Dane van Niekerk left out of South Africa’s T20 WC squad

All-rounder Dane van Niekerk has been left out of South Africa’s squad for the Women’s T20 World Cup, set to be played in South Africa, for failing to meet the fitness standards.

Clinton du Preez, women’s selection convener said, “Dane was given an extensive opportunity to meet the minimum criteria for the fitness benchmark. She recently did another fitness test and did not meet the minimum criteria and that’s why she has missed out.

“Dane did not meet the minimum requirement for the 2-kilometre time trial. The management assisted her into trying to get there but she did not meet the minimum requirement. The skill set of Dane as a cricketer will always be missed on the cricket field. We have reminded her of that. We also appreciate the effort she tried to put into meeting the fitness level.

Sune Luus will captain the side in her absence.

Squad: Sune Luus (c), Chloe Tryon (vice-capt), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Lara Goodall, Shabnim Ismail, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Laura Wolvaardt, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Delmi Tucker, Annerie Dercksen.