Breetzke Feels “Comfortable” as He Adapts to New No. 4 Role in ODI Cricket

Matthew Breetzke’s ODI journey began with steady contributions at the top of the order, but this current series, his first in India and first against India, has brought a completely different assignment. 

With Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock, and captain Temba Bavuma locked in as the top three, Breetzke has been shifted down to No. 4, and he has handled the adjustment impressively, highlighted by a match-winning half-century during South Africa’s chase of 359 on Wednesday.

Settling Into a New Batting Identity

“Obviously, I'm just getting more experience now batting at four, which I'm starting to feel a little bit more comfortable in the role,” Breetzke said ahead of the series decider in Visakhapatnam. “So that helps, and I think the more I play at number four and in this role, hopefully the better I'll get.”

The first two ODIs have already given him contrasting scenarios to navigate. In Ranchi, he walked in during a collapse, with South Africa in early trouble and requiring stability. In Raipur, the task involved managing a high chase but with a stronger platform laid on top.

“Obviously, the first game there was a little bit of trouble that we were in, so I had to sort of build the innings, and then in the second game it was about just managing the guys that were coming in.

“We lost obviously Aiden [after his century], and then I had to sort of manage [Dewald] Brevis there and then just managing those guys and letting them bat around me, they've got the explosive power - it was just about really looking to build a partnership with them.”

Confidence in South Africa’s Power-Packed Middle Order

Breetzke spoke highly of South Africa’s batting depth, which allows the top order to play with clarity and freedom.

“I think we've got a nice balance on our side with a couple of guys that are just proper batters, and then you've got powerhouses like Brevis and [Marco] Jansen that can sort of change the game on its head.

“We've seen [Corbin] Bosh in the last two matches play some really special innings, I think as the top four, it gives you a lot of confidence; you can take a little bit more time because, you know, they've got that explosive power at the back end. So for us, it's just about setting that platform up for them to come in at the end and do their thing.

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

No. 4 Role Becoming a Natural Fit

Breetzke’s maturity in handling different game situations, whether rebuilding or controlling the tempo, has made him an increasingly reliable option in South Africa’s evolving ODI structure. As the series heads into a decisive final clash, his growth into the No. 4 role arrives at a crucial time.