Matthew Breetzke has etched his name into cricket’s record books with a historic start to his ODI career, becoming the first player ever to score fifty or more in each of his first five innings. The 26-year-old South African opener continued his remarkable run in the second ODI against England at Lord’s, where he struck a fluent 85 off 77 balls to power his side to a thrilling five-run win and secure a 2–0 series triumph.
Breetzke’s story began with a dream debut century of 150 against New Zealand earlier this year, and he has since followed it with scores of 83, 57, 88, and now 85. No one in the fifty-year history of One Day Internationals has managed to begin with such sustained excellence. In just five innings, he has piled up 463 runs at an astonishing average of over 90, blending classical strokeplay with fearless aggression.
At Lord’s, South Africa had stumbled early and looked vulnerable, but Breetzke showed composure beyond his years. His innings was the backbone of a vital 147-run partnership with Tristan Stubbs, which turned the tide after England’s bowlers threatened to seize control. The pair’s efforts lifted South Africa to a total of 330 for 8, a score that ultimately proved just out of England’s reach despite a spirited chase.
England came close, falling short by only five runs, but the decisive factor was once again the calm assurance of Breetzke at the top. English skipper Harry Brook admitted after the match that South Africa had probably scored “10–15 too many,” and that extra cushion could be traced directly to Breetzke’s ability to absorb pressure and then accelerate.
What makes the achievement even more remarkable is the context. Many young players struggle to adapt to the demands of international cricket, yet Breetzke has looked like he belongs from day one. His technique allows him to play both pace and spin with equal confidence, while his temperament has stood out in pressure situations. Each of his five innings has been more than just personal milestones; they’ve been match-shaping contributions.
South Africa have seen purple patches from players before—Quinton de Kock, AB de Villiers, Hashim Amla—but what Breetzke has done is unprecedented. The last time a player came close was Navjot Singh Sidhu in the 1980s, with four consecutive fifties at the start of his career. Breetzke has now gone one better, setting a bar that could remain untouched for years.
After the match, he remained humble, admitting that he was wary of expectations: “It’s been a special start, but I know it can only get tougher from here. All I can do is keep working hard and enjoy every chance I get in this jersey.” His grounded approach suggests he understands the pitfalls of early success and is determined to build something lasting.
For South Africa, Breetzke’s emergence is perfectly timed. With a World Cup around the corner, the Proteas may have unearthed a long-term opener who can provide the stability and firepower they’ve often lacked. If he continues in this vein, his debut streak will not only be remembered as a statistical marvel but as the launchpad of a defining international career.
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