Mathew Breetzke Scores 2nd One-Day International Century, Achieves Feat During SA vs AUS 1st ODI 2026
Mathew Breetzke, 27, slammed his second One-Day International century (104 runs off 101 balls) for South Africa against Australia today, September 24, 2026, in the 1st ODI at Kingsmead, Durban. His crucial innings anchored the Proteas' total as they reached 249/5 in 45.2 overs after Australia won the toss and opted to bowl.
Young Proteas sensation Mathew Breetzke illuminated Kingsmead today with a magnificent century, his second in One-Day International cricket, against a formidable Australian attack in the first ODI of the 2026 series. The right-handed opener reached the three-figure mark off just 100 deliveries, providing a crucial anchor for South Africa's innings after Australia won the toss and elected to bowl first. His impactful knock of 104 runs from 101 balls included 13 fours and 2 sixes, showcasing a striking rate of 102.97. Who Is Jack Edwards? Know About SRH All-Rounder Making Australia ODI Debut in SA vs AUS Match.
Mathew Breetzke Slams 2nd ODI Ton
Mathew Breetzke's Growing Stature
At just 27 years old (born November 3, 1998), Breetzke has quickly established himself as a vital cog in the South African batting line-up since his ODI debut on February 10, 2025, when he scored 150 against New Zealand. This century is his second, complemented by six half-centuries in what is only his 14th ODI innings. The innings also marks a personal milestone, being only the third century scored by a South African batter against Australia in ODIs at this venue, following in the footsteps of Boeta Dippenaar (101 in 2006) and David Miller (118* in 2016).
Partnership and Australian Bowling Efforts
Breetzke's resolute batting was complemented by a vital 81-run, 69-ball partnership for the sixth wicket with all-rounder Marco Jansen, who also brought up a brisk fifty, scoring 51 off 47 balls with 4 fours and 3 sixes. This crucial stand has propelled South Africa to a strong position of 249/5 after 45.2 overs.
The Australian bowlers toiled hard on a challenging Kingsmead pitch. Nathan Ellis proved to be the most successful so far, claiming two wickets for 29 runs from his eight overs. Josh Hazlewood picked up a solitary wicket for 43 runs in 9.2 overs, while Mitchell Starc, despite bowling his full quota of 10 overs, remained wicketless, conceding 60 runs. David Miller was the last wicket to fall for the Proteas, caught and bowled by Nathan Ellis for 9 runs off 25 balls, with the score at 168/5 in the 33.5th over.
Match Details
This is the first of a three-match One-Day International series, which is part of Australia's tour of South Africa 2026. The match commenced at 10:00 AM local time (SAST) in Durban today, September 24, 2026. The series is a key preparation for both teams ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup. South Africa vs Australia Live Streaming Online and Free Telecast in India, 1st ODI 2026
Head-to-Head Statistics
The rivalry between South Africa and Australia in ODIs has been closely contested:
- Total Matches Played: 113
- South Africa Wins: 57
- Australia Wins: 52
- Tied: 3
- No Result: 1
South Africa notably holds a strong recent record against Australia, having won their last five bilateral ODI series against them. Breetzke's impressive performance sets a captivating tone for the remainder of this much-anticipated series, as South Africa looks to capitalize on their strong start at home against their fierce rivals.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 24, 2026 05:19 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).