Aryan Dutt hit three maximums against South Africa and made an important contribution of 23* off 9 balls in the World Cup 2023 fixture at the beautiful HPCA ground in Dharamshala.
On the back of some fine batting from captain Scott Edwards and the lower-middle order and subsequent brilliance with the ball, the Dutch created history by defeating the Proteas at the showpiece event.
This historic win for the Netherlands isn’t a “real surprise” for Dutt. In fact, the youngster and his side’s final goal is to reach the semi-finals in this edition.
“It was a good win for us. But not a real surprise. We did it before and felt we could do it again. But we also said after the game there is much more to play for. We didn’t come here to win only one. We said we want to reach the semi-finals so we need to do this more,” he said in an exclusive chat with News 18 CricketNext.
Dutt also narrated the team’s journey after the match that further exemplifies how focused the team is towards their goal.
ICC World Cup: Schedule | Results | Points Table | Most Runs | Most Wickets
“Of course we celebrated and Ryan Cook gave us a debrief, he does that after every game. The hotel we stayed at gave us a nice cake when we got back at midnight. We had a little celebration when we came with the staff of the hotel as well. And went to bed. Next morning, we travelled to Lucknow and preparations and focus for the next game against Sri Lanka started,” Dutt said.
Featuring in a World Cup in India is special
Dutt’s family shifted to the Netherlands a long time ago and it’s a special feeling for him to feature in a World Cup in India.
“It is great to be at this World Cup in India. Of course, because my family comes from this country and cricket is so special here. The people love their cricket and are really nice to all of us. You can feel the respect and the love for cricket and the players,” the spinner said.
The right-handed player is thankful to his parents for always showing their support and walking that extra mile so that he can fulfil his dream of playing the game.
AUS vs PAK Live Score Updates ICC Cricket World Cup
“I started playing cricket at VCC in Voorburg in the Netherlands. My father and mother moved to the Netherlands a long time ago and I was born there. I played club cricket and was picked for all the national youth sides in the Netherlands from Under 12 till the national team. I am not a full professional but I hope one day I will be able to sign a contract for some team.
“My mum and dad have always supported me very much. They took me in training and games and we drove so many kilometres to matches and national training. Also, early in the morning on Sundays as well, that too in winter time. They have always supported my dream to become a good cricketer and I am thankful for that. It is nice they are here and can see me playing in the World Cup in the country they were born,” he further added.
Secret behind hitting big sixes
Aryan deposited the ball outside the boundary ropes pretty easily against the Proteas and the right-hander credits his power-hitting abilities.
“I wish I knew the secret then I would hit much more. I think it’s watching the ball closely and the timing. That’s how I see it. I was always a power hitter and with all the training in every department my skills got better and I get a bit more power as well,” the 20-year-old explained.
ALSO READ| Paul van Meekeren’s ‘Nice Romantic Story’: Why the Netherlands Bowler Worked as Food Delivery Boy | WORLD CUP 2023 EXCLUSIVE
“Great Person” Van der Merwe
Roelof van der Merwe has been an iconic figure for the Netherlands side. The spinner was a part of the South African team before making the eventual shift to Orange.
Having a player of that stature and experience around helps the youngsters to learn different aspects of the game and Aryan Dutt is no different. For the young cricketer, Van der Merwe is a “great person” who wants to win every game that he plays.
“He is a great person in our team. He is a real fighter and makes us learn the tricks of playing at the highest level. But also his intensity with which he trains and plays the matches helps us to be on top as well. He has been at this level for so many years and still wants to win every single game he is in. That is what a pro does and we can all learn from that,” Aryan concluded.
The Netherlands will next play Sri Lanka in Lucknow on Saturday. While they won’t start as outright favourites, it won’t be an upset either if they manage to defeat a depleted Lankan side.
Comments
0 comment