An Exclusive Interview with Netherlands captain Babette de Leede: Leadership, Legacy, T20 World Cup predictions and future of Women’s cricket

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Here are some highlights from the interview

In an exclusive interview with Netherlands Women’s Cricket Team captain Babette de Leede, we dive deep into the life and career of one of the most promising cricketers in the associate nations. From her early days growing up in a cricket-obsessed family to her admiration for cricket legends like Sarah Taylor and Meg Lanning, Babette opens up about her journey in the sport. She reflects on her memorable performances, her thoughts on the rise of women’s cricket, and her hopes for the future of associate nations. Babette’s passion for the game shines through as she discusses her favorite cricketers, unforgettable moments on the field, and her predictions for the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. This interview offers an inside look at the mind of a leader shaping the future of Dutch cricket on the international stage.

Here are some highlights from the interview

Question: Tell us about your cricketing journey

Babette: Well, I started playing cricket obviously because of my family um I’m come from a big cricketing family so my uncle plays for the Dutch national team. His sons, my cousin plays for the Dutch national team. My brother also plays cricket, my dad used to play cricket even my mom plays cricket so um yeah there was no choice for me but to play cricket. I played hockey for a very long time but when I started University I had to choose between cricket and hockey because of time and I choose cricket.

Question: Who was your idol while growing up?

Babette: Well, obviously as a wicket keeper um Sarah Taylor from England I think she’s been the best keeper ever so when I was yeah I think really starting to get into cricket because I made my National debut when I was 14 I think she was keeping for England at the time and I just loved watching her keep and betting wise I think Meg Lanning is one of the best in the world still so I love watching her play.

Question: What was the most memorable moment so far in your career?

Babette: I think, we were playing Ireland with the Dutch national team in the T20 back in 2021 and we had never won a T20I from Ireland before and that game we won I scored I think 62 from 35 balls so we won our first T20I against Ireland and I played a big part in it so I think that was my one of my highlights and also when I took five stumpings in Fair break and broke a world record that was also pretty special.

Question: How do you see the future of cricket especially with the rise of T20 leagues?

Babette: Yeah, I think it’s very bright especially women’s cricket is really emerging I feel it used to not really be on television or it used to not you know people didn’t really speak about women’s cricket as much but now I feel like it’s getting more attention it’s getting more professional the level is it’s getting better and better every year and obviously with the Women’s Premier League in India and the Women’s Big Bash and the Hundred hopefully in South Africa they have the SA20 for woman for ladies soon so yeah I think it’s a very exciting future I just hope you know they give a little bit more attention to associate players as well.

Also READ: ICC announces warm-up fixtures for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024

Question: Which is your favorite shot in cricket?

Babette: I love a good cover drive and I also love the pool shots

Question: Is there any better from women’s Cricket or men’s cricket that you love watching when it comes to cover drive?

Babette: Laura Wolvaardt from South Africa.

Question: Your favourite teams apart from Netherlands?

Babette: Well, I think the Australian and Indian women’s teams are just on another level and also England I think in the next few years will be at their level probably but at the moment Australia and India are well watching them play I think it’s unbelievable how good they are and how they read the game and how they go about their cricket.

Question: Favorite cricketers from the Indian team or the Australian team that you like to follow?

Babette: I really like um well Harmanpreet Kaur of course India’s Captain I think her betting is really really good and also like Alisa Healy obviously as a wicketkeeper opening better so yeah I do look up to them and I really like them.

Question: Your three favorite women cricketers of all time?

Babette: Well Sarah Taylor, Meg Lanning and the third will probably be Laura Wolvaardt.

Question: Three favorite men’s cricketer?

Babette: Jos Butler because he’s a keeper-batter and a very good one. I think Spencer Johnson from Australia, unbelievable player at the moment and the last one would be my cousin Bas (Bas de Leede).

Question: Name your three favorite all time wicket keepers irrespective of whether they are women cricketers or men’s cricketers?

Babette: Sarah Taylor, Jos Buttler and I would say Amy Jones I think her keeping is also really really good.

Question: Your four semi-finalists for Women’s T20 World Cup 2024?

Babette: I think it will definitely be India, Australia, England and the fourth one will be South Africa hopefully.

Question: Who do you think can be the player of the tournament in the upcoming mega event?

Babette: That’s a tough question, I think a lot of players are in form. I would say my guess would be Harmanpreet.

Question: Who will win the T20 World Cup?

Babette: I would say Australia.

Question: Three players to watch out for in the World Cup?

Babette: I’m from an associate country so I hope Scotland will do well. I think Katherine Bryce is their main player bowling and batting so I hope she will do well and I think Haley Matthews is always scoring runs so I think she will do well and then I think Harmanpreet.