Mieke de Ridder

Mieke de Ridder, born on the first day of the new millennium in 2001, swiftly carved out a niche in the world of cricket with their formidable wicketkeeping skills and innovative playing style. Hailing from a family of cricket enthusiasts, Mieke’s journey began at a tender age, wielding a wooden bat in the backyard, with siblings and cousins as first opponents. The harmonic chatter of the stumps seemed to run in their veins, fuelling a passion that was undeniable.

Progressing through local clubs, Mieke’s talent as a wicketkeeper swiftly caught the eyes of junior selectors. The agile footwork and lightning-fast reflexes behind the stumps marked Mieke as a player to watch. As a right-handed bat, Mieke developed an aggressive yet strategic approach, often stepping up the innings when needed. Although primarily not a bowler, Mieke’s versatility did allow for handy contributions, proving to be a wildcard in tight situations.

Their professional debut came in 2018, playing for the national team where, during a particularly nail-biting match, Mieke’s prowess was put on full display. A challenging target stood in the way, but it was their stand-out performance, both behind the stumps and holding the innings with a solid 78-run partnership, that steered the team to a memorable victory.

Mieke’s career is peppered with significant achievements, having taken a key role in winning two major international championships by 2022. These victories aren’t merely feathers in their cap but testimonials to their ability to turn matches on their head. Amongst many rivalries, the most notable has been against the arch-rival team from across the Tasman Sea. These encounters are etched vividly in the annals of cricket history, not least for Mieke’s thrilling stumpings and audacious batting in the middle order, igniting fervour among fans.

A defining moment in Mieke’s career was a particularly exciting semi-final match in which they executed a one-handed catch so mind-blowing that it went viral overnight. It was a testament to their athleticism and perpetual drive to outdo themselves, earning respect and admiration across the global cricket community.

In every match, Mieke de Ridder brings to the field an unyielding spirit, a blend of raw talent, and an element of surprise that breathes life into the cricketing world. They continue to inspire young cricketers with their dedication, proving that with passion and resilience, one can leave an indelible mark on a sport that is as traditional as it is thrilling.

Batting Stats

Bowling Stats