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Matthew Breetzke Brings Up Century On ODI Debut; Puts South Africa In Driving Seat Vs NZ

Aakash Saini

Matthew Breetzke in action against New Zealand [Source: AP]Matthew Breetzke in action against New Zealand [Source: AP]

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Matthew Breetzke notched up a sublime century to celebrate his ODI debut against New Zealand in the second match of the Pakistan Tri-Series at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. The 26-year-old reached the landmark figure in 128 balls during the 41st over of the South African innings.

Mere days after the conclusion of the SA20 2025 season, Breetzke transitioned from his month-long T20 groove into ODI mode by sharing a crucial partnership with number three Jason Smith to take the Proteas past the 100-run mark.

Matthew Breetzke leaves a mark on ODI debut

Tasked to open the innings alongside captain Temba Bavuma, Matthew Breetzke brought up his half-century from 68 balls during his 93-run partnership for the second wicket with Jason Smith. Playing his first ever ODI match, the cricketer made the most out of his confident start by converting it into his maiden century, reaching the landmark from 128 deliveries with six boundaries and two sixes.


Remarkably, Matthew Breetzke became only the fourth South African cricketer in history to record an ODI century on debut, joining an elite panel featuring the likes of Colin Ingram, his current skipper Temba Bavuma and Reeza Hendricks.

Shortly after reaching his century, Breetzke leathered New Zealand paceman Will O’Rourke with two boundaries and a six in a single over to accelerate South Africa’s innings at the death.

While the 26-year-old shared a cunning second-wicket partnership with Jason Smith, the cricketer forged another 100-plus runs with all-rounder Wiaan Mulder, albeit for the fourth wicket to steer South Africa past 200.