Matthew Breetzke made a stunning debut for South Africa on Monday, scoring 150 runs in the ongoing tri-nation series in Pakistan against New Zealand. This remarkable innings, which lasted 148 balls, is now the highest score ever by a player on ODI debut.
Breetzke’s brilliant knock, featuring 11 boundaries and five sixes, led South Africa to a total of 304-6 after being sent in to bat at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. His 150 surpasses the previous record of 148 set by Desmond Haynes for the West Indies against Australia in 1978.
The 26-year-old opened the innings with captain Temba Bavuma, who contributed 20 runs, and then added a solid 93-run partnership with Jason Smith, who scored 41. This set a strong foundation for South Africa’s innings.
Breetzke reached his century off 128 balls, becoming the fourth South African to score a ton on ODI debut, joining the ranks of Reeza Hendricks, Tony de Zorzi, and Colin Ingram. He continued to dominate, hitting a six off Ben Sears to bring up his 150, before being dismissed by Matt Henry in the 46th over, caught by Michael Bracewell at mid-off.
Wiaan Mulder’s 64 runs off 60 balls, including five fours and a six, helped South Africa to a solid 300-plus total.
For New Zealand, Matt Henry (2-59) and Will O’Rourke (2-72) were the standout bowlers.
This match saw South Africa debuting four players, as many of their top players are either playing in the SA20 league or recovering from injuries. New Zealand also made a change, bringing in Devon Conway for the injured Rachin Ravindra.
The tri-nation series is a warm-up for the upcoming Champions Trophy, which will start on February 19, with Pakistan also taking part alongside South Africa and New Zealand.
