Durban, Oct 28 (NationPress) South African fast bowler Anrich Nortje, who has been absent from competitive cricket since the Indian Premier League (IPL) in May, is poised to make his comeback in the Cricket South Africa (CSA) T20 Challenge this weekend. The speedster, who is no longer under a national contract, has been signed by the Durban-based Dolphins for this season's tournament and is anticipated to play in their opening match against the Tuskers at Kingsmead on Saturday.

Nortje has successfully recovered from a recent injury—a stress reaction—that kept him from participating in South Africa's winter matches. Consequently, he was omitted from the squads for the T20 series in Zimbabwe and the white-ball tours to Australia and England. His last appearance for the national team was in the T20 World Cup final in June 2024.

At 30 years old, the quick bowler had been in the mix for a Test return last summer, but a fractured toe followed by a back injury thwarted those ambitions. Nortje missed the SA20, made a brief comeback during the IPL—playing only two matches for the Kolkata Knight Riders—and opted out of both the MLC and international cricket to concentrate on an extensive rehabilitation program.

In a statement shared by the Dolphins, Nortje expressed, "From both a personal and team perspective, it's fantastic to be back on the field. I'm always optimistic and eager, but as rehab nears its end, the desire to return grows stronger. The last week or two have been particularly frustrating compared to earlier months."

The T20 Challenge, taking place from October 29 to November 30, will see all eight Division 1 teams face off against each other once before entering an IPL-style playoff format that includes an Eliminator and two Qualifiers leading up to the final. This structure offers Nortje the chance to participate in up to 10 matches over the next month, albeit not with his home team, Eastern Province.

While Nortje has not explicitly signaled his intent to seek a national comeback, a strong performance in the tournament, coupled with a solid showing in the SA20 with Sunrisers Eastern Cape, could put him back on South Africa's radar.

"It’s about maintaining a positive outlook and working towards the goal of improving myself, so I’m genuinely pleased with my current status, and it’s all about getting back in the game," he remarked.

The Dolphins reached the final of last year's CSA T20 Challenge but fell short against the Johannesburg-based Lions.