Van Niekerk excited for Proteas return ahead of T20 Women's World Cup: 'Special is the word'

Proteas women's skipper Dane van Niekerk is looking forward to leading her side at what she deems will be a special T20 World Cup.

Van Niekerk was ruled out for the entire Proteas season after sustaining a left ankle fracture in January.

It meant that the SA women were without their regular captain for the Women's Cricket World Cup in New Zealand, their gruelling tour to England and their debut at the Commonwealth Games.

During Van Niekerk's absence, all-rounder Sune Luus took over the captain's armband in what was a tough year for the Proteas women.

In August, Van Niekerk returned to action for the Oval Invincibles at the Hundred, playing only three games in the women's competition.

Despite not featuring in the ongoing Women's Big Bash League, Van Niekerk has since been with the Proteas women and participated in numerous camps.

South Africa's next assignment will be in January when they take on India and the West Indies in a T20I tri-series at home, which will be their final World Cup preparation.

The T20 Women's World Cup will be held for the first time on African soil from 10-26 February 2023.

Speaking at the T20 World Cup trophy presentation at St George's Park, Van Niekerk expressed her excitement at playing for the first time in Gqeberha.

"Any big event at home is special. Special is the word that goes around at the moment, but it is. I've never played at St George's," said Van Niekerk.

"I'm just pretty excited to go up against the best in the world. I think a lot of people going to come out in droves to see."

The Proteas open the tournament on 10 February 2023 against Sri Lanka at Newlands.

The South Africans are in Group 1 alongside Sri Lanka, Australia, New Zealand and Bangladesh.

Van Niekerk says she has full confidence in