NEW DELHI: Matthew Breetzke announced his arrival in style, smashing a record-breaking 150 on his ODI debut to propel South Africa to 304-6 against New Zealand in the tri-nation series in Pakistan on Monday.
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The 26-year-old opener delivered a commanding 148-ball innings at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, surpassing the previous highest score on ODI debut—Desmond Haynes’ 148 for West Indies against Australia in 1978. His knock, featuring 11 fours and five sixes, laid a strong foundation for South Africa after they were put in to bat.
Breetzke shared a 37-run opening stand with skipper Temba Bavuma (20) before forging a crucial 93-run partnership with Jason Smith (41) for the second wicket. He reached his maiden century off 128 balls, becoming only the fourth South African to score a hundred on ODI debut, joining Reeza Hendricks, Tony de Zorzi, and Colin Ingram.
He then took his innings to another level, lofting Ben Sears for a six to bring up 150 before falling to Matt Henry in the 46th over, caught by Michael Bracewell at mid-off.
Wiaan Mulder provided a strong finish with a brisk 64 off 60 balls, hitting five fours and a six, ensuring South Africa crossed the 300-run mark. Among New Zealand’s bowlers, Henry (2-59) and Will O’Rourke (2-72) were the most effective.
South Africa, missing several key players due to domestic T20 commitments and injuries, handed debuts to four players in the match.
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Meanwhile, New Zealand made a single change, bringing in Devon Conway to replace Rachin Ravindra, who suffered an injury during their 78-run win over Pakistan on Saturday.
Pakistan, the third team in the tri-series, is hosting the tournament as a warm-up for the upcoming Champions Trophy, which begins on February 19.
