Dutch cricket players shine on global stage

n an exhilarating finale held on Sunday (July 9) in Harare, Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka emerged triumphant in the Cricket World Cup Qualifier tournament. The team claimed a resounding victory, defeating the Netherlands by a convincing margin of 128 runs. While this outcome did not impact the World Cup qualification, as both Sri Lanka and the Netherlands had already secured their places in the upcoming tournament by finishing first and second, respectively, in the Super Sixes stage.
A total of 10 teams participated in the tournament, featuring teams from America, Nepal, Ireland, and the United Arab Emirates. Unfortunately, these four teams were eliminated during the group stage. Subsequently, four additional teams failed to secure World Cup berths in the Super Sixes stage, including the two-time champions West Indies, along with teams from Zimbabwe, Scotland, and Oman. This marks the first time that the West Indies will not be participating in the ODI World Cup since their victories in 1975 and 1979.
As the cricketing world eagerly awaits the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 to be held in India, all 10 qualified teams are preparing for the grand event. While many teams will be engaging in matches leading up to the World Cup, it is notable that the Netherlands team will not be participating in any fixtures prior to the tournament.
Nevertheless, Dutch cricket players have been making their mark on the global stage in various cricket competitions. Several players, including Bas de Leede, Brandon Glover, Paul van Meekeren, Colin Ackermann, Timm van der Gugten, Fred Klaassen, Roelof van der Merwe, and Shane Snater, have been actively participating in county cricket in England. This valuable experience provides them with match practice against some of the world’s best players, enabling them to impress selectors and secure their spots in the Dutch squad for the upcoming World Cup.
In addition to county cricket, Dutch players such as Bas de Leede, Roelof van der Merwe, and Fred Klaassen have been showcasing their skills in The Hundred, a thrilling T20 cricket competition in England. This platform not only offers valuable match practice but also allows them to gain recognition and contribute to their teams’ success.
Meanwhile, Tom Cooper, Logan van Beek, and Max O’Dowd are currently participating in the Global T20 Canada tournament in Canada. Competing against top players from around the world, they aim to further develop their skills, gain exposure, and make a significant impact on their respective teams. Additionally, Roelof van der Merwe is showcasing his abilities in the Caribbean Premier League, seeking to make a name for himself while helping his team achieve success.
The Netherlands A team is also scheduled to engage in a series of matches, including two T20s against Jersey and two ODIs against Guernsey in July and August. This presents a valuable opportunity for younger players to gain match practice, and experience, and stake their claim for a place in the Dutch squad for the upcoming World Cup.