Who is Matthew Breetzke? Meet the South African Who Broke World Record on ODI Debut Ahead of IPL 2025

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South Africa's Matthew Breetzke announced himself on the international stage with a record-breaking century on his ODI debut against New Zealand at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

The left-handed batter played a sensational knock of 150 runs, becoming the first player in history to reach the milestone in his maiden ODI appearance. His innings, which featured 11 fours and five sixes, helped South Africa put up a strong total in the first ODI of the tri-series in Pakistan. Let's find out all about the young South African.

A Record-Breaking Debut

Breetzke's stunning 150 surpassed the previous record for the highest individual score on ODI debut, which was held by West Indies' Desmond Haynes, who had scored 148 against Australia in 1978. The 26-year-old began cautiously but shifted gears in the latter half of his innings, showcasing his ability to dominate an international bowling attack. With South Africa fielding a relatively inexperienced squad for the series, his knock was a testament to the depth of talent emerging in Proteas cricket.

Matthew Breetzke's Cricketing Journey so far

Breetzke has been a rising star in South African cricket for years. His talent was evident from a young age when he played for Grey High School's first team at just 14. By the time he was 16, he was a mainstay in South Africa's U-19 squad, scoring over 1,000 runs in youth ODIs. He further showcased his batting prowess in the 2018 ICC U-19 World Cup, finishing as South Africa's second-highest run-getter.

His domestic career took off when he dominated the 2022-23 CSA Four-Day competition, finishing as the leading run-scorer with three centuries and four fifties. In T20 cricket, he has been equally prolific, impressing in the SA20 League and the CSA T20 Challenge.

IPL 2025 Beckons

While Breetzke was not included in South Africa's squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, his ODI debut will certainly keep him on the selectors' radar for future tournaments. His performances have already earned him a contract in the IPL-Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) signed him for ₹57 lakh ahead of the 2025 season.

With his ability to play match-winning knocks under pressure, Breetzke could be one of the breakout stars of IPL 2025. His fearless approach and adaptability make him a player to watch as he prepares for his first stint in the world's biggest T20 league.