Rise of Paul Van Meekeren: From delivery boy to Netherlands’ ODI World Cup 2023 star
Netherlands stunned a cricketing powerhouse, South Africa, defeating them by 38 runs – one of the most significant upsets in the competition so far.
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Oct 18, 2023 2:12 pm
Behind the scenes in the world of cricket, untold tales of hardship and dedication frequently unfold, where heroes earn acclaim for their on-field feats. The recent victory by the Netherlands in the Cricket World Cup, although astonishing to fans, gains a significant undertone when you consider the remarkable journeys of some of their players.
Netherlands stunned a cricketing powerhouse, South Africa, defeating them by 38 runs – one of the most significant upsets in the competition so far. What makes this victory even more remarkable is the incredible tenacity exhibited by certain Dutch team members who, during the COVID-19 pandemic, found themselves in unforeseen roles like working for Uber Eats to support their families.
This triumph marked the Netherlands’ first-ever victory in a World Cup over a Test-playing country, despite their challenging position at 82/5 during the match. It is a testament to the perseverance and spirit of the Dutch players.
THE NETHERLANDS WIN BY 38 RUNS!🇳🇱
A FAMOUS DUTCH VICTORY THAT WILL BE REMEMBERED FOR A LIFETIME!!!
The Dutch aren't just here to make up the numbers but to show the world they deserve a spot on the big stage!
One such narrative is that of Dutch cricketer Paul van Meekeren, who recently shared his remarkable journey during the pandemic. Paul van Meekeren, due to the financial difficulties brought about by the postponement of the ICC T20 World Cup in Australia, had to work as a delivery driver for Uber Eats in 2020.
Paul Van Meekeren, Lungi Ngidi and Keshav Maharaj (Source: twitter)
He had initially been slated to represent his country in the T20 World Cup, scheduled from October 18 to November 15, 2020. However, the coronavirus pandemic disrupted these plans, leaving many cricketers in precarious situations.
Look at Paul van Meekeren’s tweet:
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 😁 https://t.co/kwVEIo6We9
From delivering orders to ODI World-cup 2023 : Paul van Meekeren’s inspiring journey
Van Meekeren found himself forced to work as a delivery driver, a far cry from the cricket field where he truly belonged. This step was necessary to support his family and pursue his dreams. His story, along with the experiences of other Dutch athletes facing similar challenges, serves as a reminder of the drive and determination possessed by athletes.
The victory by the Netherlands over South Africa not only stands out as a significant sporting achievement for the nation but also embodies the unwavering spirit of the players. Their journey from delivering food to achieving a historic cricket upset serves as motivation and illustrates the strength of perseverance in the face of adversity.
As the Cricket World Cup progresses, these untold tales of hardship and victory remind us that heroes can emerge from the most unexpected backgrounds, sometimes even from the back of an Uber Eats delivery scooter.
Look at how the fans have reacted:
October 2020 – Paul Van Meekeren was delivering Uber Eats at home as the T20WC in India got postponed.
October 2023 – Paul Van Meekeren has contributed in Netherlands' win over South Africa in the World Cup in India. pic.twitter.com/WDLzjwa3YO
I appreciate the creativity in the analogy between delivering food in November 2020 and delivering history in October 2023. Best of luck to #SAvNED and kudos to @paulvanMeekeren for making it memorable! #CWC23
Lesson from This " Never give up" life maybe tough at the moment , things may look darker but their will be light, keep working hard and you will shine brighter than ever, Meekeren is a living example of it ✅👌
This game… it’s such a beautiful canvas on which such amazing stories are painted. Hats off to the Dutch. They were the best side and we need to stop calling these wins upsets… they aren’t.. their side won because they played exceptional cricket. Not an upset. It’s an uprise..
