Matthew Breetzke made history on February 10, 2025, as he scored 150 runs on his One-Day International (ODI) debut against New Zealand at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. This incredible feat not only marked the highest score achieved by any player on their ODI debut but also positioned Breetzke among the elite players of South African cricket.
Breetzke's innings came off 148 balls, where he struck 11 fours and five sixes, showcasing his explosive batting style. Tasked to open the innings alongside captain Temba Bavuma, he displayed patience and strategy, reaching his half-century from 68 balls, before accelerating the pace as South Africa posted 304 runs for six wickets.
His historic debut eclipsed the previous record held by West Indies cricketer Desmond Haynes, who scored 148 runs against Australia back in 1978. Breetzke's remarkable performance also surpassed the previous highest debut score for South Africa held by Colin Ingram, who managed 124 runs against Zimbabwe in 2010.
During his innings, Breetzke formed significant partnerships, including one of 93 runs with Jason Smith for the second wicket. Even after losing the skipper Bavuma early for just 20 runs, Breetzke remained confident and focused, expertly steering the innings with his partnerships. The young cricketer's consolidation and eventual acceleration greatly aided South Africa's total, which proved pivotal for their success.
Mitchell Santner, New Zealand's captain, respected Breetzke's performance, acknowledging the challenge he posed to their bowling attack. "We tried our best, but he was unstoppable today," Santner stated post-match.
After reaching his century with determination on 128 balls, Breetzke’s aggression increased, leading to some explosive hits including three boundaries and one six off New Zealand paceman Ben Sears, which brought cheers from the crowd. His contributions have not just set records, but did so under various pressures, including the absence of seasoned players from the squad and adapting from the recent SA20 T20 series.
Post-match, Breetzke expressed satisfaction with his historic knock, saying, "I am a bit tired but I just hope we can get the win, that's the only thing on my mind..." Despite his individual success, he underscored teamwork and dynamics as being the essence of their match against New Zealand.
Breetzke's ascent through the ranks has been swift. Before his ODI debut, he had played only one Test and ten T20 Internationals, with the numbers not being deceptively impressive. Nevertheless, his standout performances, including being the third highest scorer with 416 runs at the SA20 league, have earned him significant attention and respect.
The young cricketer's future continues to be debated as he was not included in South Africa's squad for the Champions Trophy 2025, raising questions about the selection process for upcoming competitions. The cricket community is now eager to see if his record-breaking performances will influence changes within the team dynamics moving forward.
Breetzke's accomplishment has drawn parallels to other cricket legends, with former cricket stars praising his immense potential and encouraging his continued growth on the international stage. Several former players, including Faf du Plessis and AB de Villiers, have voiced their admiration for Breetzke’s talent, comparing his game to the legendary Virat Kohli’s style.
His ODI debut against New Zealand has not only made him the first player to score 150 on debut but also reflects the blossoming of new talent within South Africa's cricketing ranks during challenging times. With fans already rallying behind him, Matthew Breetzke has introduced himself as one of the newest stars to watch going forward.