Breetzke Growing ‘Comfortable’ in New No. 4 Role Ahead of ODI Series Decider

Breetzke Growing ‘Comfortable’ in New No. 4 Role Ahead of ODI Series Decider

South Africa batter Matthew Breetzke says he is beginning to feel at home in his new role at No. 4, having delivered crucial runs in unfamiliar conditions during the ODI series in India.

Breetzke, who began his ODI career as a top-order specialist, has shifted down the order for this tour with Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock, and captain Temba Bavuma forming South Africa’s top three. The adjustment has not hindered him—he struck a match-winning half-century in South Africa’s successful chase of 359 in Raipur on Wednesday.

‘More Comfortable’ with Experience

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s series decider in Visakhapatnam, Breetzke said the new position was starting to feel natural.

“I’m just getting more experience now batting at four, which I’m starting to feel a little bit more comfortable in the role… The more I play at number four and in this role, hopefully the better I’ll get.”

The first two ODIs presented contrasting challenges.

  • In Ranchi, he walked in with South Africa in trouble and needing a rebuild.

  • In Raipur, he entered with a strong platform but chasing a daunting total.

“The first game, there was a little bit of trouble… I had to build the innings. In the second game, it was about managing the guys coming in.”

He spoke about stabilising the innings after Markram’s century and guiding Dewald Brevis, ensuring partnerships flourished rather than allowing India to break through.

Confidence in South Africa’s Power-Packed Line-Up

Breetzke credited the freedom offered by the depth and explosiveness in South Africa’s batting unit.

“We’ve got a nice balance… proper batters, and then powerhouses like Brevis and Marco Jansen who can change the game on its head.”

He also highlighted the impact of Corbin Bosch, who has produced two dynamic lower-order innings in the series.

“As the top four, it gives you confidence—you can take a little more time because you know the guys at the back end have that explosive power.”

South Africa’s batting group is riding high on belief, but Breetzke cautioned that they will need to deliver once more with the series locked at 1-1.

“There’s a lot of confidence in the batting group at the moment, but we will have to do it again tomorrow.”