Sun Dec 14 14:20:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the text:
South Africa’s Nortje Returns to International Cricket After 528-Day Absence
New Delhi, India – December 9, 2025 – Fast bowler Anrich Nortje has made his return to international cricket for South Africa after a hiatus of 528 days, featuring in the playing XI for the first T20 match against India. The match is a crucial assignment ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, which will be held in India, and South Africa is considered to be among the favorites to win the event.
Nortje last played for the Proteas in the 2024 T20 World Cup final against India on June 29, 2024, in Barbados. Prior to his return, the last time Nortje played an ODI was in September of 2023. An injury forced him to miss the 2023 World Cup.
Nortje’s inclusion bolsters South Africa’s pace attack, joining Marco Jansen, Lungi Ngidi, and Lutho Sipamla in the squad. He brings a strong T20I record to the team, with 53 wickets in 42 matches at an average of 19.16. Notably, he was the fourth-highest wicket-taker in the 2024 T20 World Cup, claiming 15 wickets.
First Piper 