Playing his first international match for Netherlands, 35-year-old South Africa-born Sybrand Engelbrecht dropped a sitter to hand a massive reprieve to New Zealand all-rounder Daryl Mitchell during ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 Match 6 in Hyderabad. For those who don’t know, representing South Africa, Engelbrecht had grabbed two mind-blowing catches in the final match of ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2008 against India at the Kinrara Academy Oval.
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While even the best of fielders can drop a catch especially when it is your first outing at the highest level, the manner in which Engelbrecht lapsed today appears to signal a sharp decline in his fielding skills from back in the day. It is to be noted that he was a teenager when he registered those catches in 2008.
Sybrand Engelbrecht Drops Sitter On Netherlands Debut
In the form of two solid half-centuries by batter Will Young and all-rounder Rachin Ravindra, New Zealand’s commanding start to the innings was a primary reason behind them setting a 323-run target to Netherlands.
With New Zealand just two-down and over 18 overs left to be bowled, Mitchell had been given a second chance in the 32nd over. Trying to flick a fuller delivery, all Mitchell did was clip the ball towards the left of Engelbrecht at short mid-wicket. Even though Engelbrecht was quick with his movements, he couldn’t catch hold of the ball which he would’ve grabbed comfortably more often than not. Batting on 22* at the time, Mitchell got out after scoring 48.
Readers must note that Engelbrecht had moved to Netherlands in 2017 after playing nine years of cricket in South Africa. He recently became eligible to play for his new side. Originally a spinner, Engelbrecht’s bowling action was found illegal in December 2015 while playing for the Cape Cobras. In the meantime, he played as a specialist batter for them.
The action finally got cleared in 2016. Surprisingly, the game against New Zealand is Engelbrecht’s first professional match since 2016. Interestingly, he is also the only uncapped player participating in this World Cup.
Sybrand Engelbrecht Had Grabbed Sensational Catch To Dismiss Virat Kohli In 2008
Engelbrecht’s fielding had allowed South Africa to take two crucial wickets in U-19 World Cup 2008 final within no time. Then-Indian captain Virat Kohli was the first one to be dismissed due to the fielder’s mastery.
Engelbrecht, who was fielding at backward point, timed his dived to perfection to grab the ball out of thin air. A few overs later, Engelbrecht again took a brilliant catch to send Tanmay Srivastava back to the pavilion. Srivastava, who tried to slice the ball towards backward point, witnessed an airborne Engelbrecht grabbing another sensational catch.
It is to be noted that Srivastava (262) and Kohli (235) were the highest and third-highest run-scorers of the tournament respectively. Engelbrecht played just three matches in that tournament but was used continuously as a substitute fielder by the Proteas. He was one of those players who had the ability to change the game with just his fielding.
