Sune Luus is one of South Africa’s most talented and fearless women cricketers. She plays like a warrior, leads with confidence, and inspires millions with her journey. Known for her all-rounder skills and smart captaincy, Sune has made her mark in international cricket with both bat and ball.
She is also a strong and calm voice in the changing world of women’s sports. This article tells her full story in simple English—covering her height, age, family, boyfriend, cricket journey, controversies, and more personal and professional details.
Quick Info Table
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sune Elbie Luus |
| Date of Birth | January 5, 1996 |
| Age (2025) | 29 Years |
| Birthplace | Pretoria, South Africa |
| Height | 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm) |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm leg-spin |
| Role | All-rounder |
| National Team | South Africa Women’s Cricket Team |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Relationship Status | Reportedly Single |
| Education | Hoërskool Menlopark, Pretoria |
Early Life and Childhood
Sune Luus was born on January 5, 1996, in Pretoria, South Africa. Her love for cricket started at a very young age. She grew up in a sporty family, and her father, who worked as a cricket coach, became her first teacher.
From backyard games to practice nets, Sune spent most of her childhood with a bat or ball in hand. She studied at Hoërskool Menlopark, a school that supported sports strongly. She began playing cricket with boys’ teams in her early years because there were few girls’ cricket teams in her area.
This made her tougher. She learned to face fast bowling early and never feared challenges. Playing with boys helped her become a better cricketer, both technically and mentally.
Cricket Career Journey
Domestic Cricket Start
Sune began her domestic cricket career at a young age. She played for Northerns, her home province team. She showed great potential early, scoring runs and taking wickets regularly.
By the time she was 16, selectors already saw her talent. She was soon picked for the national team, making her international debut in 2012 at just 16 years old. Her early debut was not just luck—it was a result of years of hard work and dedication.
International Debut and Rise
Sune made her One Day International (ODI) debut for South Africa in 2012 against Bangladesh. She also debuted in T20Is the same year. Even as a teenager, she bowled with control and batted with maturity.
At first, she was picked mostly for her leg-spin bowling. But over the years, she grew as a batter too. She soon became one of South Africa’s top all-rounders.
She reached a big milestone in 2016 when she became only the second woman cricketer ever to take five wickets and score a fifty in the same ODI match. That performance came against Ireland and is still remembered by fans.
Captaincy and Leadership
In 2016, Sune was named the stand-in captain for South Africa in the absence of regular skipper Dane van Niekerk. Her calm leadership and clear thinking on the field impressed everyone.
After van Niekerk’s long absence due to injury, Sune took full charge. She led South Africa in multiple tours and ICC tournaments, including the 2022 ICC Women’s World Cup and the 2023 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
Under her captaincy, South Africa reached the final of the 2023 T20 World Cup, a historic moment for the team. Though they lost to Australia in the final, Sune’s leadership and batting were praised worldwide.
Records and Career Stats (As of 2025)
- Over 2,000 ODI runs and 100+ wickets
- More than 1,000 T20I runs and 50+ T20I wickets
- Holds the record for most 5-wicket hauls by a South African woman
- One of the very few to achieve 100 caps in both ODI and T20I
- First South African woman to play in multiple global franchise leagues
Franchise Cricket and Global Leagues
Sune Luus has played in several global T20 leagues. In the Women’s Premier League (WPL), she played for UP Warriorz and performed well in key games. Her calmness under pressure and smart bowling were valuable to the team.
She has also played in:
- The Hundred (England) for Welsh Fire
- Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) in Australia
- FairBreak Invitational T20 league
These leagues gave her exposure, experience, and the chance to play with and against the best in the world. Sune believes these platforms are important for growing women’s cricket worldwide.
Family and Personal Life
Sune Luus was raised in a close and loving family in Pretoria. Her father, a coach and cricket lover, shaped her early training. Her mother has always been supportive and proud of her achievements.
Even with a busy cricket schedule, Sune remains close to her family. She often shares pictures and sweet messages for them on social media.
As of 2025, Sune Luus is not married. She has not spoken much about her boyfriend or relationship status in public. She keeps her personal life private and focuses mostly on cricket and family.
Controversies and Public Talks
Sune Luus has stayed away from major controversies. She speaks clearly and confidently but always respectfully. In 2023, there were questions in the media about why she was not made permanent captain even after leading South Africa to the World Cup final.
Sune responded with grace, saying she will always do what’s best for the team. Fans and experts called her the “people’s captain” and praised her leadership skills.
She has also spoken about the need for equal pay and better opportunities in women’s cricket. She believes women players should get more support, better infrastructure, and proper recognition.
Her voice is honest, and she uses it to bring positive changes in the game.
Playing Style and Strengths
Sune Luus is a right-handed batter and a right-arm leg-spin bowler. Her style is smooth and elegant. She can anchor the innings or play attacking shots when needed. Her bowling is accurate and tricky, especially on spin-friendly pitches.
She is also a very good fielder, quick in the circle and safe under high catches. But more than anything, it’s her mental strength that makes her special. She stays calm in tense moments and leads with courage.
Life Outside Cricket
Sune enjoys photography, music, and spending time in nature. She likes writing short poems and journaling during travel. She is also interested in mental health awareness and talks about how athletes should care for their mind as much as their body.
She gives motivational talks in schools and colleges and encourages girls to take up sports. Her message is simple: “Believe in yourself and never stop learning.”
Achievements and Legacy
- Captain of South Africa in ICC tournaments
- Reached final of 2023 Women’s T20 World Cup
- First woman to take 5 wickets + score 50 in same ODI for SA
- Over 100 matches in both ODI and T20I formats
- Role model for next-gen cricketers
Future Goals and What’s Next?
In 2025 and beyond, Sune Luus wants to keep growing as a player and mentor. She wants to win more games for South Africa and continue her journey in global leagues. She also dreams of writing a book one day, telling her story and helping others learn from it.
Sune Luus is more than a cricketer. She is a fighter, a thinker, a leader, and a dreamer. With age and experience on her side, her best years may still be ahead.
