The Netherlands cricket team put in consistent displays throughout the year 2023 and were rewarded for their performances as they won the International Cricket Council Development Award for Associate Member men’s performance of the year.
This award acknowledges the outstanding men’s on-field performance of the year by an Associate Member team in an ICC event or bilateral cricket.
The Dutch were responsible for a number of highlights throughout the cricket calendar last year, and secured the award after sparkling performances in Zimbabwe at the Cricket World Cup Qualifier, before impressing in India later in the year at the main event.
Among the many highlights from their excellent year was the Super Over success against the West Indies, which included a memorable 30-run effort from Logan van Beek.
Following that victory, the men in orange excelled once again, this time in the dramatic winner-takes-all encounter against Scotland – Bas de Leede inspiring them to victory, taking 5/57 and hitting 123 to help them over the line and qualify for the main event for the first time since 2011.
The success continued in India, where the Netherlands produced stirring collective displays to overcame Full Members Bangladesh and South Africa among a string of good performances.
“We’re over the moon with the ICC Development Award. The national men’s team had an incredible year in 2023, first by qualifying in Zimbabwe for the World Cup and then by strong performances in the World Cup itself by beating South Africa and Bangladesh,” Monica Visser, Chief Executive of the Netherlands Cricket Board (KNCB), said.
“It was an amazing experience, triggered by a clear philosophy and the result of hard work from Ryan Cook and his staff as well as the players’ commitment and aspirations. Playing in the World Cups has inspired many. The performances of our national teams, men and women, have boosted the growth of Dutch cricket. The great effort put in by our Regional Development Officers and grassroots development programs is paying off.”
The Netherlands’ star all-rounder De Leede credited the team’s unwavering belief in their ability for the famous victories against the Proteas and the Tigers.
He said: “We were confident in our capabilities to deliver exceptional performances. The prevailing sentiment within the group was one of unwavering belief. We set our sights on the goal and worked out a plan to achieve it.
“Participating in the World Cup was a remarkable experience. As associate nations, we embody the collective aspirations on a grand stage. Representing other associate nations was a memorable experience for us.
“We always believed in our capabilities, and actually being present at the World Cup was truly special. Six to seven weeks of intense cricket against top nations is a rare opportunity that I will cherish forever. I am immensely grateful for this experience.”
The Netherlands also exhibited their fighting qualities as recently as the Twenty20 World Cup 2024 in the United States and the West Indies where they picked up a victory against Nepal and once again troubled South Africa, before eventually conceding defeat.
The ICC Development Award surely will boost the Dutch cricketers to register similarly inspiring performances in future against the established powers.