Despite playing just two internationals in 18 months, the South African pacer believes his recent form and fitness put him firmly in contention for World Cup selection

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

South Africa fast bowler Anrich Nortje has described the last two months as the “ideal build-up” as he targets a return to the national side and a place in the T20 World Cup 2026 squad, set to be announced next week. Nortje made an immediate impact at the start of SA20 2026, ripping through Paarl Royals with a fiery 4 for 13 for Sunrisers Eastern Cape, bowling them out for a tournament-low 49. The spell marked his best figures since the last T20 World Cup and underlined his readiness after a long injury layoff.

The SA20 appearance is Nortje’s first in South Africa’s franchise league since the inaugural season, having missed editions two and three due to separate stress reactions in his back. Injuries have restricted him to only two international matches over the past 18 months, with lengthy absences between October 2024 and April 2025, and again from May to November. Although he opted out of a central contract with Cricket South Africa, Nortje remains available for selection and firmly in the frame for the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Speaking after SEC’s opener in Paarl, Nortje said he is focused on steady progress rather than selection talk. He credited his return to form to a gradual build-up that began with the CSA T20 Challenge, followed by a call-up for the T20I series in India. While he went wicketless in his two appearances there, his pace and control improved, setting the platform for his dominant SA20 start. Nortje believes maintaining momentum, staying focused and trusting the preparation are key as the schedule intensifies.

With SA20 potentially demanding up to 13 matches in a month, Nortje acknowledged the physical challenge ahead but stressed the importance of trusting his body after rehabilitation. Past injuries ruled him out of major tournaments like the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy, yet he views his time on the sidelines as motivation to return stronger. His spell in Paarl showcased his full skill set, using sharp short balls on a slow surface and sealing his four-for with a full, swinging delivery to bowl Delano Potgieter.

Currently among the joint-leading wicket-takers in SA20 2026, Nortje is also open to reviving his career in longer formats. He has not played an ODI in over two years or a Test since February 2023, but with South Africa set for an eight-Test home summer next season and the ODI World Cup at home in 2027, he hopes to be part of future plans. For now, his focus remains firmly on T20 cricket, with SA20, the T20 World Cup and the IPL—where he was bought by Lucknow Super Giants—forming a crucial phase in his comeback journey.