In the second ODI of the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2025, New Zealand won the toss and elected to bowl first against South Africa. The Proteas, looking to make a mark in the series, fielded four debutants – Eathan Bosch, Mihlali Mpongwana, Matthew Breetzke, and Senuran Muthusamy.
Early setback for South Africa
South Africa started cautiously but suffered an early setback when captain Temba Bavuma was dismissed with the team score at 37 runs. Bavuma’s departure put pressure on the Proteas’ batting unit, but debutant Matthew Breetzke and Jason Smith steadied the innings with a solid partnership.
Brilliant partnership between Matthew Breetzke and Jason Smith
Breetzke and Smith built a 93-run stand for the second wicket, counterattacking the Kiwi bowlers. Smith played a handy knock of 41 runs before being dismissed, followed shortly by Kyle Verreynne, who could only manage a single run. However, Breetzke stood firm and continued his onslaught from one end.
Breetzke smashes century on ODI debut
The moment of the match came when Breetzke reached a century on his ODI debut in the 41st over. Facing William O’Rourke, Breetzke cut a short and wide delivery past backward point for a boundary, bringing up his hundred in style. As the ball raced to the fence, Breetzke removed his helmet, took in the applause from the dressing room, and acknowledged the crowd with his bat raised high. With this milestone, Breetzke became the fourth South African cricketer to score a century on ODI debut, joining an elite list of players.
South African players with a century on ODI debut
- Colin Ingram vs Zimbabwe (2010)
- Temba Bavuma vs Ireland (2016)
- Reeza Hendricks vs Sri Lanka (2018)
- Matthew Breetzke vs New Zealand (2025)
Also READ: South Africa names Anrich Nortje’s replacement for Champions Trophy 2025
Breetzke registers highest ODI score on debut
Breetzke didn’t stop at 100. He continued his brilliant stroke play and went past 126 runs, setting the record for the highest individual score on ODI debut for South Africa. He eventually reached the 150-run milestone before getting out and cementing his name as one of the most promising young batters for the Proteas.
Following Breetzke’s dismissal, South Africa stood strong at 263/4, thanks to Breetzke’s heroic innings. With a formidable total in sight, the Proteas looked set to challenge New Zealand in the chase.
Here is how fans reacted:
The stuff of dreams. A century on debut!
Matthew Breetzke held the innings together beautifully and is now reaping the rewards!
#WozaNawe #BePartOfIt #NZvSA pic.twitter.com/BumxdhqlE2
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) February 10, 2025
HUNDRED FOR MATTHEW BREETZKE ON HIS ODI DEBUT…!!!!
– Excellent knock by Breetzke, against a quality Kiwi attack, he played so well under pressure.
Breetzke is part of Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025. pic.twitter.com/hH7FeRqNMs
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 10, 2025
Matthew Breetzke brings up a century on ODI debut
He is the 4th Proteas player to do so
Colin Ingram 124 vs Zimbabwe
Reeza Hendricks 102 vs Sri Lanka
Temba Bavuma 113 vs Ireland pic.twitter.com/R4XU2hF2bd— Werner (@Werries_) February 10, 2025
Century on debut for Matthew Breetzke! Class
#Proteas pic.twitter.com/GgFsGO5T2K
— Ayanda Nyuswa (@atnyuswa) February 10, 2025
Such an amazing knock By this Lad from South Africa
Matthew Breetzke Scoring a 100 of 128 deliveries#NZvSA pic.twitter.com/pdKFw71mlH— Numair Tariq (@NumairTariq2) February 10, 2025
HUNDRED for Matthew Breetzke on ODI debut
Lucknow Supergiants Blud bashing New Zealand
— Riseup Pant (@riseup_pant17) February 10, 2025
Matthew Breetzke brings up a
on ODI debut!!! Very good well composed innings that… never once panicked.. just always seemed in control of his game!! Very impressive from a talented individual
So happy for him!!!#CricketTwitter #SAvNZL pic.twitter.com/uvRIp7pqwf
— Lawrence Bailey
Matthew Breetzke became the 4th South African player to score a century on his ODI debut.
Colin Ingram (2010)
Temba Bavuma (2016)
Reeza Hendricks (2018)
Matthew Breetzke (Today) pic.twitter.com/tDzkaDOOB5— Vijay Anaparthi (@VijayCricketFan) February 10, 2025
CENTURY on debut for Matthew Breetzke
#NZvSA pic.twitter.com/TG33RBi4Kn
— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) February 10, 2025
Matthew Breetzke brings up his
— Caught & Bowled (@caught1bowled) February 10, 2025
on debut by Matthew Breetzke
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 10, 2025
Felt awful when Matthew Breetzke made a duck on his Test debut and was dropped for the next game. Happy he’s got to 100 on his ODI debut. He’s held the innings together really well.
— Mawande Mateza (@Mawandinho) February 10, 2025
A HUNDRED ON DEBUT!
Matthew Breetzke becomes the fourth South African to hit a ton on men’s ODI debut
— Zeeshan Qayyum
(@XeeshanQayyum) February 10, 2025
MAIDEN ODI CENTURY FOR MATTHEW BREETZKE ON HIS DEBUT!
– Reaching his century in 128 balls with 6 fours and 2 sixes, in the 2nd ODI Tri-series match against New Zealand.
Well played, Breetzke! He has been playing an amazing innings on his debut, a dream debut!
— Akaran.A (@Akaran_1) February 10, 2025
Hopefully Matthew Breetzke gets a good amount of chances in the IPL. Deserves to start in the XI from game 1. Capable of doing very very special things
— Aditya Gursahani (@adityagursahani) February 10, 2025
18th October 2007 : AB De Villiers,playing in his first ODI on Pakistani soil,scores a century against Pakistan in Lahore. He smashes 103 off 95
10th February 2025 : Matthew Breetzke,playing in his first ODI on Pakistani soil,brings up his century against New Zealand in Lahore pic.twitter.com/NzFtop0sAm
— Arnav Singh (@Arnavv43) February 10, 2025
#NZvSA Matthew Breetzke is going to be the poster boy of South African cricket for very very long time hundred on debut in ODIs
— Ethan #EW (@EWsportnut) February 10, 2025
Matthew Breetzke you beaut!
— Ntsako Mkhari (@Ntsako_Mkhari_) February 10, 2025
Also READ: Pakistan ODI tri-series 2025: Broadcast & Live Streaming details – When and where to watch in India, New Zealand, South Africa, USA & other countries
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