Mathew Breetzke achieved a historic milestone, scoring 83 runs as South Africa posted 352-5 against Pakistan in a tri-series match in Karachi. Alongside key contributions from Temba Bavuma and Heinrich Klaasen, Breetzke’s remarkable start to his ODI career sets a new record. The match acts as a warm-up for the Champions Trophy, with the winner facing New Zealand in the final.
Mathew Breetzke made history as the first cricketer to score a century and a half-century in his first two One Day Internationals. Playing for South Africa against Pakistan in Karachi, he contributed significantly to the team’s total of 352-5. His impressive performance included an 84-ball knock of 83 runs, following his earlier score of 150 against New Zealand.
The 26-year-old Breetzke showcased his talent with a six and ten boundaries in his innings, helping South Africa secure a formidable score after winning the toss. The match serves as a precursor to the Champions Trophy commencing in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates next week. The victor will face New Zealand in the final on Friday.
Breetzke’s performance eclipsed the previous record held by West Indian Desmond Haynes, who accumulated 195 runs in his initial two matches back in 1978. Breetzke eventually fell to a spectacular catch by spinner Khushdil Shah, marking the end of his excellent innings.
Pakistan’s renowned bowling attack could not contain South Africa, as Temba Bavuma and Heinrich Klaasen also played pivotal roles in building the team’s score. Bavuma scored 82 runs, while Klaasen made 87 off just 56 balls, hitting three sixes and eleven boundaries. The pair helped boost the team’s momentum, especially in the final overs, where South Africa added 110 runs in the last ten.
In addition to Breetzke, Kyle Verreynne and Corbin Bosch also contributed with an unbeaten 44 and 15, respectively, allowing South Africa to surpass the 350-run mark. Shaheen Shah Afridi was the standout bowler for Pakistan, taking two wickets for 66 runs.
In summary, Mathew Breetzke’s remarkable performance highlighted South Africa’s strong innings of 352-5 against Pakistan, solidifying his place in the record books. Alongside significant contributions from Temba Bavuma and Heinrich Klaasen, South Africa’s batting lineup demonstrated depth and resilience. As they prepare for the upcoming final against New Zealand, the team’s performance serves as a promising indication of their capabilities leading into the Champions Trophy.
Original Source: www.france24.com
