Netherlands vs South Africa is becoming a new rivalry in the world of cricket. The Dutch team knocked South Africa out of the T20 World Cup in 2022, while in the ODI World Cup 2023, the Scott Edwards-led outfit was the first team to defeat the Proteas.
Not many fans would know that a lot of players of the Netherlands team were born outside the Netherlands. Some of them were born in South Africa. Netherlands failed to qualify for the Champions Trophy 2025. Hence, the following three players can think of leaving the Men in Orange after the T20 World Cup 2024 and play one more ICC event for their home country, South Africa.
1. Netherlands all-rounder Roelof van der Merwe can return to South Africa
Roelof van der Merwe was a top all-rounder of the South African cricket team in late 2000s. He even played in IPL for RCB and Delhi Capitals during that time. However, his performances declined, and soon, he lost his place in the squads.
The spinner then moved to Netherlands, reigniting his passion for cricket. He still has the fire to perform well, and if he comes back home, he can be backup for Keshav Maharaj.
2. Colin Ackermann
Colin Ackermann was born in George city of South Africa. He played as an all-rounder for the Netherlands in the 2023 World Cup, scoring 216 runs and picking up five wickets. Marco Jansen is currently the only top all-rounder of South Africa. If Ackermann returns home, the Proteas will have options to choose from.
3. Sybrand Engelbrecht
Middle-order batter Sybrand Engelbrecht was the highest run-scorer for the Netherlands team in the 2023 World Cup. Sybrand played for South Africa U-19s in the U-19 World Cup 2008 Final against India U-19s. Looking at his consistent performances for the Netherlands, Sybrand can even make the cut to the Proteas senior team now.
