Matthew Breetzke Reveals Why His Hard-Earned Century Against Australia Brought Relief

• Matthew Breetzke had to dig deep before reaching a milestone that carried extra meaning at Kingsmead
• The Proteas batter found an unlikely ally as South Africa recovered from early pressure against Australia
• With the series moving to Johannesburg, Breetzke expects Australia to respond strongly on Pink Day

Matthew Breetzke says his century against Australia brought more relief than celebration after he battled through a difficult start to help the Proteas take a 1-0 ODI series lead.

The 27-year-old struck 112 from 141 balls at Kingsmead on Thursday, 24 September, helping South Africa post 297 before Australia were bowled out for 230. His innings contained 14 fours and two sixes.

Speaking to SABC Sport, Breetzke described the milestone as “a proud and emotional moment” before explaining why it had been particularly demanding.

“It was really difficult in the beginning and I had to fight myself through it mentally,” Breetzke said.

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Matthew Breetzke and Marco Jansen turn the innings around

South Africa had been under pressure before Breetzke and Marco Jansen changed the momentum.

The pair added 107 runs, with Jansen attacking Australia's bowlers during his 75 off 59 deliveries. That partnership allowed Breetzke to settle before accelerating towards his second ODI century.

Breetzke credited Jansen for making the partnership easier, saying he could “feed him the strike” while the pair maintained each other's energy.

Jansen also made an impact in the field, taking two catches, including a notable effort to dismiss Matt Renshaw off Gerald Coetzee.

Proteas take confidence into Pink Day ODI

The 67-run victory gave South Africa an early advantage in the three-match series, especially after a week when injuries had limited their bowling resources.

Breetzke expects Australia to respond in the second ODI when the teams meet at the DP World Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Sunday, 27 September. Cricket South Africa lists the match for a 10:00 start.

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The fixture is also the annual Pink Day ODI, supporting breast cancer awareness.

South Africa therefore carry a 1-0 lead into Johannesburg, while Breetzke's hard-earned century has added another talking point to the series.

Marco Jansen’s bigger Proteas role

Briefly News also reported that Marco Jansen was set to shoulder more responsibility for the Proteas after injuries weakened South Africa’s pace attack.

Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Ottneil Baartman and Kwena Maphaka were all unavailable, leaving Jansen as one of the key experienced options against Australia.

Jansen then underlined his importance in the series opener, scoring 75 off 59 balls and taking two catches as South Africa won by 67 runs at Kingsmead.

Source: Briefly News