Saurabh Zalpuri

Born in the modest town of Arnhem, Netherlands, on 19 February 1982, Saurabh Zalpuri quickly found solace in the rhythm of cricket. His journey began on the lush, often damp, fields of the county's local clubs, where a young Saurabh wielded a bat with dreams bigger than his frame. However, it was his ability to bowl with an uncanny knack for landing the ball on challenging lengths that set the foundation for his future.

Saurabh's unique amalgam of a right-hand bat and a right-arm fast-medium bowler stood out early in his youth cricket days. His passion carried him to the professional scene, debuting for the Netherlands national team amid both scepticism and enthusiasm. As a bowler, Saurabh's capacity to swing the ball both ways earned him a spot in the team during a crucial ODI series against some of Europe’s toughest opponents.

Throughout his career, Zalpuri has etched his name onto several records and achievements. Perhaps his most remarkable contribution came during the T20 World Cup qualifiers, where his exemplary figures of 5 wickets for a mere 17 runs against Ireland propelled the Netherlands to a prestigious entry into the tournament. It was matches like these that reinforced his reputation as a bowler for the big moments.

A memorable chapter in his cricketing career was the series against Scotland, a rivalry intensified by personal and historical connections between the teams. Saurabh's fierce duels on the pitch, marked by sharp bouncers and strategic plays, have often turned matches around for the Netherlands, leaving spectators in awe of his tactical acumen.

His bowling technique, while primarily fast-medium, possessed an intriguing diversity. Swing was his primary weapon, but his ability to adjust pace and occasionally surprise with a well-disguised slower ball added layers to his artistry on the field. Although not his primary forte, Saurabh's right-hand batting often displayed a scrappy determination, contributing vital runs during critical chases.

Off the field, Saurabh Zalpuri has played a pivotal role in nurturing young talent in Dutch cricket, evidencing his desire to leave a lasting legacy beyond his personal statistics. Whether it was his incisive spells at crunch moments or his indomitable spirit during fiercely contested matches, Saurabh's influence on Dutch cricket remains indelible, as he continues to inspire the next generation with his unwavering dedication.

Batting Stats

Bowling Stats