The Paul van Meekeren career stats tell the incredible story of Dutch cricket’s most resilient and feared fast bowler.
Born in Amsterdam, Netherlands, the towering right-arm fast bowler transformed from an unheralded European talent into a proven match-winner on the global stage. Renowned for his sharp bounce, skiddy pace, and ice-cool composure during the death overs, van Meekeren has spearheaded the Dutch attack across multiple ICC tournaments while making his mark in competitive franchise circuits worldwide.
Whether leading the charge against traditional cricketing giants or dominating European leagues, his consistency makes him one of associate cricket’s greatest modern pace spearheads.
Who is Paul van Meekeren Career Stats
- Full Name: Paul Adriaan van Meekeren
- Born: 15 January 1993, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Bowling Style: Right-arm fast-medium
- Batting Style: Right-hand bat
- International Debut: 2013 vs Kenya (T20I) & vs South Africa (ODI)
- Major Teams: Netherlands, Somerset, Durham, Gloucestershire, Glasgow Cosmic, St Kitts & Nevis Patriots, Vancouver Knights
Paul van Meekeren Career Stats: Format Breakdown
Paul van Meekeren has built a robust record across both white-ball and red-ball cricket, serving as a strike bowler who reliably breaks opening partnerships and contains runs in the death overs.
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling (BBI) | Bowling Avg | Economy Rate | 5-Wicket Hauls | Runs Scored |
| ODI | 39 | 61 | 5/28 | 27.47 | 5.28 | 1 | 145 |
| T20I | 78 | 86 | 4/11 | 21.29 | 7.07 | 0 | 136 |
| List A | 106 | 147 | 5/28 | 27.91 | 5.34 | 2 | 277 |
| First-Class | 10 | 33 | 5/73 | 31.60 | 3.48 | 1 | 113 |
| Overall T20 | 119+ | 112+ | 4/11 | 26.46 | 7.74 | 0 | 212+ |
(Stats verified via ICC and ESPNcricinfo database records)
Role, Team & Importance in European T20 Premier League (ETPL)
In the European T20 Premier League (ETPL), Paul van Meekeren serves as the defensive anchor and pace spearhead for the Glasgow Cosmic. Selected as a prime overseas strike bowler, his presence brings top-tier international quality and high-pressure tournament experience to the franchise.
- Tactical Role: He opens the bowling to exploit early swing in European conditions and returns for the 18th and 20th overs, utilizing disguised slower cutters and yorkers to stall run rates.
- Leadership & Experience: As an experienced international veteran, he guides emerging European fast bowlers on field placements, seam angles, and match strategies.
- Match Impact: His 3-wicket performances against teams like the Rotterdam Dockers and Dublin Guardians have cemented Glasgow Cosmic’s defensive core in close fixtures.
Paul van Meekeren Career Stats: Major Records & Notable Milestones
- Dream Debut Wicket: Dismissed legendary South African opener Hashim Amla on his One-Day International debut in May 2013.
- Best T20I Spell: Claimed career-best figures of 4 wickets for just 11 runs against Ireland in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
- World Cup Heroics: Delivered a match-winning 4-wicket haul against Bangladesh in Kolkata during the ICC Cricket World Cup, bowling the Dutch to a memorable victory.
- No. 11 Batting Record: Held the world record for the highest score by a number 11 batsman in T20Is after smashing 18 runs off 11 balls against Hong Kong.
- Caribbean Premier League Trailblazer: Became the first Dutch cricketer in history to earn a contract and play in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
Current Form & Recent Appearances
Van Meekeren continues to demonstrate sharp discipline with the ball. His international outings against Full Member nations, including an economical 2-wicket display against Pakistan, highlight his enduring accuracy. In European league cricket, his death-bowling execution for Glasgow Cosmic remains lethal, routinely restricting opponents to economies below 6 runs per over.
Conclusion
Analyzing the Paul van Meekeren career stats demonstrates how discipline and perseverance can turn an associate player into a recognized worldwide fast-bowling force.
From his unforgettable 4-wicket hauls in global World Cups to his match-winning leadership for Glasgow Cosmic in the European T20 Premier League, van Meekeren remains a vital match-winner. His ability to absorb pressure and perform against cricket’s top nations will keep him at the forefront of European cricket for seasons to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary Paul van Meekeren career stats in T20 international cricket?
In T20Is, Paul van Meekeren has played 78 matches, taking 86 wickets with an average of 21.29 and an economy rate of 7.07. His career-best T20I bowling figures are 4/11.
Which team does Paul van Meekeren play for in the European T20 Premier League?
Paul van Meekeren plays for the Glasgow Cosmic franchise in the European T20 Premier League (ETPL), operating as their lead fast bowler and death-overs specialist.
What is Paul van Meekeren’s best bowling performance in ODI cricket?
Paul van Meekeren’s best ODI bowling performance is 5/28. He also took 4 crucial wickets against Bangladesh during the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
Did Paul van Meekeren play English County Cricket?
Yes, Paul van Meekeren has represented Somerset, Durham, and Gloucestershire in the English domestic circuit and the T20 Blast.
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