Record-breaking knock from Matthew Breetzke not enough as New Zealand ease past Proteas

By SABC Sport
10th February 2025

Kane Williamson's brilliant century guided New Zealand into the Tri-Series final with a dominant six-wicket victory over South Africa, overshadowing Matthew Breetzke's record-breaking 150 for South Africa.

Breetzke's 150, the highest by a batsman in their first ODI, helped South Africa reach 304-6. However, Williamson's unbeaten 133 led New Zealand to the win at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium.

The result set up a knockout match between Pakistan and South Africa in Karachi on Wednesday.

Williamson and Devon Conway put on a record 187-run partnership for New Zealand, with Conway scoring 97 - his first fifty in 11 innings. Williamson's century was his first since 2019.

Breetzke's remarkable 150 accounted for nearly half of South Africa's total, but their slow middle overs and lackluster bowling left them struggling. New Zealand struck early, with Will O'Rourke removing Temba Bavuma. Breetzke and Jason Smith added 93 for the second wicket, but their pace was slow at 5.31 runs per over.

South Africa were 196-3 after 40 overs, still far from 280, but Breetzke accelerated with a blistering 50 off 19 balls. He reached 150 with a 20-run over but was dismissed shortly after for a stunning catch by Henry.

New Zealand's chase was steady and controlled. After losing Will Young for 19 (thanks to a dropped catch), they gradually accelerated past the required run rate. Williamson paced his innings perfectly, reaching fifty in 44 balls, then took charge. Conway's half-century came off 64 balls, and Williamson finished with a massive six.

Muthusamy was the pick of South Africa's bowlers, dismissing Daryl Mitchell and Tim Latham, but Glenn Phillips and Williamson saw New Zealand home. Williamson hit the winning runs in the 49th over, securing victory with eight balls to spare.