Just six matches into his ODI career, Matthew Breetzke is set to captain South Africa in their upcoming series against Pakistan. Here's why.
Temba Bavuma ruled out of Pakistan tour
South Africa's regular ODI captain, Temba Bavuma, has been ruled out of the upcoming series against Pakistan with a calf strain picked up in the recent series against England. The injury will sideline him for six to eight weeks, which means the World Test Championship winning captain will miss both the ODI and Test series. This comes as a major setback for South Africa and Bavuma, whose career has been hampered by injuries.
A hamstring strain sustained during the WTC final caused him to miss the Tests against Zimbabwe, and prior to that, he had spent a significant amount of time sidelined with a left elbow injury. "Very concerned about Temba," head coach Shukri Conrad said. "Every series has been an injury and it is not for want of him of trying.
"He is doing everything in his powers to make sure he remains injury free. His form is definitely good enough and he is definitely worth managing. Age is not on his side so it is a concern but I am confident in the medical staff and Temba's desire to get him fit."
Save the date! 🗓
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) September 8, 2025
The Proteas Men are heading to Pakistan for a thrilling tour that will feature 2 Test matches, 3 ODIs, and 3 T20Is. 🇿🇦🏏
It’s going to be action-packed; be sure not to miss it! 🔥#WozaNawe pic.twitter.com/1r3eqbXvuk
Why wasn't Aiden Markram named stand-in captain?
In Bavuma’s absence, Aiden Markram, the designated T20I captain, has often served as South Africa's stand-in leader in Tests and ODIs. He has experience leading the team in 16 ODIs, winning eight of them. His occasional stints as Bavuma’s fill-in have even come at major global tournaments like the 2023 World Cup and, most recently, in the 2025 Champions Trophy. The last time he led the side was in an ODI against Australia in August.
However, Markram – who will fill the leadership role in the Test series against Pakistan - has been rested for the white-ball leg. This means Cricket South Africa had to look elsewhere to cover for the absence of both Bavuma and Markram.
What made Matthew Breetzke the ideal choice?
For the white-ball tour, South Africa named a young squad, resting most of their all-format regulars except for Corbin Bosch and Dewald Brevis. The series also marks the return of Quinton de Kock, who has reversed his ODI retirement. The last of his 155 ODIs came at the 2023 World Cup. Although he has captained South Africa in eight ODIs and would be the most experienced member of the squad, handing him leadership duties right away was always unlikely.
On the other hand, Breetzke, who has played just six ODIs since his debut against New Zealand in February this year, has had a rapid start to his career. After becoming the first batter to hit 150 on ODI debut, he went on to add four consecutive fifties to his name. His 467 runs at an average of 77.83 and a strike rate of 103.09 are the most by anyone after their first five innings.
Breetzke has leadership experience in domestic cricket, having led the Warriors (Eastern Province) in five out of seven matches during the 2023-24 CSA Provincial One-Day Challenge, with his team finishing third in the points table. He also captained them in seven first-class and 18 T20 matches across 2023 and 2024. Breetzke has also led South Africa A: in three unofficial ODIs against Sri Lanka A last year, and one unofficial Test against India A in 2023.
"Matthew has really come into his own in the 50-over space and has led SA A and the Warriors in this format before, and I have no doubt he'll captain the ODI side with that same character and composure which he brings to his game," Conrad said on Breetzke's appointment as South Africa's stand-in ODI skipper.
The three ODIs against Pakistan will be played between November 4-8.
Matthew Breetzke captaincy record:
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