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There was a time when Dutch fast bowler Paul van Meekeren faced financial struggles during cold winters in the Netherlands. He had high hopes for the T20 World Cup 2020 in Australia, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced a two-year postponement. At 27 years old, he found himself working as a delivery driver for Uber Eats, questioning the trajectory of his cricket career.
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“Should’ve been playing cricket today now I’m delivering Uber eats to get through the winter months!! Funny how things change hahaha keep smiling people,” van Meekeren wrote.
Van Meekeren had played in various T20 and T10 leagues worldwide, but he wasn't a household name in the cricketing world. However, that perception is now changing.
Van Meekeren was part of the historic Netherlands team that achieved a remarkable 38-run victory over South Africa at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamsala. While Scott Edwards earned the Player of the Match award, van Meekeren's contributions were equally significant. The Amsterdam-based speedster made crucial breakthroughs, finishing with impressive figures of 9-0-40-2.
One unforgettable moment was when van Meekeren shattered Aiden Markram's stumps. It was like a death knell for South Africa but music to the ears of van Meekeren and the Dutch. This pivotal wicket left South Africa struggling at 42 for three while chasing a challenging target of 246 in a rain-curtailed 43-over match.
In the 25th over, van Meekeren bowled an unplayable delivery to dismiss Marco Jansen, who is known for his batting prowess. Jansen's stumps were sent flying, and at that moment, the Netherlands sensed victory. South Africa was in dire straits.
Before the match, even the most optimistic observers might have doubted the Netherlands' chances against a confident South African team that had recently defeated Sri Lanka and Australia. The Netherlands faced pressure multiple times during the match, as expected, but their ability to respond to challenges stood out.
With Sri Lanka's recent poor form, the Netherlands is eagerly anticipating their next match at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. They've made it clear that they are here to compete, fight, and make their opponents sweat, not merely to fill a spot.
As for van Meekeren, his journey from delivering food to doorsteps to delivering nightmares to opposition batters has certainly earned him a reputation in the cricketing world.
In summary, Paul van Meekeren, a Dutch fast bowler, faced financial challenges before emerging as a key player in the Netherlands' historic victory over South Africa. His impressive bowling performance played a significant role in their triumph, marking a remarkable transformation in his cricketing career. The Netherlands is determined to make an impact in the T20 World Cup, and van Meekeren's journey from an Uber Eats delivery driver to a cricketing star serves as an inspiring narrative of perseverance and success.
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