South African cricketer Matthew Breetzke is gearing up for the ODI series against Australia, which begins on Thursday at Kingsmead. He is looking to build on his form from the Betway SA20 final, where his team, Sunrisers Eastern Cape, emerged victorious. Breetzke had a poignant moment during the match, where he was seen holding a finger to his lips, a message to his detractors who had questioned his ability.
Breetzke has never been short of confidence in his abilities, and now that he has taken the step up to international cricket, he wants to shoulder the responsibility of being the player the Proteas turn to when a match hangs in the balance. He exclusively told IOL Sport that he likes to get the job done, play to the conditions, and do whatever is needed to win the game. Breetzke's numbers emphatically support his claims, with a career that began in Lahore in February 2025 with a 150 against New Zealand, the highest score by any player on ODI debut in the format's history.
The 27-year-old has had an impressive start to his international career, following his debut century with an 83 against Pakistan in the same tri-series. He has since kept going, with four fifty-plus scores to open his international career, a feat no one else in the format's history had managed. Across his first 14 ODIs, Breetzke is averaging 59.16 at a strike rate of 96.59. His performance in the series against Australia last year was particularly notable, highlighted by striking 88 off 78 balls in the second ODI that sealed the rubber for the Proteas in Mackay.
Breetzke is excited about resuming hostilities with Australia, describing them as a big nation with big characters in their team. He believes they will want to dominate the Proteas on their home ground, as they prepare for the World Cup next year. Breetzke thinks that Australia will try to play mind games, trying to bully the Proteas and create a mental block ahead of the World Cup. However, he remains focused on his goal of scoring runs and contributing to the team's success.
The Proteas middle-order is stacked with worthy contenders, but Breetzke is confident in his abilities and is looking forward to the challenge. He believes that playing on tricky surfaces in South Africa requires a different approach, where one can't just target a high score, but instead, absorb the pressure and play to the conditions. Breetzke's approach has been impressive so far, and he will be looking to continue his form in the ODI series against Australia.
The series against Australia will be an important one for the Proteas, as they look to build on their momentum and prepare for the World Cup next year. The third ODI against Australia in Potchefstroom at the end of the month could hold special significance for a set of Proteas twins, Jansen brothers, who are eyeing a historic reunion. The Proteas will be looking to take advantage of their home ground and make a statement against a strong Australian team.
As the ODI series against Australia approaches, Breetzke is focused on his goal of scoring runs and contributing to the team's success. He is confident in his abilities and is looking forward to the challenge of playing against a strong Australian team. With his impressive form so far, Breetzke will be one to watch in the series, as the Proteas look to build on their momentum and prepare for the World Cup next year.
Key points
- Matthew Breetzke is confident in his abilities as the Proteas take on Australia in the ODI series starting Thursday at Kingsmead.
- Breetzke has had an impressive start to his international career, with a career average of 59.16 at a strike rate of 96.59 across his first 14 ODIs.
- The Proteas will be looking to take advantage of their home ground and make a statement against a strong Australian team in the ODI series.
