Matthew Breetzke’s brilliant 150 guides South Africa to a total of 304/6 against New Zealand

LAHORE: Matthew Breetzke’s record-breaking century on debut propelled South Africa to a commanding total in the second match of the tri-nation ODI series against New Zealand at Gaddafi Stadium on Monday.

Opting to bat first, the relatively inexperienced South African team posted a formidable 304/6, with significant contributions from Breetzke and Wiaan Mulder.

However, their innings got off to a shaky start, as captain Temba Bavuma was dismissed for 20 in the eighth over, leaving them at 37/1.

Breetzke then teamed up with Jason Smith to put together a solid 97-run partnership for the second wicket. The pair looked in control until Smith was run out on the final ball of the 25th over, having scored 41 off 51 balls, including one four and two sixes.

South Africa suffered another setback when wicketkeeper-batter Kyle Verreynne fell for just one, dismissed by Michael Bracewell in the 27th over, reducing the score to 132/3.

Breetzke then found support from Mulder, and the two added a crucial 131-run partnership for the fourth wicket in just 114 balls.

New Zealand’s seasoned pacer Matt Henry eventually broke the partnership in the 46th over, getting Breetzke caught at mid-off.

Breetzke was South Africa’s top scorer, finishing with a stunning 150 off 148 balls, which included 11 fours and five sixes.

After Breetzke’s departure, Mulder accelerated the scoring, contributing valuable runs before being dismissed by Will O’Rourke in the penultimate over. Mulder’s 64 off 60 balls included five fours and one six.

For New Zealand, Henry and O’Rourke claimed two wickets each, while Bracewell took one.