NEW DELHI: Rising Proteas star Matthew Breetzke would have keenly observed Kane Williamson during their time together at Durban Super Giants in the recently concluded SA20.
While Breetzke and DSG’s performance fell short of expectations, the SA20 provided valuable opportunities for young South African players to learn from experienced players like Williamson.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!
Breetzke recently marked his Proteas ODI debut with a record-breaking 150 against Williamson’s Black Caps in Lahore.

“I obviously take pride in my white ball cricket, and I’ve done nicely in T20 cricket, but obviously in one-day cricket that’s probably the best I’ve batted,” Breetzke said.
“Yeah, it hasn’t really settled in yet. I think once I get on my phone and chat to my family. I think it will settle in quite nicely.”
DSG teammates Wiaan Mulder and Jason Smith contributed significantly, scoring 64 and 41 respectively in South Africa’s total of 304 for 6.
Williamson responded with an unbeaten 133, leading New Zealand to a six-wicket victory.
“South Africa played really well off the back of Matthew Breetzke with an outstanding knock and so we knew going into the second half that the surface was good and we’re going to have to put together partnerships which we were able to do,” Williamson said.
Breetzke displayed similar composure to Williamson early in his innings when New Zealand’s seamers found assistance from the conditions and the green pitch. Run-scoring was challenging initially, with survival being the main focus.

Breetzke endured several hits to his body and fingers, particularly from Will O’Rourke’s rising deliveries, before flourishing as conditions improved.
“I think the wicket was definitely tacky and the over-air conditions with a bit of mist in the air, it was tough for the new ball.
“So, yeah, my mindset was just to get through those first ten with that new ball and then hopefully kick on and luckily it paid off.”