Proteas batter Matthew Breetzke feels his record-breaking debut in the loss to New Zealand was overshadowed by the final outcome.
Breetzke managed a magnificent 150-run innings in his first ODI as South Africa kicked off their Tri-Nation Series with New Zealand and Pakistan in Lahore on Monday.
The 26-year-old opener helped his side put up a respectable 304-run target for the Kiwis, who proved too good on the day as Kane Williamson led the charge to a six-wicket victory.
Despite his efforts, Breetzke felt like it was all in vain as the Proteas suffered defeat.
“Ja, it’s very disappointing [to have ended on the losing side], but when you come up against two world class players like that on a really good wicket, there’s not much you can do,” said Breetzke.
“I think the bowlers really tried their heart out, but in terms of me in the field, I was bleak – I definitely wanted to get the win because it would have been a little bit more special.
“But I guess that’s how cricket goes so we move on, and hopefully we can get a win in the next game.”
Williamson and Devon Conway’s 187-run second-wicket stand propelled New Zealand to the victory, and Breetzke acknowledged the pair’s quality outshone the SA bowling attack.
“I think a couple of missed chances in the field, but I think when you come up against two world class players like that, and a young bowling attack, it’s not easy,” he added.
“I think we tried our best, we tried to bring the field in, but they were just too good for us on the day, so I don’t think we went wrong tactically, it was just coming up against two really world class players, and there’s not really much we can do.”
The Proteas will on Wednesday face hosts Pakistan in what will decide who will face the Black Caps in the finale on Friday, before the start of the ICC Champions Trophy next Wednesday.
