Proteas suffer Van Niekerk blow, Luus named skipper for T20 World Cup

31.01.2023 - 13:41 news24.com

All-rounder and regular skipper Dane van Niekerk was deemed unfit as Cricket South Africa (CSA) named the Proteas women squad for next week's T20 Women's World Cup in South Africa.CSA confirmed their 15-player squad for next month's T20 Women's World Cup, which will be held for the first time on African soil, from 10-26 February 2023.

The Proteas women will be captained by all-rounder Sune Luus, with Van Niekerk ruled out of the global showpiece due to not meeting the minimum criteria.

The Proteas are currently in the final of the ongoing Women's T20I tri-series between India and West Indies in East London.According to Proteas women's national selector Clinton du Preez, Van Niekerk did not meet Cricket SA's extensive criteria, particularly the 2km run."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," Du Preez told reporters on Tuesday."We have reminded her of that.

cricket Proteas Women cup Laura Wolvaardt Lara Goodall Sune Luus Anneke Bosch Nadine De-Klerk South Africa India

India's defeat to England has not ended their chances of securing a semifinal spot in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup, but the loss can have big implications for the remainder of their campaign. Had India won against England, the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side could have gained control of Group 2 and put one foot in the semifinals. But they failed to chase down the total of 152. It has left India's fate out of their hands. On basis of form and rankings, it is still likely that India will earn their semifinal spot, but it is far from being confirmed.

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South Africa vs Australia, Women's T20 World Cup Live Score Updates

SA vs AUS, Women's T20 World Cup Live Updates: Australia captain Meg Lanning won the toss and opted to against South Africa in a crunch Group A encounter at the St Geroge's Park in Gqeberha. Alyssa Healy is out injured due a quad strain and is replaced by Annabel Sutherland in the playing XI. With three wins out of as many outings, Australia sit top of Group A, while South Africa, following their shock defeat to Sri Lanka in the tournament opener, are third with two points so far. Earlier in the day, England defeated India by 11 runs in a possible group-deciding game at the same venue. (LIVE SCORECARD)