Roelof van der Merwe. (Photo Source: Jio Hotstar)
Age is often spoken about in cricket, but Roelof van der Merwe showed it has little relevance when fitness and awareness are right.
A stunning moment came during India’s final group-stage match in T20 World Cup 2026 against the Netherlands at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium on February 18, when Logan van Beek cleverly delivered a fullish, slower delivery outside off in the ninth over. Tilak Varma, who had looked composed while compiling 31 off 27 balls, attempted to loft it over long-off, aiming to break the middle-overs strangle.
However, the lack of pace on the ball meant Tilak could not generate the required elevation or distance. Van der Merwe, stationed slightly wider than regulation at long-off, judged the trajectory perfectly. He covered significant ground to his right, timed his dive well, and executed a sensational reverse-cup catch, ensuring the ball stayed secure even on impact with the turf.
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