Van Der Merwe was South Africa’s highest wicket taker in the 2009 T20 WC

He picked up 10 wickets at an average of 13.50 and an economy rate of 5.62

He lost his place to Imran Tahir in the 2011 World Cup

In Netherland’s major upset against one of the tournament’s favourites, South Africa, Roelof Van Der Merwe’s all round performance played a crucial role in the team’s victory. He entered the crease when Netherlands were looking vulnerable at 140 at the loss of 7 wickets after 34 overs. His quickfire 29 of 19 balls helped the team cross the 200-run mark. With the ball, he picked up the crucial wickets of Temba Bavuma and Rassie Van der Dussen. His fielding was also inspiring. 

This victory seemed personal for Roelef Van Der Merwe who had a 2-year stint with South between 2009 and 2011 wherein he was included in the T20 World Cup squad for the 2009 and 2010 World Cup. In the 2009 World Cup, he was South Africa’s highest wicket taker in the competition. He picked up 10 wickets at an average of 13.50 and an economy rate of 5.62. South Africa lost in the semi-final of the tournament by a narrow margin in that edition and had won every other match they played. 

In the 2010 World Cup however, his performance was lacklustre. He only picked up 1 wicket at an economy rate of 9.57. South Africa did not proceed beyond the super 8s in that tournament. He lost his place to Imran Tahir in the 2011 World Cup and subsequently directed his efforts to join the dutch squad, the place from which his mother hails.