South African batter Matthew Breetzke has written his name into the record book with a sensational start to his ODI career. At 26, the right-hander scored 88 runs against Australia in the second ODI at Mackay on August 22, making it his fourth straight fifty-plus score in ODIs.
Record-Breaking Start to ODI Career
The remarkable innings of Breetzke included eight fours and two maximums before Nathan Ellis dismissed him in the 31st over. With this knock, he became the first player in ODI history to score four consecutive half-centuries on Debut. Below is the list of this record-breaking history:
- 150 (vs New Zealand, Lahore)
- 83 (vs Pakistan, Karachi)
- 57 (vs Australia, Cairns)
- 88 (vs Australia, Mackay)
The blazing beginning has helped him to surpass the 38-year-old record of former Indian player Navjot Singh Sidhu, who also managed to score four consecutive fifties at the beginning of his career through five matches.
Most Runs After First Four ODI Innings
Breetzke is not only scoring fifties consistently, but he is also breaking many other records. He now holds the record of the most runs at this stage in ODI history by scoring 378 runs in the first four ODI innings.
So, he has overtaken South Africa’s Temba Bavuma (280) and England’s Allan Lamb (279).In addition, he also eclipsed Netherlands batter Tom Cooper’s tally of 374 runs after five innings. It means that Breetzke has achieved the feat in fewer games.
Praise From Teammates
South African spinner Keshav Maharaj has appreciated Breetzke as a “real character” with a mindset similar to the Indian Superstar Virat Kohli. He further highlights that it is his hunger and mental toughness. However, Breetkze has already impressed in domestic cricket and the SA20. Now, he is emerging as a key figure in the ODI setup for South Africa.
Why This Matters for UAE Cricket Fans?
UAE-based cricket fans will be eager to watch rising star Matthew Breetzke on the international stage because the ICC tournaments are scheduled across global venues, including the Middle East, in the coming years.
Moreover, his rapid rise shows the growing bench strength of South Africa. In addition, his form could play an important role in shaping their future campaign.
What’s Next for Matthew Breetzke?
If Matthew continues this form, he could soon become the first batter to score fifty-plus in each of his five ODIs. Now, all eyes will be on him in the third ODI against Australia.
Read more:
