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Key Points

Matthew Breetzke has etched his name in cricket history by scoring 50+ runs in his first three ODI innings. The South African joins an exclusive club featuring India's Navjot Sidhu and two Dutch players. His 150 on debut against New Zealand remains the highest score by any Proteas batsman in their first ODI. Now facing Australia, Breetzke's 57 helped SA post a competitive 296/8 in the series opener.

Key Points: Matthew Breetzke Joins Sidhu in Rare ODI Batting Feat

  • Breetzke averages 96.66 after three ODIs with a century and two fifties
  • Joins Sidhu, O'Dowd and Cooper in elite batting club
  • Smashed 150 on debut against New Zealand
  • Helped SA post 296/8 vs Australia in Cairns
2 min read

SA's Breetzke becomes fourth batter to achieve unique ODI feat

South Africa's Breetzke scores 50+ in first three ODIs, matching Navjot Sidhu's record while setting a new Proteas debut benchmark.

"Breetzke's 150 on debut is the highest by any South African in ODI history – Match Report"

Cairns, August 19

South African batter Matthew Breetzke became the fourth batter in the history of ODIs to secure 50-plus scores in his first three innings.

Breetzke accomplished this feat during South Africa's first ODI against Australia at Cairns, scoring 57 in 56 balls, with seven fours and a six, at a strike rate of over 101.

Now in three ODIs, Breetzke has scored 290 runs in three matches at an average of 96.66, with a strike rate of over 100, with a century and two fifties. His best score is 150, which he scored against New Zealand on his debut for the Proteas. This is the highest score by a South African on his ODI debut.

He has joined India's Navjot Singh Sidhu and Netherlands players Max O'Dowd and Tom Cooper as the fourth player to achieve this feat.

Coming to the first ODI, South Africa got off to a fine start after opting to bowl first, with Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton (33 in 43 balls, with three fours) putting on a 92-run stand for the first wicket. Markram scored 82 in 81 balls, with nine fours, before being the second wicket to fall.

Later, skipper Temba Bavuma (65 in 74 balls, with five fours) and Breetzke put on a 92-run stand for the fourth wicket. Travis Head (4/57) and Ben Dwarshuis (2/53) made a fine comeback for Aussies, restricting the Proteas to 296/8 in 50 overs. It is the highest total against Australia in Australia since 2021.

It is also the second-highest total by the Proteas against Australia in the Aussie land, after 320/5 against them at Hobart in 2018.

SA needs to defend 297 runs to secure a 1-0 lead in the series, having lost the T20I series by 2-1 earlier. They would be aiming to make amends by winning the ODI series.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Interesting to see Navjot Sidhu's name in this elite list. Our commentators never mention these records enough! Breetzke's 150 on debut is seriously impressive though 👏
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Aman W
SA always produces such quality batsmen. But why can't they perform like this in World Cup knockouts? 😅 Hope Breetzke breaks that jinx when the time comes!
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Sarah B
As an Aussie fan, I'm worried! This new SA batter looks dangerous. But our bowlers did well to restrict them under 300 after that strong start. Should be a good chase!
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Nikhil C
The article mentions strike rate over 100 in 3 places - seems a bit repetitive. But amazing stats nonetheless! 96 average after 3 matches is insane 🔥
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Kavya N
Remember when Rohit Sharma scored back-to-back centuries in his first few ODIs? Hope Breetzke has that kind of career ahead! SA cricket looking bright with these youngsters.

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