It is safe to say that South Africa batter Matthew Breetzke has began his ODI career with a bang. Though he has only played five matches in the format so far, Breetzke has already got 463 runs under his name, including four fifties and a century. The 26-year-old is yet to record a score of less than 50 in a one-day innings.
With his half-century against England on Thursday, Breetzke became the first player to record fifty-plus scores in each of his first five ODIs. His knock of 85 runs from 77 deliveries massively helped the Proteas in posting a gigantic total of 330/8 on the board. They would eventually go on to win the match and would also take an unassailble lead of 2-0 in the three-match one-day series.
Following the conclusion of the match, Breetzke remarked that he is worried despite making a 'special' start to his ODI career as it can only go downhill for him from here. He followed this up by stating that he will be praying for his incredible form to continue in the upcoming matches.
“It’s a bit worrying: it can only go downhill for me. It’s been a special start, to be honest. I’ve played on some really good wickets, and I just hope and pray that it’ll continue to go the way it’s gone… To be honest, I was bleak not to get to a hundred, because it would’ve been cool to be on the [honours] board," Breetzke said as quoted from ESPNcricinfo.
The batter also opened up on the tight cricketing schedule and said that he does feel tired at times due to it. But he went on to add that he is grateful for the opportunity of getting to play the sport at a professional level.
ALSO READ: 'I felt bad because...': Mitchell Starc breaks silence on taking sudden retirement from T20Is
“It does get to you sometimes. But for me, I just look at it like I’m so grateful to be playing a sport for a living. I just try to take every opportunity I get and try to make the most of it. It doesn’t last forever," Breetzke stated.
South Africa in top form
Meanwhile, the series victory over England means that South Africa have now won their last two one-day assignments. The Proteas recently defeated Australia 2-1 in a three-match ODI series and they have maintained their superb form against the Three Lions as well.