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Injury puts Dane van Niekerk out of New Zealand tour

Tuesday, 17-Mar-2026, 04:59 AM
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South Africa have been dealt a major blow on their tour of New Zealand with experienced all-rounder Dane van Niekerk ruled out of the remainder of the series due to injury. Niekerk is dealing with a right calf issue that surfaced shortly before the opening Women’s T20I, preventing her from taking part in the match. Van Niekerk reportedly experienced discomfort during the lead-up to the first T20I against New Zealand women's national cricket team. 

"Proteas Women all-rounder Dane van Niekerk will miss the remainder of the tour to New Zealand due to a right calf injury," Cricket South Africa said in a statement on social media. 

"Van Niekerk experienced discomfort on the eve of the first T20 International (T20I) before a scan revealed the extent of the injury, which will require rehabilitation. Fidelity Titans' Anneke Bosch has been called up as her replacement," the statement concluded.

The absence of Van Niekerk is a blow for South African women, as the seasoned all-rounder carries massive experience, and she recently made her return to international cricket. Her return to T20 cricket late last year had been one of the more encouraging developments for South Africa. After spending four years away from the format, Van Niekerk made her comeback in December, appearing in matches against Ireland and Pakistan. 

In her absence, South Africa have called up Anneke Bosch as her replacement for the remainder of the tour. Bosch now has an opportunity to make her way into the T20I side. She is set to make her first appearance in the format since November 2024.



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