Matthew Breetzke aims for permanent spot in Proteas ODI side after impressive Cairns knock

After a stylish half-century in the first One-Day International in Cairns, Matthew Breetzke is wants to make his mark in the Proteas white-ball setup.

The 26-year-old Eastern Cape-born batter, playing in Australia for the first time, struck a fluent 57 off 56 balls as the Proteas secured a memorable win over the hosts on Tuesday.

Coming in at No. 4 — a relatively unfamiliar position — Breetzke looked at ease against Australia's attack, sharing a near-century stand with skipper Temba Bavuma to set the tone for South Africa’s innings. His confident strokeplay, along with valuable contributions from Ryan Rickelton, Aiden Markram, and Bavuma, helped the visitors post a competitive 296-run target.

The Proteas then bowled Australia out in commanding fashion, with veteran spinner Keshav Maharaj starring with a brilliant five-wicket haul to seal a convincing victory.

Reflecting on his performance, Breetzke admitted to feeling a few nerves — both from batting in a new position and playing his first game on Australian soil.

“I was a little bit nervous during those middle periods, but I definitely backed myself. Now I’m looking to stake a claim and be first on the team list,” he said.

He compared the Cairns pitch to conditions back home: “That first game was sort of like the wicket we play on back in Potchefstroom — quite slow and spin conducive. I actually expected quicker wickets over here.”

The next two ODIs will be played at the Great Barrier Reef Arena, with Friday’s second match expected to provide very different conditions, likely favouring pace.

“It’s going to be a completely different wicket,” Breetzke explained. “I had a small session in the nets and they seem similar to the match strip. There’s definitely a bit more pace and a little more in it for the bowlers. We’ll need to assess how the ball moves in the first ten overs.”

With a quick turnaround ahead of Sunday’s final ODI, Breetzke will be looking to maintain his strong start and push his case for a permanent place in South Africa’s white-ball top order.