• Source:JND

England vs South Africa: South African batter Matthew Breetzke has been a revelation for his side as he continued his stellar run in ODI cricket with a half-century against England in the 2nd ODI on Thursday. Notably, Breetzke became the first and only player to register five fifty-plus in each of his first five ODIs.

At the iconic Lord's, Breetzke smashed 85 in 77 balls, with seven fours and three sixes with a handsome strike rate of over 110. His onslaught was ended by an absolute peach of a delivery from pacer Jofra Archer, which also stopped his quest for his second ODI ton.

Now in five ODIs, Breetske has scored 463 runs in five innings at an average of 92.60, with a century and four half-centuries, with the best score of 150.

He also surpassed compatriot Herschelle Gibbs's record (74) of the highest score for a Protean batter in the men's category in 2008.

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In a career spanning just five matches, he equalled the elite list of Jonty Rhodes, Quinton de Kock, Heinrich Klaasen for securing the joint-most fifty-plus scores for their nation in ODIs.

England Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team Match Scorecard:

Coming to the match, England won the toss and invited South Africa to bat first. A 73-run opening stand between Aiden Markram (49 in 64 balls, with six fours and a six) and Ryan Rickelton (35 in 33 balls, with five fours) started things for the Proteas. Later, half-centuries from Breetzke (85) and Tristan Stubbs (58 in 62 balls, with two fours and a six) and a quickfire 20-ball 42 (three fours and three sixes) from Dewald Brevis proved to be instrumental in taking Proteas to 330/8 in their 50 overs.

Jofra Archer (4/62) was the pick of the bowlers for England, while spinner Adil Rashid (2/33) also delivered an unbelievable 10-over spell for the Proteas.

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England need to chase down 330 to save the series which they are trailing by 1-0.

Inputs from ANI