Netherlands' Stephan Myburgh bids farewell to international cricket

The Netherlands third highest run-getter in the shortest format of the game, Stephan Myburgh announced his retirement from international cricket on Monday. The veteran cricketer made his decision public via his Instagram account on Monday, following his side's historic win against South Africa in order to spend more time with his close ones.

South Africa were dumped out of the tournament by the Dutch in Adelaide, with Stephan Myburgh scoring a vital 37 runs from 30 deliveries to help his side to a competitive total of 158. The 38-year-old had announced his retirement from ODI cricket earlier this year after the series against the Kiwis and has decided to call time on his international career altogether after representing the Netherlands in 22 ODIs and 45 T20Is since making his debut in 2011.

"Hanging up the boots….To God be the glory!!! Blessed to have made my first-class debut 17 seasons ago and my international debut 12 seasons ago. Never in my dreams would I have imagined finishing my career at the World Cup with a win against South Africa. My blood will always be green. As much as a sportsman always want to win I had a tear for my beloved country. I am thankful for @kncbcricket and the Netherlands that's now my home and have too many people to thank for my career. Jesus, @tineke.myburgh, friends and family, sponsors and all the supporters out there I can only say thanks!!! #GodIsGood #Blessed can't wait to see my girls (sic)," he wrote in a post on Instagram on Monday. 

Rise to fame after a record-breaking half-century at the 2014 T20 World Cup

His record-setting innings in the 2014 T20 World Cup clash against Ireland made him the poster boy of cricket in his country after he smacked a half-century in just 17 deliveries, the second fastest in World Cup history. His record was recently equaled by Australia's hard-hitting Marcus Stoinis in the game against Sri Lanka.

A South African by birth, Stephan Myburgh, began his cricketing journey playing alongside the likes of Neil Wagner and Paul Harris in the SAA Provincial Challenge in 2006.