Welcome to the captivating story of Mignon du Preez, affectionately known as “Minx” in the cricketing circles. This article delves into the life of a woman who has not only made a name for herself on the cricket field but also leads a life enriched by strong personal values and relationships. From her accidental entry into cricket at a tender age to becoming a trailblazer for women in the sport, du Preez’s journey is a compelling tale of talent, determination, and faith. As we explore her remarkable career achievements, personal life, and the supportive role of her husband, Tony van der Merwe, we uncover the multifaceted persona of one of South Africa’s most beloved cricketers.
Batting Career Stats
| Format | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s | Ct | St |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WTests | 1 | 2 | 0 | 119 | 102 | 59.50 | 304 | 39.14 | 1 | 0 | 18 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| WODIs | 154 | 141 | 27 | 3760 | 116/* | 32.98 | 5556 | 67.67 | 2 | 18 | 366 | 6 | 37 | 0 |
| WT20Is | 114 | 104 | 18 | 1805 | 69 | 20.98 | 1783 | 101.23 | 0 | 7 | 179 | 21 | 26 | 0 |
Bowling Career Stats
| Format | Mat | Inns | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Ave | Econ | SR | 4w | 5w | 10w |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WTests | 1 | 1 | 6 | 5 | 0 | - | - | - | 5.00 | - | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| WODIs | 154 | 4 | 29 | 31 | 1 | 1/9 | 1/9 | 31.00 | 6.41 | 29.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| WT20Is | 114 | 2 | 18 | 24 | 0 | - | - | - | 8.00 | - | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Career Information
ODI debut vs Pakistan 22.01.2007
Last ODI vs England 31.03.2022
T20 debut vs New Zealand 10.08.2007
Last T20 vs Sri Lanka 04.08.2022
Early Years and Education - Biography Details
Mignon du Preez, a renowned cricket player, embarked on her cricket journey in Pretoria, where she grew up. Her entry into cricket was serendipitous, starting at age four when she filled in for a missing player in her brother’s under-7 team, a moment that sparked her passion for the sport. Excelling from a young age, du Preez scored a remarkable 258 in a provincial Under-13 match, showcasing her prodigious talent.
Du Preez’s high school years were instrumental in nurturing her cricket skills, as her school had a rare girls’ cricket team. With access to excellent sports facilities and the unwavering support of her family, she thrived despite challenges in a sport then perceived as male-dominated. Her admiration for Sachin Tendulkar and the gradual professionalization of women’s cricket in South Africa helped her overcome these barriers.
Post-school, du Preez continued her academic and sporting endeavors, earning an honours degree in marketing from the University of Pretoria. Her journey reflects a blend of innate talent, familial support, and a determination to excel in a traditionally male-dominated sport.
Career Story
Mignon du Preez’s cricket career is a story of remarkable achievements and groundbreaking milestones. Her debut for South Africa in 2007 was just the beginning. In 2014, she captained the team in her first and only Test match against India, scoring a memorable century. Du Preez made history again in 2016, becoming the first South African woman to score 1,000 runs in T20I cricket.
Her leadership skills shone as she captained South Africa’s women’s team for nearly five years, leading them in various international formats. She celebrated another career highlight in 2017, becoming the first South African woman to play in 100 ODI matches. Recognized for her skills and contributions, du Preez was awarded a national contract in 2018 and participated in prestigious tournaments, including the ICC Women’s World Twenty20 and The Hundred.
Her international career expanded to the Women’s Big Bash League, where she played for Melbourne Stars, and the Women’s T20 Super League in South Africa. In 2020, du Preez continued her international appearances, including playing her 100th WT20I match in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
In the subsequent years, du Preez was a part of South Africa’s training squad, the inaugural season of The Hundred in England, and the 2022 Women’s Cricket World Cup. However, in April 2022, she announced her retirement from longer formats of cricket. Her skill was on full display during the 2022 FairBreak Invitational T20 in Dubai, where she scored a total of 120 runs and took a remarkable catch.
She was named in the South African team for the 2022 Commonwealth Games cricket tournament, marking another significant participation. Finally, in December 2022, Mignon du Preez announced her retirement from all forms of international cricket, closing a chapter on a storied and influential career in women’s cricket.
Mignon du Preez Religion and Husband
Mignon du Preez, affectionately nicknamed “Minx,” enjoys a fulfilling personal life alongside her successful cricket career. Raised in a Christian household, her faith has been an integral part of her life since dedicating herself to Jesus at a youth seminar at age 10. She expressed that her involvement in sports has never imposed any limitations on her Christian beliefs.
In her personal life, du Preez is married to Tony van der Merwe, an urban planner with a degree in town and regional planning from the University of Pretoria. Tony, who is not from the athletic industry, is a staunch supporter of Mignon’s cricketing career and was excited about her participation in the World Cup semi-final. The couple, known for their affectionate public displays, tied the knot on December 5, 2015, in the presence of close friends and family. They lead a private life, focused on their careers and not currently considering parenting, though the possibility of expanding their family in the future is not ruled out. Mignon and Tony reside in Pretoria, with Mignon frequently traveling abroad for cricket matches.
Conclusion
Mignon du Preez’s journey in cricket and life mirrors a story of unwavering commitment, resilience, and grace. Her achievements on the cricket field, marked by historic milestones and groundbreaking records, have established her as a pillar in the world of women’s cricket. Off the field, her life is a testament to the harmony of professional success and personal contentment, grounded in her faith and supported by her husband, Tony. Du Preez’s story is not just about cricketing excellence but also about the strength of character and dedication to one’s passions.
As we reflect on Mignon du Preez’s career and life, it’s clear that her influence extends beyond cricket statistics. She has been a role model for aspiring female athletes, proving that with talent, hard work, and support, barriers can be broken and new heights achieved. Her journey from a young girl accidentally stepping onto the cricket pitch to a celebrated international cricketer is inspiring. Du Preez’s legacy will continue to motivate future generations, illustrating that success is multifaceted and attainable both in one’s professional and personal spheres.