Matthew Breetzke, a batsman for South Africa, said he watched Northamptonshire's thrilling victory over Surrey in the T20 Blast quarterfinals on his iPad to get ready for his historic ODI innings against England at Lord's on Thursday. He hopes to be with his county teammates on Finals Day next Saturday.

Breetzke scored 85 runs to lead South Africa to their first ODI series victory in England since May 1998, six months before he was born, after recovering from a hamstring ailment. Following scores of 150, 83, 57, and 88, he became the first player to top 50 in each of his first five ODI innings and averages 92.60 in the format.

It's a little concerning: following South Africa's victory, Breetzke remarked, chuckling, "It can only go downhill for me." To be honest, it's been a unique beginning. I just hope and pray that things will continue the way they have been going because I have played on some pretty fantastic wickets. Since it would have been awesome to be on the [honors] board, I must admit that I was depressed about not reaching a hundred.

He stated he had flourished on the chance to bat with fellow Grey High School alumnus Tristan Stubbs, with whom Breetzke combined 147 for the fourth wicket on the day. When I was younger, [Stubbs] and I played cricket a lot. I hope our relationship can continue in the same direction because we have a great one.

Breetzke, who recently signed a new two-year, all-format contract with Northants, has amassed 863 runs for them over the last two T20 Blast seasons. However, he was unable to attend Wednesday night's quarterfinal at The Oval and watched from his hotel room as they shocked South Group winners Surrey by seven runs thanks to a century from Ravi Bopara.

Finals of Blast Breetzke is currently not included in South Africa's team, despite the fact that Day falls between the second and third Twenty20 Internationals of their series against England next week. He therefore hopes to play at Edgbaston as one of their two foreign players, a sentiment that Northants skipper David Willey also shares.

Breetzke stated, "I'm not positive, but I believe I will be [available]." "There's nothing better than performing in England; I thrive on the energy and the crowds they bring. There, I was using my iPad to watch [the quarterfinal] on YouTube while I was in bed. Although it was nerve-racking, I'm thrilled for the boys and can't wait to see them on Finals Day.

South Africa will celebrate their series victory with "a few drinks" before attempting to complete a 3-0 sweep in Southampton on Sunday, according to Breetzke, who also claimed that their victory in the World Test Championship final in June had given them newfound confidence. Shukri Conrad is at the top of the list. There is no room for doubt because he is quite clear about what he wants.

After a demanding workload this year, Breetzke acknowledged feeling a little worn out, but he is aware of the wider picture. Sometimes, he said, it does get to you. However, I just consider myself really fortunate to be able to play a sport for a living. I simply try to seize every chance I come across and attempt to maximize it. It is not permanent.

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Sep 5, 2025 12:51 PM

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