Sydney Thunder have locked in their overseas trio for WBBL|12. South Africa allrounder Nadine de Klerk is the final piece.
She has signed a one-year deal and will be free for the full season, finals included. She joins England pair Heather Knight and Lauren Bell as Thunder’s three internationals. The club confirmed the signing in their official announcement.
De Klerk is no stranger to this league. She played 33 WBBL games for Brisbane Heat after her debut in 2020. Last season was her best yet in orange and maroon, with 158 runs and five wickets, and she still took out the Heat’s MVP award in a tough year for the club.
Why Thunder wanted her
Thunder finished seventh last season. Their top order did the job, but they lacked punch late in an innings. De Klerk fixes that gap. She can hit late, bowl tight in the middle overs, and she has just come off a title win with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Women’s Premier League, where she played alongside Bell and Georgia Voll.
That shared winning habit should help.
A quick reunion
Her first home game in lime green is a fun one. Thunder host her old club, Brisbane Heat, at Drummoyne Oval on Sunday, 1 November. Before that, the WBBL|12 season opens on 29 October, with Thunder facing Melbourne Renegades in Melbourne.
It’s a smart late signing. Thunder needed depth, and they have got a proven allrounder who is in form.
Who are Sydney Thunder’s overseas players for WBBL|12?
Heather Knight, Lauren Bell and Nadine de Klerk. De Klerk’s signing completes the trio.
When does WBBL|12 start?
On 29 October 2026. Sydney Thunder open against Melbourne Renegades in Melbourne.
See the BBL 2027 squads and Thunder’s other new signing.
Last verified: 26 October 2026.