Proteas’ Matthew Breetzke jokes after record against England: It can only go downhill from here
South Africa's Matthew Breetzke plays a shot during the second One Day International (ODI) cricket match between England and South Africa at Lords cricket ground, in London, on September 4, 2025. Picture: Glyn Kirk/AFP
Image: Glyn Kirk/AFP
After becoming the first player to score 50 or more in his first five innings in One-Day Internationals (ODIs), Matthew Breetzke was unsurprisingly in high spirits on Thursday.
The 26-year-old top-scored for the Proteas in the second ODI against England at Lord’s, hitting 85 from 77 balls as South Africa posted an imposing 330/8.
Though England put up a strong fight in their chase, the visitors held out for a five-run victory to seal an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
But it was Breetzke’s record that stole the spotlight. In his four previous innings, he scored 150, 83, 57, and 88 – making his the best start to an ODI career in history.
Breetzke Sets Record for Best Start in ODI History
“It’s a bit worrying: it can only go downhill for me,” Breetzke said with a laugh.
“It’s been a special start, to be honest. I’ve played on some really good wickets, and I just hope and pray it’ll continue the way it has… To be honest, I was bleak not to get to a hundred, because it would’ve been cool to be on the [honours] board.”
The victory also came at the same venue where South Africa lifted the World Test Championship (WTC) title in June. According to Breetzke, the team’s strong run of results is no coincidence.
“It starts at the top with [coach] Shukri Conrad… He’s very clear on what he wants and there’s no grey area.”
South Africa face England in the third ODI on Sunday in Southampton.