South Africa's Matthew Breetzke and Pakistan's fast bowler Shaheen Afridi got into a furious argument during the third game of the tri-series at the National Stadium in Karachi, on February 12 (Wednesday). In a match that South Africa had to win, skipper Temba Bavuma chose to bat first after winning the toss, and his team started off strong. To get his first wicket of the game, Afridi made Tony de Zorzi edge a delivery to Salman Agha at first slip and got the much-needed breakthrough for the home team.
But after the initial blow, Breetzkee and captain Bavuma (82 off 96) engaged in a 119-run partnership to frustrate the Pakistani bowlers.
Things get heated in Karachi
Afridi and Breetzkee got into a furious argument during the partnership, which caused tensions to rise in the middle. When the Pakistani fielder rejected the single in the 29th over of the game, Breetzke gestured with his bat to strike him, which irritated Afridi.
Without hesitation, the Pakistani fast bowler approached the Proteas batter to exchange brief words. Breetzke was running a single later in the same over when Afridi came in his way. The two players were in each other's faces at the non-striker's end after the collision, and they engaged in a heated argument until the on-field umpire separated them.
Khushdil Shah ultimately dismissed Bretzkee for 83 (84) and the team left South Africa on 238/3. Playing only his second match, he missed his second consecutive century in ODIs. Breetzke hit 10 fours and a six during his innings. In the last game against New Zealand, the 26-year-old made history by recording the greatest score by a batter in his first ODI.
11 fours and five sixes helped the 26-year-old reach 150* (148). New Zealand won the match by six wickets to advance to the final, but his innings ended in a losing cause.