Exclusive: Matthew Breetzke Battles Through Dip to Lead Sunrisers into SA20 Qualifier One

Sunrisers Eastern Cape batter Matthew Breetzke speaks about how he managed dips in form during the early part of the SA20, helping his team secure a spot in Qualifier One, and embracing being the go-to guy for the team ahead of the playoff fixture against the Pretoria Capitals at Kingsmead in Durban on Wednesday. 

Managing Dips In Form

Through the early stages of the ongoing fourth season of the SA20, the stylish batter Matthew Breetzke found himself experiencing dips in form. 

Coach Adrian Birrell, understanding the nature of T20 cricket, in that a player could lose form at one point and turn things around in another and win games for the team, persisted with the right-handed batter. 

Breetzke finally repaid the faith placed in him by Birrell, striking a brilliant 66 against MI Cape Town in Gqeberha to help the Sunrisers secure a spot at the top of the standings and consequently in Qualifier One. 

In an exclusive interview with SportsBoom.co.za, Breetzke reiterated that the conditions all around the country have not been particularly batter-friendly, a feat that played a role in his dip in form.

"It's been a bit of an up-and-down tournament so far, but in saying that, it's also T20 cricket, where if you don't really get on a roll, that's sort of how it goes. The wickets haven't been that easy, so to get momentum on your side has been really tough," Breetzke told SportsBoom.co.za.

"I want to contribute to every game, but I haven't been able to, and it is what it is. I just had to keep going and kept trying to believe that I'm going to be the guy when it counts. 

"I think the nice thing is that everyone is contributing at every time in this team, which is making us a really good team to be a part of. I just try to contribute in the field if I don't score runs. Hopefully, I can score some runs."

MI Cape Town Heroics

Breetzke told SportsBoom.co.za that his knock in the match against MI Cape Town at St George's Park was special as he showed signs of his return to form and also because his family was at the ground supporting him. 

"In terms of playing a big role against MI Cape Town, I was really keen to contribute, especially because it was a must-win game," he said. 

"So, my juices were definitely flowing, and I was ready to be the guy for the team, so it felt really good having my family in the stands, and really happy to contribute."

Qualifier One - Kingsmead

Having played at Kingsmead in Durban for the first three seasons of the SA20 during his time with the Durban's Super Giants, Breetzke acknowledges that his Sunrisers teammates will look up to him for intel. 

The right-handed batter has an acute understanding of the conditions at Kingsmead and embraces being the go-to guy in what is an important fixture for the Sunrisers. 

"I would like to think that my experience playing at Kingsmead is going to help us come on Wednesday. In saying that, you're never really sure what you're going to get at Kingsmead. It could be a slow turner or it could be a really good wicket," Breetzke said.  

"So, I'm going to have to assess that early on. Quinny (De Kock) and Johnny (Bairstow) will have to assess that early on, and we can take it from there and see what a good score is. So, I think reading the conditions will be really important."

The Homecoming

All his career, Breetzke has played for the Warriors, a domestic team based in Gqeberha, where he was born and raised. 

For the first time in the SA20, Breetkze has been able to enjoy the benefits of playing in his hometown, following his recruitment by the Sunrisers Eastern Cape in last year's auction. 

"It's been really special to play for my home team and have all my family and friends around to come and watch the games," he said.

"It's been awesome to be at home, to have my sort of comforts of everyday life around me when we are here has been awesome."

The Sunrisers Eastern Cape are scheduled to play Qualifier One against the Pretoria Capitals at Kingsmead Stadium on Wednesday at 5.50 pm SAST. 

Should the Sunrisers win on Wednesday, they will progress to the final, which is scheduled for Sunday, 25 January, at Newlands Stadium in Cape Town. 

If they lose, they will head to the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg to play Qualifier Two.