Iconic South African spinner Paul Adams was a popular guest on the Cricket Library Podcast.
Paul shares his story of his meteoric rise to the South African test team as a teenager, playing in the 1996 World Cup, dealing with being in and out of the team as well as reflecting on some of his career highlights.
We wrap up our chat by asking Paul which three people he would most like to the nets with another spinner getting an invite alongside a wrapper and a famous political leader.
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Career Statistics
| Test | ODI | FC | LA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matches | 45 | 24 | 141 | 76 |
| Runs scored | 360 | 66 | 1,752 | 180 |
| Batting average | 9.00 | 16.50 | 17.17 | 11.25 |
| 100s/50s | 0/0 | 0/0 | 0/2 | 0/0 |
| Top score | 35 | 48* | 70 | 33* |
| Balls bowled | 8,850 | 1,109 | 27,102 | 3,156 |
| Wickets | 134 | 29 | 412 | 84 |
| Bowling average | 32.87 | 28.10 | 32.66 | 26.92 |
| 5 wickets in innings | 4 | 0 | 16 | 0 |
| 10 wickets in match | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Best bowling | 7/128 | 3/26 | 9/79 | 3/12 |
| Catches/stumpings | 29/– | 7/– | 73/– | 22/– |
Paul Van Meekeren – Associate Cricket To World Stage – The Cricket Library
In this episode of The Cricket Library Podcast, Dutch international Paul van Meekeren takes us inside one of the most remarkable journeys in modern cricket. From a six-over thriller where he claimed four wickets against Ireland, to battling through shin splints in his very first international appearance, Paul opens up on the resilience it takes to survive and thrive as an Associate cricketer.
We dive into the unforgettable high of becoming the first Dutch homegrown player to win the Caribbean Premier League, and relive the heart-stopping moment the Netherlands qualified for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. He also relives the thrill of the Netherlands’ famous victory over South Africa at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in Adelaide—one of the most unforgettable moments in Dutch cricket history.
Away from the spotlight, Paul reflects on the simple beginnings—Saturday mornings, ice cream, and a childhood dislike of the helmet. This is a story of grit, perspective, and passion—an unfiltered look at life on the global cricket stage.
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