New Zealand defeated South Africa by 6 wickets in the 2nd ODI of the Tri-Series at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. While debutant Matthew Breetzke stole the show with a record-breaking 150, Kane Williamson (133*) and Devon Conway (97) guided New Zealand to a smooth chase of 305 . This victory secured New Zealand’s spot in the Tri-Series final, a key warm-up for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy .
- Matthew Breetzke became the first player to score 150 runs on ODI debut, breaking Desmond Haynes’ 1978 record .
- Kane Williamson scored his 14th ODI century, leading New Zealand’s chase with a 187-run partnership with Conway .
- The Tri-Series helps teams prepare for the Champions Trophy 2025, which starts in Karachi on February 19 .
Matthew Breetzke’s Record-Breaking Debut
A Dream Start for the Proteas Opener
South Africa’s Matthew Breetzke made history by scoring 150 runs off 148 balls in his first ODI match. His innings included 11 fours and 5 sixes, helping South Africa post 304/6 . Despite losing captain Temba Bavuma early, Breetzke built partnerships with Jason Smith (93 runs) and Wiaan Mulder (131 runs) to stabilize the innings .
Breaking Desmond Haynes’ 46-Year-Old Record
Breetzke’s 150 surpassed West Indies legend Desmond Haynes’ previous record of 148 on ODI debut (1978). He also became the fourth South African to score a century in his first ODI, joining Colin Ingram, Reeza Hendricks, and Bavuma . His aggressive batting after reaching 100 (48 runs off 20 balls) showcased his potential as a future star .
Mixed Emotions for Breetzke
Despite his heroics, Breetzke was excluded from South Africa’s Champions Trophy 2025 squad. His performance, however, puts pressure on selectors to reconsider . Teammates and opponents, including New Zealand players, applauded him as he left the field .
Kane Williamson’s Masterclass Seals NZ Victory
Williamson-Conway Partnership Dominates
Chasing 305, New Zealand lost Will Young early, but Kane Williamson and Devon Conway added 187 runs for the second wicket. Conway narrowly missed his century (97 off 107 balls), while Williamson’s unbeaten 133* off 113 balls included 12 boundaries and 3 sixes . Their partnership made the chase look effortless on a batting-friendly pitch .
Williamson Reaches 7000 ODI Runs
During his innings, Williamson became the second-fastest New Zealander to reach 7,000 ODI runs (159 innings), trailing only Hashim Amla (150 innings). His calm leadership and precise shot selection earned him the Player of the Match award .
Late Fightback Fails to Save South Africa
South Africa’s Senuran Muthusamy briefly revived hopes by dismissing Daryl Mitchell and Tom Latham in quick succession. However, Glenn Phillips (28*) supported Williamson to seal the win with 8 balls remaining .
Tri-Series as Preparation for Champions Trophy 2025
Karachi Hosts the Final and Champions Trophy Opener
The Tri-Series final will be played in Karachi, the same venue hosting the Champions Trophy opener (Pakistan vs. New Zealand on February 19). Teams are using this series to adapt to Pakistani pitches and conditions .
South Africa’s Squad Challenges
South Africa fielded four debutants (including Breetzke) in this match, as many first-choice players rested ahead of the Champions Trophy. Their bowling attack, led by Lungi Ngidi and Tabraiz Shamsi, struggled against New Zealand’s experienced batters .
New Zealand’s Strong Form
With two consecutive wins, New Zealand enters the Champions Trophy as a strong contender. Key players like Williamson, Conway, and Glenn Phillips (who scored a century in the first ODI) are in top form .
Key Stats and Comparisons
Top ODI Debut Scores
| Player | Runs | Year | Opposition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matthew Breetzke | 150 | 2025 | New Zealand |
| Desmond Haynes | 148 | 1978 | Australia |
| Rahmanullah Gurbaz | 127 | 2021 | Ireland |
New Zealand’s Chase Breakdown
- Powerplay (1-10): 50/1
- Middle Overs (11-40): 237/2
- Death Overs (41-50): 308/4
Check out the Champions Trophy Schedule, Champions Trophy Live Score, Champions Trophy Squads , Champions Trophy Stats Champions Trophy Tour, Champions Trophy Venues & Champions Trophy Latest News here!
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Matches
Pakistan vs New Zealand - 1st Match, Group A | Bangladesh vs India - 2nd Match, Group A | Afghanistan vs South Africa - 3rd Match, Group B | Australia vs England - 4th Match, Group B | Pakistan vs India - 5th Match, Group A | Bangladesh vs New Zealand - 6th Match, Group A | Australia vs South Africa - 7th Match, Group B | Afghanistan vs England - 8th Match, Group B | Pakistan vs Bangladesh - 9th Match, Group A | Afghanistan vs Australia - 10th Match, Group B | England vs South Africa - 11th Match, Group B | New Zealand vs India - 12th Match, Group A | TBA vs TBA, 1st Semi-Final | TBA vs TBA, 2nd Semi-Final | TBA vs TBA, Final |
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Teams
PAKISTAN | NEW ZEALAND | BANGLADESH | INDIA | AFGHANISTAN | SOUTH AFRICA | AUSTRALIA | ENGLAND
