Van Bunge was the unfortunate victim as Herschelle Gibbs set a new ODI record by scoring 36 runs (six sixes from six balls) from Van Bunge's fourth over., though a run-a-ball 33 against eventual champions Australia was a highlight. Van Bunge retired from international cricket after the 2007 Cricket World Cup, citing a lack of motivation and a conflicting study schedule, however made himself available for the national squad again in 2008 following completion of his studies. Late career His return to the Dutch team was marked by several notable performances, including a marathon 98* to save an Inter Continental Cup match against Canada, van Bunge clearly not allowing the ambition of a premier first class century to override the needs of the team. At the start of the 2010 season, when the KNCB announced central contracts for the first time, he was on the list to receive an A-type contract, but declined. Much rumour surrounds the negotiations which took place at this time, but it seems that he was unable to make the assurances to the national selectors regarding availability, again citing career and study demands, but also appearing to give preference to his club, Excelsior. He was not picked for the national side during 2010, but in a strongly worded interview with a national newspaper suggested that he remained available and in fact still held an ambition to play in the 2011 World Cup. However, when the Dutch preparatory squad was announced in September 2010, his name was notably absent. A definite course of direction was needed after this incident and in 2010 he started his PE bachelor, he finished the four-year study in 2014 and also received the academic medal for being the student of his year. In the last two years of his study he combined playing for the national team. The World Cricket League games in Namibia proved that he still had the level to play at international level as he steered the Netherlands home with a 65 to win by 1 wicket. The Netherlands also played the English Lions in a 3-match series, which surprisingly the Dutch won 2–1. Van Bunge had his part to play with some solid scores. The World Cup 2015 qualification tournament in New Zealand was less successful, due to an elbow injury that saw him lose 25% of his strength is his left arm. His wish to say farewell