Breetzke bats his way from scratchy to sublime in ODI debut to remember

Matthew Breetzke shows he can get past 30-40 as he scored 150 on ODI debut to break records and signal the start of something special

Matthew Breetzke’s Stunning ODI Debut: From Struggles to History-Making Century

South Africa’s challenging journey to Pakistan was compounded by a combination of late changes to their squad, including the addition of Lungi Ngidi and Tabraiz Shamsi, and a series of logistical hurdles. Despite these setbacks, South Africa took to the field for their ODI series against New Zealand, a match that tested their resolve in every way. But it was 26-year-old Matthew Breetzke who emerged as the star of the day, marking his debut with a record-breaking 150, overcoming early struggles and harsh conditions.

Key Highlights:

• Squad Disruptions: South Africa’s preparations were affected by late additions to the squad, including Ngidi and Shamsi, leaving them short on available players. At one point, fielding coach Wanele Gwavu had to fill in during a game when Ngidi was off the field.
• Unfamiliar Conditions: South Africa lost the toss at 9 am and was put in to bat during the most challenging part of the day, with mist still lingering and the pitch difficult to navigate.
• Matthew Breetzke’s Struggles Early On: Opening the batting alongside captain Temba Bavuma, Breetzke looked every bit a debutant. The New Zealand bowlers targeted him early, with Will O’Rourke testing him with bounce and forcing him onto the back foot. He struggled initially, scoring only nine runs off the first 21 balls, with little control over most of his shots.
• Breetzke’s Recovery and Growth: Despite his early struggles, Breetzke began to show his class. “I definitely think that first hour was the hardest batting conditions all day,” he reflected later. “My mindset was just to get through those first ten with that new ball and kick on.”

A Transformative Innings

• Accelerating from 100 to 150: Once Breetzke settled, his innings evolved into an aggressive assault. He went from 100 to 150 in just 20 deliveries, with New Zealand’s Ben Sears being the primary target of his onslaught. A 20-run burst in the 45th over, including a six and several boundaries, highlighted his growing confidence and ability to dominate the attack.
• Breetzke’s Mastery Over Sears: Sears, trying to target Breetzke’s body, was punished relentlessly. Breetzke manufactured room to drive boundaries to both sides of the wicket. When Sears went short, Breetzke responded with a crushing shot over point for four, and then, as if to cap his performance, launched a six over deep third to bring up his 150.
• Historical Achievement: With this explosive finish, Breetzke made history as the first ODI debutant to score 150 in a match, turning what started as a difficult morning into a career-defining performance. His ability to regain control and capitalize on the attacking opportunities set him apart.

Breetzke Defends His Record

While his List A career had been marked by a slower start—his strike rate just under 79—Breetzke defended his early struggles as part of his growth process. He credited his late blooming to the time taken to understand his game fully before being thrown into high-pressure situations.

“I started off my one-day career quite slowly, and we played on tough wickets; hence, my List A numbers are not the best,” Breetzke explained. “I take pride in my white-ball cricket, and in one-day cricket, it’s probably the best I’ve batted.”

Breetzke’s late surge is a testament to his evolving game and his ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most. Keshav Maharaj, his teammate from the SA20, had praised his mentality earlier, comparing him to the likes of Virat Kohli and earmarking him as a future leader of South African cricket.

A Star Is Born

Breetzke’s innings was a revelation—showcasing not only his technical skills but also his mental resilience. From a nervous debutant struggling under pressure to a record-breaking centurion, his transformation was complete. His record-breaking 150, which included a masterful attack on Ben Sears, may be remembered as the beginning of a long and successful career.

As Breetzke reflected on his innings, it was clear that this game would mark a turning point in his career. From his early struggles in the misty morning conditions to his explosive finish, Breetzke proved his worth as a future star for South Africa, offering a glimpse of the player he is set to become.