Matthew Breetzke edges Imam-ul-Haq's world record during 1st South Africa vs Australia ODI

Matthew Breetzke rewrote the record books on Thursday, September 24, 2026, during the first ODI between South Africa and Australia at Kingsmead in Durban. The 27-year-old right-hander posted 112 off 106 balls, striking 14 fours and 2 sixes from No. 4, to push his career tally to 822 runs across 14 innings in 15 ODIs. That figure surpassed the previous world record of 759 runs after 14 ODI innings, which had been held by Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq.

Breetzke had arrived at the match with 710 runs from 13 innings. His century against Australia added 112 to that total, leaving him 63 runs clear of the old mark and firmly in possession of a record that spans the entire history of the format.

How did Breetzke's innings unfold against Australia?

The century at Kingsmead is Breetzke's second in ODI cricket. Across his 14 innings in the format, he has accumulated two hundreds and a further six fifties, a scoring pattern that reflects sustained output rather than isolated brilliance.

His knock proved especially important in the lower-middle order. Breetzke combined with Marco Jansen to add 107 runs for the sixth wicket, with Jansen contributing 75 off 59 balls. That stand is the second-highest sixth-wicket partnership for South Africa in ODIs against Australia, sitting just below the 119-run alliance between AB de Villiers and Shaun Pollock at Gqeberha on March 5, 2006.

Highest sixth wicket partnerships for South Africa in ODIs against Australia

For Australia, Nathan Ellis was the most effective bowler, finishing with 3/57 in 10 overs. Adam Zampa removed two South African batters, while Josh Hazlewood claimed one wicket. The Proteas finished on 297/8.

What is the context behind Breetzke's rapid ODI rise?

Breetzke's journey to this record began on February 10, 2025, when he made his ODI debut against New Zealand and scored 150 runs. That innings remains the highest score by any batter on ODI debut, eclipsing the 148 posted by West Indian Desmond Haynes in 1978. The debut immediately established Breetzke as one of the most prolific starters the format had seen.

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In the 19 months that followed, he built steadily on that foundation, reaching 710 runs in 13 innings before the Australia series arrived. The century at Kingsmead completed the record-breaking milestone in his 14th innings, achieved at the age of 27, having been born on November 3, 1998. South Africa now have a batter who holds two of the most significant early-career batting records in ODI history.