. Her dedication paid off when she made her international debut at the tender age of 16.

From the outset, Van Niekerk showcased a remarkable ability to perform under pressure. She quickly became known for her sharp cricketing mind and exceptional skills as both a bowler and a batsman. As an all-rounder, she carved a niche for herself in a team that was beginning to make its presence felt on the global stage.

International Career Highlights

Van Niekerk's international career was nothing short of spectacular. Over the years, she accumulated numerous records and accolades, solidifying her status as one of the best in women’s cricket. Here are some of the standout moments from her career:

  • Captaincy: In 2016, Van Niekerk was appointed captain of the South African women's team, making her the first female cricketer to lead the national side in all three formats of the game.
  • World Cup Performances: Under her captaincy, the team reached the semifinals of the ICC Women's World Cup in 2017, marking a significant milestone for South African women's cricket.
  • All-Round Prowess: Van Niekerk has consistently been among the top performers in both ODI and T20 formats, often being the leading wicket-taker and run-scorer for her team.

Contributions to Women’s Cricket

Beyond her personal achievements, Dane van Niekerk's contributions to women's cricket have been profound. She has been an advocate for women's sports, pushing for greater visibility and support. Her dedication to the game has inspired countless young girls to pick up a bat and ball, breaking stereotypes and barriers in a traditionally male-dominated sport.

Van Niekerk's influence extends beyond the cricket field. She has used her platform to raise awareness about gender equality in sports, championing the idea that women deserve equal opportunities and recognition. Her efforts have not only bolstered her own career but have also paved the way for future generations of female cricketers.

Challenges and Resilience

No journey is without its challenges, and Van Niekerk faced her share of obstacles throughout her career. Injuries plagued her in the later stages, testing her resilience and determination. However, each setback was met with a fierce will to return stronger. Her ability to overcome adversity has made her a role model, not only in cricket but in life itself.

Retirement and Legacy

In 2021, Van Niekerk announced her retirement, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered for years to come. Her contributions to the sport have been invaluable, inspiring a new wave of talent and encouraging inclusivity within cricket. As the cricketing world moves forward, Van Niekerk's impact will undoubtedly continue to be felt.

Conclusion

Dane van Niekerk's story is one of passion, perseverance, and empowerment. Her journey from a young girl with a dream to a celebrated international cricketer is a testament to what can be achieved with hard work and dedication. As we reflect on her career, it serves as a reminder of the importance of representation and the need to support female athletes in all sports.

As we look to the future of women's cricket, Dane van Niekerk's legacy will inspire not only players but also fans and advocates alike. Her journey may have reached its conclusion, but the echoes of her achievements will resonate for generations to come.

For aspiring cricketers and sports enthusiasts, take a page from Van Niekerk's book: pursue your passion relentlessly, champion equality, and always strive for excellence on and off the field.