Johannesburg ( The COW News Digital) Rising South African batter Matthew Breetzke has etched his name into cricket’s history books by becoming the first player ever to score fifty-plus runs in each of his first five One Day Internationals (ODIs).
On Thursday, during the second ODI against England, the 25-year-old right-hander displayed remarkable composure and consistency, scoring 85 runs in a well-crafted innings. His performance not only strengthened South Africa’s position in the match but also cemented his reputation as one of the most exciting young talents in world cricket.
Breetzke’s achievement is unprecedented in the history of ODI cricket. Since making his debut in February this year against New Zealand, where he stunned fans with a dazzling 150-run knock, the youngster has maintained an extraordinary level of form. His subsequent scores have all crossed the half-century mark, making him the only batter to start his career with five consecutive fifty-plus scores in ODIs.
Cricket analysts hailed his consistency as a sign of maturity beyond his years. Former South African captain Graeme Smith praised the youngster’s temperament. “Breetzke has shown remarkable control and adaptability. To perform like this against top-tier teams such as New Zealand and England is no small feat. He could well be the backbone of South Africa’s batting lineup in years to come,” Smith said.
Fans at the venue applauded his fluent stroke play, which combined classical cover drives with innovative shots against both pace and spin. His innings against England showcased his ability to rotate the strike under pressure while punishing loose deliveries with precision.
The cricketing world has seen many young prodigies rise quickly, but few have displayed such early consistency. Breetzke’s record has drawn comparisons with legends who took years to establish similar levels of reliability in ODIs.
South African coach Rob Walter emphasized the importance of nurturing Breetzke’s talent carefully. “He is a phenomenal young player, but we want to ensure he remains grounded and focused. The future looks very bright, but it’s about consistency over the long run,” Walter said.
As South Africa continues its ODI series against England, eyes will be on Breetzke to see whether he can extend his record-breaking streak. For now, cricket enthusiasts across the globe are celebrating a remarkable chapter in the game’s history, authored by a newcomer with the poise of a veteran.
