Matthew Breetzke Smashes ODI Debut Record with Historic 150 for South Africa Against New Zealand
South Africa’s rising star Matthew Breetzke made history on February 10, 2025, by becoming the first cricketer in ODI history to score 150 on debut, surpassing the legendary Desmond Haynes’s record of 148 set in 1978. The remarkable innings came in the second match of a tri-series against New Zealand in Lahore, where Breetzke’s knock helped South Africa post 304 on the board.
This achievement not only etched Breetzke’s name into the record books but also signaled his arrival on the international stage in emphatic fashion.
Breetzke’s Record-Breaking Knock: A Dream Debut
The 26-year-old right-handed batter opened the innings for South Africa and delivered a masterclass in controlled aggression, smashing 11 boundaries and 5 sixes during his 148-ball 150. His innings provided the foundation for South Africa’s total, proving crucial in their bid to dominate the tri-series.
How Breetzke Constructed His 150
- 93-run partnership with Jamie Smith after South Africa lost captain Temba Bavuma (20) early.
- 131-run stand for the fourth wicket with Wiaan Mulder, stabilizing the innings after a mini-collapse in the middle overs.
- Batted until the 46th over, before being dismissed by Matt Henry, ensuring South Africa had a strong platform for a final push.
- The last 10 overs yielded 108 runs, thanks to Breetzke and Mulder’s aggressive batting.
His ability to anchor the innings while also accelerating in the latter stages showcased his maturity beyond his years and cemented his reputation as a player to watch in the coming years.
Highest Individual Scores on ODI Debut
With this knock, Breetzke now holds the record for the highest score by a debutant in ODI cricket, joining an elite list of players who have made an impact on their first international 50-over outing.
| Player | Team | Score | Opponent | Venue | Year |
| Matthew Breetzke | South Africa | 150 | New Zealand | Lahore | 2025 |
| Desmond Haynes | West Indies | 148 | Australia | St John’s | 1978 |
| Rahmanullah Gurbaz | Afghanistan | 127 | Ireland | Abu Dhabi | 2021 |
| Mark Chapman | Hong Kong | 124 | UAE | Dubai | 2015 |
| Colin Ingram | South Africa | 124 | Zimbabwe | Bloemfontein | 2010 |
Breetzke’s feat is particularly special as no debutant had ever crossed the 150-run mark before. His innings now stands as a new benchmark for first-time ODI performers.
Breetzke’s Journey to ODI Stardom
Despite his stunning ODI debut, Breetzke’s international career had a slow start in other formats.
- Test Debut: October 2024 vs Bangladesh in Mirpur – Dismissed for a duck in his only innings.
- T20I Debut: September 2023 vs Australia in Durban – 151 runs in 10 matches, highest score of 51.
His ODI call-up came due to the absence of seven first-choice players, including Aiden Markram and Heinrich Klaasen, who were unavailable due to SA20 franchise commitments. Given the opportunity, Breetzke seized the moment brilliantly, and with the Champions Trophy 2025 approaching, he has staked a strong claim for a permanent spot in South Africa’s limited-overs setup.
What’s Next for Breetzke and South Africa?
With his record-breaking debut, Breetzke is now firmly in contention to be part of South Africa’s Champions Trophy 2025 squad.
South Africa’s Remaining Tri-Series Fixtures
📅 vs Pakistan – February 13, 2025 (Lahore)
📅 vs New Zealand – February 16, 2025 (Karachi)
If Breetzke continues his red-hot form, he could become a key player for South Africa in the Champions Trophy, where the Proteas will be aiming to break their ICC title drought.
A Star is Born
Matthew Breetzke’s historic 150 on debut is not just a statistical achievement—it marks the rise of a potential future superstar in South African cricket. In a team seeking young match-winners, Breetzke’s ability to handle pressure and deliver when it matters most makes him a player to watch in the coming months.
🚀 Will he be South Africa’s X-factor in the Champions Trophy? Stay tuned for more updates! 🏏🔥
