ICC World Cup 2023: Van Meekeren — the ‘Uber Eats’ supply boy who delivered massive for the Dutch in opposition to South Africa

This could also be an period of quick consideration span and fading recollections, however social media has its personal means of remembering. On Tuesday, even because the cricketing world was nonetheless coming to phrases with Netherlands’ sensational win over South Africa within the World Cup, the web world dug out the rags-to-riches story of Dutch pacer Paul van Meekeren.

In November 2020, when the T20 World Cup was initially slated to be held in Australia however was cancelled due to Covid, van Meekeren was working as a supply agent for meals ordering firm Uber Eats. “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,” the burly van Meekeren had posted on-line.

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Three years on, the Amsterdam native was one of many stars of the victory over Temba Bavuma’s males, bowling 9 overs for 40 runs and selecting up two wickets, together with the prized scalp of Aiden Markram who was castled by a ball that nipped again in.

“In the innings break there was a clear message about bowling cross seams,” a jubilant van Meekeren advised reporters within the combined zone. “We felt the wicket was a bit two-paced. And we knew we had to start well because their [South Africa’s] top-six had a lot of firepower. But from seven onwards, we felt there’s a real weakness.”

“If you get the opportunity to open up one end, you have to take it. We didn’t do that against Pakistan in the first game but here we just didn’t hold back.”

Street Smart

Compared to the 9 different nations competing in India, Netherlands is just not blessed with eye-popping expertise. But what it lacks in star energy, it makes up with sheer group effort and a few street-smart cricket. Against the Proteas, No. 9 batter Roelof van der Merwe and No. 10 Aryan Dutt have been the second and third-highest run-getters behind skipper Scott Edwards.

“I think I’m the only player who’s not in the batting meeting,” stated a grinning van Meekeren, who bats at No. 11. “But we know we’ve got that firepower all the way [down]. You saw Aryan at No. 10 hitting some big bombs.

“We bat deep but weren’t able to set that platform in the first two games. Maybe a bit of rustiness or World Cup fever. But we are getting into that rhythm of playing big teams and doing the right things for longer.” With extra performances like Tuesday’s, the world will want no reminding of van Meekeren and his teammates.