Van Niekerk, who had stepped away from international cricket, has rejoined the national setup after a strong domestic season with Western Province, and is part of the 20-player group currently attending a national training camp in Durban from 25 August to 1 September.
The Pakistan tour, featuring a three-match ODI series from 16 to 22 September in Lahore, will serve as the final on-field preparation before the World Cup kicks off on 30 September.
Van Niekerk's inclusion offers South Africa valuable experience and leadership. She has played 194 international matches, including 107 ODIs and 86 T20Is, and brings proven credentials with both bat and ball. A key figure in South African cricket, she boasts 2,175 ODI runs and 138 wickets, along with standout performances in global tournaments—most memorably her 4/0 spell against the West Indies during the 2017 World Cup.
She has also impressed recently in domestic competitions, scoring 179 runs in five matches in the Pro50 league at an average of 59.66, and following it up with 215 runs in six matches in the Pro20, including a century.
"We've brought in the likes of Dane to take a closer look at what they can contribute to the group in the near future," said head coach Mandla Mashimbyi. "Her experience and all-round skills could prove invaluable, particularly in subcontinent conditions."
The training camp includes players from South Africa's recent West Indies tour. However, Laura Wolvaardt, Marizanne Kapp, and Chloe Tryon are not in attendance as they are currently participating in The Hundred in the UK. All three are still expected to be part of the final World Cup squad.
Young all-rounder Luyanda Nzuza, who featured in this year's U19 Women's T20 World Cup, is the only uncapped player in the group. Her selection highlights the Proteas' commitment to building a squad that balances experience with fresh talent.
"This camp in Durban is crucial for finalising key areas of our preparation," Mashimbyi explained. "The players have put in tremendous work, and we're confident in building a squad that's ready for the World Cup challenge."
Cricket South Africa has confirmed that the final squads for the Pakistan tour and the World Cup will be announced in the first week of September.
South Africa are aiming to improve on their back-to-back semi-final appearances at the last two ODI World Cups and believe this group has the balance and depth to go even further.
Proteas Women National Training Camp Squad – August 2025:
Anneke Bosch (Fidelity Titans), Tazmin Brits (DP World Lions), Nadine de Klerk (World Sports Betting Western Province), Annerie Dercksen (Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers), Lara Goodall (World Sports Betting Western Province), Ayanda Hlubi (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Sinalo Jafta (DP World Lions), Ayabonga Khaka (DP World Lions), Masabata Klaas (Fidelity Titans), Sune Luus (Fidelity Titans), Eliz-Mari Marx (Fidelity Titans), Karabo Meso (DP World Lions), Nonkululeko Mlaba (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Seshnie Naidu (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Luyanda Nzuza (Fidelity Titans), Tumi Sekhukhune (DP World Lions), Nondumiso Shangase (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Miane Smit (Fidelity Titans), Faye Tunnicliffe (World Sports Betting Western Province), Dane van Niekerk (World Sports Betting Western Province)
As the countdown to the 2025 ICC Women's ODI World Cup gathers momentum, the Proteas Women are gearing up for a vital away series against Pakistan - a key step in their preparations for global competition.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) has confirmed that the Proteas men and women's teams will play a five-match T20I series of double-headers in New Zealand in March 2026.
Proteas Women's opener Tazmin Brits has climbed to career-best positions in both the ICC T20I and ODI batting rankings after a superb run of form on the tour of the West Indies.
West Indies Women sealed a historic T20I series victory over South Africa Women with a six-wicket win in the decider at the Three Ws Oval in Cave Hill, Barbados, on Monday.
