South African stalwart Dane van Niekerk will miss the upcoming T20 women's World Cup after failing a 2km time trial. 

Van Niekerk has captained her country in all three formats of the game but came in 18 seconds over the nine-and-a-half minute limit imposed by Cricket South Africa.

The 29-year old said she was "absolutely broken" by the decision.

Van Niekerk has not played international cricket since September 2021 and missed last year's ODI World Cup due to a broken ankle.

"Dane was given an extensive opportunity to meet the minimum criteria for the fitness benchmark," selector Clinton du Preez said.

"Many other players have gone down this route, everyone is quite familiar with the situation and what is required. In December, we set it out clearly with where she needs to be.

"Dane will always be missed on the cricket field. We have reminded her of that.

"We also appreciate the effort she tried to put into meeting the fitness level."

Sune Luus will captain the side in van Niekerk's absence.

"Dane was given an extensive opportunity to meet the minimum criteria, or the fitness benchmark for eligibility into the World Cup," du Preez said.

"She recently did another fitness test and unfortunately did not meet the minimum criteria, and therefore she's missed out.