Matthew Paul Breetzke, born on November 3, 1998, in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, has swiftly established himself as one of the most compelling young talents in international cricket. A right-handed batter and part-time wicketkeeper, he combines elegant stroke play with a fearless approach at the crease.
Early career and rise through the ranks
Breetzke’s domestic journey began when he debuted in first-class cricket for Eastern Province in 2017. He gained early recognition on the international stage with his selection for South Africa’s Under-19 squad at the 2018 U-19 Cricket World Cup. His performances in South Africa’s domestic circuit, particularly in first-class competitions where he scored multiple centuries and fifties, underlined his potential as a dependable top-order batter.
He has also been a standout performer in T20 leagues. In the SA20 tournament, he ranked among the top run-scorers in 2024, and in the CSA T20 Challenge he led the run-scoring charts, marking him as a dynamic and adaptable talent across formats.
International breakthrough
Breetzke made his Twenty20 International debut in September 2023 against Australia. He followed this with two T20Is against India later that year and joined South Africa’s T20 squad for the West Indies tour in May 2024. His Test debut came in October 2024 during a tour of Bangladesh, although he was dismissed for a duck in his only innings.
His most memorable rise came in February 2025 during a tri-series in Pakistan. In his ODI debut against New Zealand, Breetzke produced a stunning 150 off 148 balls, marked by 11 fours and five sixes, setting a new world record for the highest score on a men’s ODI debut and surpassing Desmond Haynes’s long-standing mark of 148.
He backed up that innings with an impressive 83 in his second ODI, ending his first two matches with a record-breaking total of 233 runs. Later that summer, he continued his incredible consistency by becoming the first player in ODI history to open his career with four consecutive international innings of fifty or more, culminating in an 88 against Australia at Mackay’s Great Barrier Reef Arena.
Playing style and impact
Breetzke is known for his fluid, technically sound batting, combined with the ability to anchor innings or accelerate when required. His early performances with the bat provide evidence of a mature temperament and adaptability under pressure. As a wicketkeeper-batsman, he adds further flexibility to team selection and combinations.
Domestically, he continues to shine both in longer formats and in T20 leagues. In SA20, he has been a reliable contributor, while his IPL prospects rose when he was signed by Lucknow Super Giants during the IPL 2025 auctions.
Looking ahead
At just 26, Breetzke’s opening ODI exploits have marked him as one of South Africa’s most exciting new players. Collecting a record-breaking debut, consistent high scores, and impactful contributions across formats, he appears positioned to become a cornerstone of the Proteas lineup. As he recovers from a hamstring injury in mid-2025, anticipation mounts for his return and the next chapters of his franchise and international cricket career.