Breetzke’s world record-setting knock seals landmark ODI series win for South Africa in England

Leaving misfiring England with a mountain to climb at the monumental Lord’s on Thursday, South Africa’s Matthew Breetzke fired Temba Bavuma’s men to a staggering total in the ODI series decider.

Creating a world record in the 2nd ODI at the Home of Cricket, Breetzke replaced an injured Tony de Zorzi in the Proteas lineup and notched up his historic fifth half-century in as many ODI appearances. The 26-year-old top-scored for South Africa as the visitors posted 330-8 in 50 overs.

Breetzke enhances world record at Lord's

Polishing his world record in the 2nd ODI, the Proteas middle-order batter became the first men’s cricketer to smash five half-centuries in the first five innings of his 50-over career.

The in-form Proteas batter eclipsed former India opener Navjot Singh Sidhu, who recorded four fifty-plus scores from his debut at the grandest stage. However, the former Indian batter completed four fifties in five games as he did not bat against Zimbabwe at the 1987 World Cup.

Surpasses Herschelle Gibbs with sublime 85

Missing out on a sublime century, Breetzke departed after registering the highest-ever ODI score (85 off 77) by a South African batter at Lord’s, going past Herschelle Gibbs (74 vs England, 2008) in the high-scoring encounter against England.

Breetzke has scored the most runs (463) by a batter in his first 5 ODIs. The South African has achieved an incredible average of 92.60 in his first five ODIs. While South Africa added Breetzke at the expense of De Zorzi, skipper Brook announced the return of speed merchant Saqib Mahmood, who replaced the expensive series opener debutant - Sonny Baker.

Speedster Jofra Archer emerged as the pick of the bowlers for England with four for 62 in his 10 overs. Veteran spinner Adil Rashid picked up two wickets while Mahmood went wicketless and leaked 53 runs in his 10.

Buttler and Archer stage England's fightback

Tasked to outclass the second-highest team total at Lord’s in ODIs, England failed to break India’s record (326-8 vs England in 2002) as the hosts were unsuccessful in pulling off the highest successful run chase.

Ex-England captain Joe Root was outfoxed by a rampaging Keshav Maharaj after a gritty 61 from 72 deliveries, whereas Jacob Bethell won over sceptics with a flashy 58 off 40 balls. Even though Jos Buttler revived England’s hopes with his fighting knock of 61 (51), which was backed by a 33-ball 39 by Will Jacks and a late batting blitz from Jofra Archer.

Final-over thriller at Lord's

At a time when England were staring at defeat, Archer unleashed a stunning counter-attack, blasting 27 off just 14 balls in a lone fightback against the Proteas. With 16 needed in the final over, Archer fired two boundaries, but the hosts mustered 325 in 50 overs to record their second-straight defeat against South Africa. Thanks to a thrilling win over the 2019 World Cup winners, South Africa have taken an unassailable 2-0 lead to secure its first ODI series win over England since 1998.

Old-school cricket on display

“Me and Stubbo (Tristan Stubbs) found it to be quite tricky. Thought 280 was a good total, the longer we batted, we felt better. Bit of old-school cricket. Bit of batsmanship, we read the conditions, wanted to build partnerships and score at the back end,” said Breetzke, who was named the Player of the Match.