Matthew Breetzke Marks ODI Debut with Spectacular Century Against New Zealand
Breetzke scored an impressive 150 runs off 148 balls in his debut match, smashing five sixes and 11 fours to reach the milestone.
Before Breetzke, the record for the highest score on debut was held by West Indies cricketer Desmond Haynes, who scored 148 runs in 1978.
Breetzke achieved this feat during the Tri-Nation Series, making history for South Africa with his remarkable innings.
South Africa’s Matthew Breetzke announced his arrival on the international stage in style, registering a sublime century on 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 milestone in 128 deliveries during the 41st over of South Africa’s innings, showcasing remarkable composure and technical prowess.
Having recently concluded his campaign in the SA20 2025 season, Breetzke seamlessly transitioned from the fast-paced T20 format to the more measured demands of ODI cricket. Partnering with No. 3 batter Jason Smith, he played a pivotal role in guiding the Proteas past the 100-run mark, setting a solid foundation for the innings.
A Debut to Remember
Opening the innings alongside captain Temba Bavuma, Breetzke displayed remarkable temperament, reaching his half-century off 68 balls during a crucial 93-run stand for the second wicket with Smith. Building on his confident start, he went on to convert his innings into a magnificent century, reaching three figures off 128 balls, laced with six boundaries and two sixes.
In doing so, Breetzke etched his name into the history books, becoming only the fourth South African cricketer to score a century on ODI debut. He joins an exclusive list that includes Colin Ingram, his skipper Temba Bavuma, and Reeza Hendricks.
Following his century, Breetzke further accelerated the innings, taking on New Zealand pacer Will O’Rourke with two boundaries and a six in a single over, injecting crucial momentum into South Africa’s total in the death overs.
Apart from his valuable second-wicket stand with Smith, the 26-year-old formed another vital 100-plus partnership with all-rounder Wiaan Mulder for the fourth wicket, propelling South Africa past the 200-run mark and setting the stage for a formidable total.
