Logan van Beek charts a ‘different way’ to the World Cup Premium

Logan van Beek, born in Christchurch, is now the key player for the Netherlands at the World Cup, having played a significant role in helping the Dutch team qualify. He has a tendency to shine on the big stage, and is looking forward to the match against New Zealand, hoping to take the wickets of his best mates. He is living his dream of playing in the 50-over World Cup, having found a different way to make it happen.

Watching the steady rain, first from his hotel room and then from the dressing room at the Greenfield Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, Logan van Beek felt a sense of deja vu. A year ago, on his last tour of India, the scenario had been similar: there were some frustratingly wet days.

There is one tiny difference, though.

At that time, he was playing for New Zealand-A, in the unofficial Test series against India-A, at Bengaluru and Hubballi, where, one recalls, he bowled a fine spell of swing. Now, he is one of the key players for the Netherlands at the World Cup.

He has played a significant role in helping the Dutch team catch the flight to India. It was his extraordinary show with both bat and ball in the Super Over against the West Indies that gave his team a vital victory in the World Cup Qualifier. He plundered 30 runs off Jason Holder — and almost apologised to him the next morning — before claiming both the West Indies wickets.

van Beek has a tendency to shine on the big stage. Last year, he took the first-ever hat-trick for the Netherlands in T20I cricket, against Hong Kong at Bulawayo. He is now playing on the biggest stage — the ODI World Cup, a dream of his since he was a little boy.

“I had a great conversation with my 10-year-old self the other night, and we talked about how cool it was that I’m here at a 50-over World Cup,” van Beek tells The Hindu at Thiruvananthapuram. “And little Logan, from 2000 and living in Christchurch, is very proud of me.”

So what would 10-year-old Logan tell him now?