It's an illustrious international career that began with his debut in the first T20 International against Zimbabwe at Buffalo Park in East London in October 2018.

His final appearance for South Africa came in the third T20 International in Cairns in 2025, where he scored a composed unbeaten 38 as the Proteas went down by two wickets to Australia with just one ball to spare in a nail-biting finish.

Rassie van der Dussen scored 51 in the second innigs of his debut Test against England at SuperSport Park in December 2019. Photo: Cricinfo

The 37-year-old, who also captained South Africa on occasion, featured in 18 Tests, scoring 2 221 runs at an average of 30.16. He narrowly missed out on a maiden Test century, with a highest score of 98, and notched up six half-centuries in the longest format.

Van der Dussen’s greatest impact arguably came in One-Day International cricket, where he was a pillar of consistency. He amassed 2 657 runs in 71 matches (65 innings) at an impressive average of 50.13 and a strike rate of 87.02. His ODI career included six centuries, with a best of 134, alongside 17 half-centuries.

In T20 Internationals, he contributed 1 406 runs in 57 matches (53 innings) at an average of 33.47, registering ten fifties and a top score of 98*.

Rassie van der Dussen batted at an average of 50.13 in One-Day International cricket. Photo: Cricinfo

He represented South Africa at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cups in 2019 and 2023, as well as the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025, cementing his place as one of the Proteas’ most reliable batters across formats.

Predominantly a stalwart for the North West Dragons and the Lions at domestic level, Van der Dussen confirmed that he steps away from international cricket with immense gratitude after nearly eight years in the green and gold.

“It is with a proud heart and a profound sense of gratitude that I announce my retirement from international cricket,” said Van der Dussen.

Rassie van der Dussen represented South Africa at two ICC Cricket World Cup, and also the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. Photo: Cricinfo

“To wear the Proteas jersey is a feat that demands a level of resilience and dedication that both tests and rewards you in the most incredible way. To have played for my country has been the greatest honour of my life.

“This journey has been paved with years of sacrifice, but the privilege of representing South Africa was worth every moment.”

He also paid tribute to those who supported him in his journey.

“Thank you to Cricket South Africa, Enoch Nkwe, and all the Proteas coaches and managers throughout the years for affording me the platform to wear the Proteas jersey,” he added.

Rassie van der Dussen captained the Proteas against the West Indies as well as against Zimbabwe. Photo: Cricinfo

“To the people of South Africa and the fans - thank you. There is no feeling quite like hearing ‘MaThousand’ called out in the streets, or the spine-tingling experience of walking out to bat at a packed Wanderers Stadium to the deafening roar of Antibiotika.

“Those moments of connection are difficult to describe, and those emotions will stay with me forever.”

While his international chapter comes to a close, Van der Dussen will continue plying his trade in domestic and franchise cricket. As recently as last week, he turned out for the Lions in the 2025/26 One-Day Cup final, scoring 57 in a losing cause at the Wanderers. He is also set to feature in the inaugural EUT20 Belgium league from 6 to 14 June.

OFM Sport/ Morgan Piek cvdw