Sybrand Engelbrecht, a 35-year-old South African cricketer, announced his retirement from international cricket after playing 12 ODIs and 12 T20Is for the Netherlands. His last international appearance was during the T20 World Cup 2024 where the Netherlands were defeated by Sri Lanka.
Engelbrecht’s standout performance in his final match was particularly noteworthy. He made a spectacular boundary save that went viral on social media, showcasing his athleticism on the field, a trait he has displayed since his Under-19 World Cup days in 2008 when he took a stunning catch playing for South Africa against Papua New Guinea.
After retiring from all forms of cricket in 2016 to focus on his career in financial and project management, Engelbrecht made a comeback in 2021 playing recreational cricket in the Netherlands. His talent was quickly recognized and led to his selection in the national squad for the 2023 ODI World Cup in India.
Throughout his international career, Engelbrecht played eight ODIs and four T20Is at World Cup events, demonstrating his ability to perform on the biggest stage. He finished with an impressive record of 385 ODI runs at an average of 35.00 and 280 T20I runs at 31.11. His contributions to the team were particularly notable during the T20 World Cup 2024, where he emerged as the highest run-scorer for the Netherlands.
Although retired from international cricket, Engelbrecht’s legacy as a skilled cricketer and exceptional fielder will be remembered by fans and followers of the sport.
