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Netherlands scripted history with their thrilling win against South Africa in Match 15 of ODI World Cup 2023. The Dutch side pulled off one of the biggest upsets in the history of World Cups at the picturesque Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala on Tuesday.
In recent years, Dutch cricket has seen a resurgence, and at the forefront of this revival is the fast-bowling sensation, Paul van Meekeren, who played a pivotal role behind Netherlands’ historic win. He bagged a couple of wickets for 40 runs in his spell of 9 overs.
Here is a glimpse into the fascinating journey of Van Meekeren:
Early life and cricketing roots
Van Meekeren was born on January 15, 1993, in Amsterdam, Netherlands. His journey in cricket began at a young age when he joined a local club. As he honed his skills, it became evident that he possessed exceptional pace and natural talent as a fast bowler. His journey from Amsterdam’s local fields to international arenas is a testament to hard work, dedication, and perseverance.
The emergence of a fast-bowling talent
Van Meekeren’s rapid rise to prominence was no accident. His commitment to the game and dedication to improving his skills quickly caught the attention of the Dutch cricket authorities. He consistently delivered impressive performances in domestic competitions and international tours, which ultimately earned him a place in the Dutch national team.
Breakthrough moment
Van Meekeren made his debut for the Netherlands in April 2013, donning the famous orange jersey. His debut came in a T20 International against Kenya, where he couldn’t take any wicket in the game. One month later, he made his ODI debut against South Africa in a one-off clash where he took the wicket of Hashim Amla.
Though, Van Meekeren’s breakthrough moment came during the 2016 ICC World T20 in India. The Netherlands faced Ireland in a crucial match, where Van Meekeren’s outstanding bowling performance secured a historic victory for the Dutch side. His figures of 4 for 11 were pivotal in bowling Ireland out for a mere 47 runs, and this victory is still remembered as a high point in Dutch cricket history.
A journey through leagues
As the years progressed, the right-arm pacer ventured into the world of franchise cricket, gaining valuable experience and showcasing his skills. He played for Somerset in the English T20 Blast, which further improved his game. His ability to bowl consistently at high speeds and maintain control was highly sought after by various T20 leagues around the world.
Also READ: World Cup 2023 – Twitter goes wild as all-round Netherlands upset South Africa in Dharamsala
Challenges and comebacks
Van Meekeren’s journey hasn’t been without its fair share of challenges. Injuries, fluctuations in form, and competition for spots in the national team have tested his mettle. There was a time when Van Meekeren struggled to make ends meet in cold and chilly winters at home. The T20 World Cup 2020 was set to take place in Australia, but the dreaded Covid-19 pandemic meant that the tournament had to be postponed by two years.
He then put in the hard yards by working as a delivery boy for Uber Eats – an online food ordering and delivery platform. However, his resilience and determination have allowed him to bounce back from setbacks, proving that he is a force to be reckoned with on his day.
Historic moment in ODI World Cup 2023
Van Meekeren and other Netherlands players such as Scott Edwards, Logan van Beek, Roelof van der Merwe, Bas de Leede shined with their respective performance against the mighty South Africans to register a historic victory by 38 runs.
In a 43-overs per side contest, Netherlands posted 245/8 with Edwards smashing an unbeaten knock of 78 runs. In response, the Proteas were bundled out for 207 with Van Beek (3/60) picking up a brilliant 3-wicket haul.
Legacy and inspiration
Van Meekeren’s impressive career will undoubtedly inspire young talents in the Netherlands to take up the sport seriously. He is a living example of how, with hard work, dedication, and a never-give-up attitude, one can reach the international stage from a non-cricketing nation. His story serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring cricketers from emerging cricketing nations.
