The 26-year-old opener Matthew Breetzke has created history by smashing highest ever score on the ODI debut during Pakistan’s Tri-Nation ODI series.
The right-hander struck 11 fours and five sixes helping the side to post a formidable 304 runs for six in their allotted 50 overs. He surpassed the previous record of 148 set by West Indies’ Desmond Haynes on his debut against Australia in Antigua in 1978.
The previous South African best was Colin Ingram’s 124 runs against Zimbabwe in 2010. “It hasn’t sunk in yet, and I’m a bit tired,” Breetzke admitted.
“The pitch was tacky, and (New Zealand seamer Will) O’Rourke was really tough to face. My mindset was to bat as long as possible and give myself a chance at the end.”
Matthew Breetzke!! 🌟🔥👏 First ever player to score 150+ on ODI debut.
Phenomenal, just phenomenal 🏏💥.#WozaNawe #BePartOfIt #NZvSA pic.twitter.com/8SjcG74FvM
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) February 10, 2025
Breetzke shared a 37-run opening stand with skipper Temba Bavuma before forging a crucial 93-run partnership with Jason Smith for the second wicket. He reached his maiden century off 128 deliveries and beocmes the fourth South Africa to score a hundred on ODI debut.
He will be joining the list of elite batters joining Reeza Hendricks, Tony de Zorzi, and Colin Ingram. Breetzke’s 150 helped South Africa post 304 runs in the second match of the tri-series also involving Pakistan.
Breetzke made his test debut for South Africa in October 2024 against Bangladesh in Mirpur. He failed to get going in that match, getting out for duck in the only innings he played.
Breetzke made his T20I debut in September 2023 against Australia in Durban. The right handed batter has scored 151 runs in 10 matches in shortest format of the game, which includes a high score of 51.
Breetzke got an opportunity to make his ODI debut ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025 after seven first choice players, including Aiden Markram and Heinrich Klaasen were not available for selection for the tri-series due to SA20 commitments.
