South African pacer Anrich Nortje will make his much-anticipated comeback to competitive cricket in the CSA T20 Challenge 2025. The aggressive pacer, who had played his last game in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in May, has been contracted by the Durban-based Dolphins for the coming season and is likely to play their first match against the Tuskers at Kingsmead this Saturday.
Nortje’s Recovery Journey and Injury Timeline
Nortje’s comeback signals the conclusion of a prolonged rehabilitation after a stress reaction injury excluded him from South Africa’s winter matches. The 30-year-old was unavailable for some of the key tours, such as the T20 series against Zimbabwe and the white-ball series to Australia and England. His last international game was in the T20 World Cup Final in June 2024.
Last year, Anrich Nortje fought numerous setbacks a broken toe and a back issue that ended a possible Test cricket return. While he played for a short stint in the IPL for Kolkata Knight Riders, he missed out on the Major League Cricket (MLC) and the following international tours to concentrate on complete recovery.
Nortje on His Comeback and Motivation
Speaking ahead of his return, Nortje expressed excitement about getting back on the field.
From a personal and group point of view, it will be good to get back into the park,” said Nortje in an announcement released by the Dolphins. “Once you get to the end of rehab, you just want to move because you know what’s ahead. The last few weeks have likely been more frustrating than the previous months.
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The pacer also added that his priority continues to be consistent performance and overall fitness.
“Always been about trying to find the positives and striving to be better than I was. Really proud of where I am now—it’s all about getting games under my belt,” he added.
CSA T20 Challenge 2025: Format and Opportunities
The CSA T20 Challenge will be played from October 29 to November 30, with all eight Division 1 sides playing each other a single time. The tournament will use an IPL-type playoff system including two Qualifiers and an Eliminator before the final.
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If fit for the entire campaign, Nortje might play as many as 10 games an important chance to build match rhythm back up and demonstrate his pace and accuracy before upcoming international selections.
While he presently does not have a national contract, regular appearances in the CSA T20 Challenge and the next SA20 2025, for which he plays for Sunrisers Eastern Cape, may open up his international chances once again.
Dolphins Eye Redemption After Last Year’s Final Loss
The Dolphins, who lost to the Lions in last year’s CSA T20 Challenge and were runners-up, will be hoping to take it a notch higher this season. Nortje’s availability is a big boost to their bowling lineup, with world-class pace and experience being brought into their ranks.
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