Babette follows De Leede of cousin and uncle as she shines at FairBreak Invitational

Dutch wicketkeeper batter excels on debut in new T20 competition despite her side’s defeat

Sapphires' Babette de Leede bats in the game against Tornadoes in the FairBreak Invitational, T20 cricket tournament at the Dubai International Stadium. Photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National

Babette de Leede keeps wicket for Sapphires.

Sapphires's Babette de Leede plays a shot.

Babette de Leede walks off after losing her wicket. The Dutchwoman scored 24 from 14 balls.

Babette de Leede has had plenty of inspiration down the years for daydreaming about the sport she loves.

First, there was uncle Tim, who played at three World Cups for the Netherlands, up until the Caribbean competition in 2007.

As recently as last year, cousin Bas was part of the Dutch squad who played in the first round of the T20 World Cup in the UAE.

Then there was that time when, as a little girl, she was part of the crowd at Dubai International Stadium for a game between Pakistan and England.

As much as she adored the sport, the idea she might one day play at such a venue always seemed fanciful.

And yet, on Thursday evening, there she was, treading the same turf as those famous forebears, as she made an eye-catching debut with South Coast Sapphires in the FairBreak Invitational.

The 22-year-old wicketkeeper said she was content with her batting, but that her glovework had been scratchy.

All of which really just shows what exacting standards she has. She completed the full wicketkeeping set in the 17-run loss to Tornadoes, with a catch and a stumping, as well as playing her part in a run out, too.

Babette de Leede keeps wicket for Sapphires against Tornadoes. Chris Whiteoak / The National

With the bat, she cut an assured figure at the crease as she made 24 from 14 balls. It was her side’s top score and came at bat far the fastest rate of any player on either side.

All of which felt rather surreal, she said after.

“I was here a few years ago to watch England vs Pakistan, and I never thought I would be playing here,” De Leede said.

“Now my family are here to support me. It is crazy they are here to watch you play, rather than the big players.”

Despite being just 22, De Leede has already played 28 T20 internationals for the Netherlands.

Playing alongside the likes of Sana Mir, the Sapphires captain, and Australia’s Elyse Villani is a different experience altogether, though, she said.

“I was quite nervous,” De Leede said. “It is an unbelievable opportunity for me, coming from an Associate country, where I don’t get paid for cricket.

“I love cricket a lot. It is great to be out here to play alongside the likes of Sana Mir and all the other experienced players. I learn a lot just watching them play.”

Babette de Leede in action. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Mir, the former Pakistan captain, gave a glowing endorsement of De Leede, saying she was on her way to being a star player in her own right.

The Sapphires captain has returned to the playing field for this tournament after two years of retirement, and she says she is already glad she has done so.

“Because of this concept, we get to play with such a diverse group of players,” Mir said. “That is why I couldn’t resist the chance to be part of this dressing room rather than the commentary box.

“It is what the tournament is all about, and the campaign that we believe in. Talent is everywhere. Talent doesn’t have boundaries. When you give them a chance, they shine.

“This will build a community of cricketers which will be required to make the global game competitive.

“Instead of having two or three teams dominating, it is important we build a community of cricketers. Through such tournaments we can grow that.

“We can have a voice as women cricketers, not only for ourselves but for players around the world.”