NEW DELHI: South Africa fast bowler Anrich Nortje is eyeing a place in the national squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, describing the past couple of months as the perfect preparation for a full-fledged return to international cricket.

Nortje made his comeback during the SA20 while representing Sunrisers Eastern Cape and produced a standout performance, claiming 4 for 13 against Paarl Royals. His spell helped bowl the opposition out for just 49 - the lowest total in the history of the SA20 tournament.

Notably, this marks Nortje's first appearance in the SA20 tournament since its inaugural season, having missed editions two and three due to persistent back injuries.

Over the past 18 months, the veteran pacer has featured in only two international matches. He was sidelined from October 2024 to April 2025 and again from May to November 2025 as he focused on recovery.

Although Nortje is not part of Cricket South Africa's central contract by choice, he confirmed his availability for national selection and expressed his hope of being included in South Africa's squad for the T20 World Cup 2026.

"Hopefully I get selected but for now it's just to try and build, take it game by game and day by day," he said in Paarl, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

"I had a nice little build up starting with the CSA T20 challenge and then got the call up for the India series. I'd call it the ideal build up. From here on it's just to try and execute and work on one or two things. It's also so busy, so it's just to try and keep momentum going, keep a clear head and keep focus. I'd probably call it the ideal build up just from where I was a few months ago to now," Nortje added.

The 32-year-old last played a T201 match for South Africa at Dharamshala in December 2025. Overall, he has picked up 53 wickets in 44 T20Is at an average of 20.20 and an economy of 7.05. He has three four-wicket hauls in T201s.