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South Africa’s Matthew Breetzke smashed a record-breaking 150 on his ODI debut, surpassing Desmond Haynes’ 48-year record. Despite his heroics, New Zealand chased down the target to win by six wickets. Read the full match report and analysis!
Breetzke’s Magical Debut Ends in Heartbreak for South Africa
For a brief moment in Lahore, Matthew Breetzke had the cricketing world’s attention. The young South African batter lit up the Pakistan Tri-Series with a breathtaking 150 on his One Day International (ODI) debut—setting a new record for the highest score by an ODI debutant. However, his heroics were overshadowed by a dominant New Zealand chase, leaving the Proteas with their fifth consecutive ODI defeat.
Breaking a 48-Year-Old Record
Breetzke’s 150 off 148 balls, featuring 11 fours and five sixes, eclipsed the previous record held by West Indies legend Desmond Haynes, who scored 148 against Australia in 1978. It was a knock of sheer brilliance, blending patience with aggression.
“Once I go to bed tonight and chat with my family, I think it’ll settle in. But at the moment, I’m just disappointed with the loss,” Breetzke admitted after the match.
New Zealand’s Chase and South Africa’s Struggles
Despite Breetzke’s historic innings, the Proteas failed to defend their total of 304/6. New Zealand’s captain Kane Williamson led from the front, scoring an unbeaten 133, while Devon Conway contributed 97. Their 187-run partnership ensured that the Black Caps chased down the target with six wickets in hand and eight balls to spare.
South Africa’s bowling unit struggled on a pitch that became easier to bat on as the day progressed. The misty, damp conditions in the morning favored the bowlers, but New Zealand’s decision to chase paid off as the pitch eased up in the second innings.
A Glimpse of South Africa’s Future?
With an eye on the Champions Trophy, South Africa fielded a relatively inexperienced squad. Breetzke made his ODI debut alongside Eathan Bosch, Mihlali Mpongwana, and Senuran Muthusamy. However, the absence of key players from the SA20 final was felt, exposing a growing challenge for South African cricket—balancing franchise commitments with national duties.
What’s Next for South Africa?
The Proteas will now face Pakistan in Karachi on Wednesday, with a place in the tri-series final on the line. Can they bounce back and secure a much-needed victory?
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