Dane van Niekerk's Return: WP's Star Shines in Domestic Cricket

Dané van Niekerk’s Comeback: WP’s Key Asset in the Pro Series

After stepping away from international cricket, Dané van Niekerk, former Proteas captain and one of SA’s finest all-rounders, is back in action. Her return to domestic cricket with WP in the Hollywoodbets Pro Series has been a breath of fresh air for fans and teammates alike.

For the first time in years, van Niekerk found herself away from the game she loved. The absence was unfamiliar, and adjusting to life outside professional cricket was a challenge. However, the start of the 2024/25 season marked her much-anticipated return, and she has embraced every moment.

"Yeah, it's been interesting. I haven't played properly for over a year, so I didn’t know what to expect. But I’ve really enjoyed it. I realized how much I missed cricket."

Her comeback wasn’t just about playing again—it was about rekindling her passion for the sport. With no pressure of international commitments, she set a simple yet powerful goal: to help WP win a double. The results so far? WP sits at the top of the Pro 20 table and third in the Pro 50, a testament to her influence on the squad.

Van Niekerk’s Stellar Form with the Bat

The impact of van Niekerk’s return has been felt not just in leadership but also in her performances. Before the league resumed in 2025, she had already accumulated 214 runs in just five T20 matches, including a century and a half-century. This feat made her the top run-scorer in the Pro 20.

"I didn’t even realize I was leading the runs table—that’s pretty cool! But honestly, personal milestones don’t matter to me. I just want to contribute to the team."

Despite being away from the game, her ability to score runs remains undeniable. She acknowledges that domestic cricket differs from the international stage but insists that her role is to add value through her experience and performance.

"Even when I played internationally, it was never about personal achievements. I always wanted to contribute to a winning environment, and that remains my focus."

The Talent in SA’s Domestic Circuit

Being back at the domestic level has given van Niekerk a fresh perspective on the depth of talent in SA’s cricket pipeline. During her international career, she rarely got the chance to play domestic cricket, but now, she is witnessing firsthand the promising future of the game.

"I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the level of talent. When you’re in the national setup, you don’t always see what’s happening at the domestic level. But there are young stars coming through, and even experienced players are still delivering top performances."

She also emphasizes the importance of keeping the sport’s growth momentum alive, particularly after SA women’s team’s success on the global stage.

"The current team has done incredibly well in recent years, making finals and elevating women’s cricket. The goal is to ensure that the pipeline remains strong, and I believe it is, especially with the professionalization of the game."

WP vs DPWL: A Key Pro Series Clash

This weekend, WP faces a crucial encounter against DPWL in Cape Town across both the Pro 20 and Pro 50 formats. The last time these two teams met, DPWL dominated the One-Day match with an 88-run win, but WP bounced back in the T20 clash with a 55-run victory. Van Niekerk played a key role in that win, scoring a vital half-century in WP’s total of 198/4.

"DPWL is a quality side. They have aggressive players with both bat and ball, and some exciting young talents. It’s a very even contest, and every match in this competition is high-stakes."

As the tournament intensifies, WP is eager to make up for their previous One-Day loss and maintain their dominant T20 form.

"Every game is important because momentum is key. We don’t want to drop points, and this weekend’s match will be a battle. I expect a tough contest, but hopefully, we can secure the win at home."

Van Niekerk’s return to WP has been nothing short of inspiring. Her performances, leadership, and dedication to the game are proving instrumental in WP’s title charge. As the Pro Series unfolds, cricket fans will be watching closely can WP and their star all-rounder go all the way?