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Key Points

Matthew Breetzke is making history with an incredible start to his ODI career. He just became the first player ever to score fifty-plus runs in his first five ODI matches. Despite his amazing form, he's worried that this hot streak can only lead to a decline. The South African batter also expressed disappointment at missing out on a century at Lord's by just 15 runs.

Key Points: Matthew Breetzke Worries ODI Dream Run Can Only Go Downhill

  • Breetzke becomes first player with 50+ scores in first five ODIs
  • His 85 helped South Africa beat England by 5 runs
  • Regrets missing Lord's honours board by 15 runs
  • Credits coach Shukri Conrad for team's clear direction
3 min read

Can only go downhill for me: South Africa's Breetzke reveals why his special start worries him

South Africa's Matthew Breetzke admits his record-breaking ODI start worries him as he jokes "it can only go downhill" after scoring 50+ in first five matches.

"It's a bit worrying: it can only go downhill for me. It's been a special start, to be honest. - Matthew Breetzke"

London, September 5

South African batter Matthew Breetzke, who is currently thriving on his searing form, is worried that the position of success he currently finds himself in only leads to a downhill route for him.

During the second ODI against England, Breetzke continued his dream run and emerged as the first player to register scores of fifty-plus in each of his first five ODIs. He left England's bowling unit bamboozled with his robust strokeplay and hammered 85 from 77 deliveries to propel South Africa to a daunting 330/8.

His performance was crucial to Proteas edging past England with a narrow five-run victory to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Following his recent exploits, he averages 92.60 in the format, having previously scored 150, 83, 57, and 88.

Breetzke jokingly admitted that after his "special start", it will be a steep downward road waiting for him. He hopes that his fairytale run continues, but rues the missed opportunity of featuring on the Lord's honours board after missing out on a ton by merely 15 runs.

"It's a bit worrying: it can only go downhill for me. It's been a special start, to be honest. I've played on some really good wickets, and I just hope and pray that it'll continue to go the way it's gone... To be honest, I was bleak not to get to a hundred, because it would've been cool to be on the [honours] board," Breetzke said as quoted from ESPNcricinfo.

The 26-year-old batter admitted to experiencing fatigue considering the jam-packed cricketing schedule, but remains aware of the big picture and added, "It does get to you sometimes. But for me, I just look at it like I'm so grateful to be playing a sport for a living. I just try to take every opportunity I get and try to make the most of it. It doesn't last forever."

With South Africa racing to a confirmed ODI series win in England for the first time since 1998, Breetzke said that the tourists will party when they sweep the series 3-0 in Southampton on Sunday.

He sees the surge in confidence within the team stems from their historic win in the World Test Championship final against Australia at the same venue and said, "It starts at the top with [head coach] Shukri Conrad... He's very clear on what he wants and there's no grey area."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
His form is incredible! 92.60 average in first 5 ODIs is mind-blowing. Hope he continues this against India in future series 🇮🇳
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Arjun K
The fatigue comment hits home. Our Indian players face the same packed schedule. ICC needs to address this player workload issue seriously.
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Sarah B
Respect for his honesty about the pressure. Most athletes would pretend they're not worried. This mental awareness will actually help him sustain success longer term.
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Vikram M
Missed century at Lord's must hurt! But 85 against England bowling attack is still brilliant. Hope he gets that hundred soon 🤞
M
Michael C
Interesting to see SA's resurgence after WTC win. They're becoming a formidable team across formats. Good for cricket competition!

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