Lhuan-dre Pretorius etched his name into the history books on Saturday by becoming the youngest South African to score a Test century, surpassing a record that had stood for over six decades. The 19-year-old batter achieved the milestone during the first Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo, finishing unbeaten on 128* by Tea on Day 1.
Coming to the crease under pressure with South Africa reeling at 23 for 3, Pretorius showcased remarkable poise and aggression. His counter-attacking innings came off just 141 deliveries at a brisk strike rate of 90.78, laced with seven fours and four sixes. His innings revived a struggling South African lineup and set the tone for a potential first-innings recovery.
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Pretorius shared a crucial 95-run partnership for the fifth wicket with fellow debutant Dewald Brevis, who added a fiery 51 off just 41 balls, including three boundaries and four sixes. Their stand helped stabilise the innings and marked a powerful statement from South Africa’s next generation of talent.
The previous record for South Africa’s youngest Test centurion belonged to Graeme Pollock, who scored a century at the age of 19 years and 317 days against Australia in 1964. Pretorius surpassed that mark at 19 years and 93 days.
His Test debut came after an impressive domestic run, including a standout SA20 season for the Paarl Royals where he scored 397 runs in 12 matches. In the ongoing Cricket South Africa (CSA) 4-Day Series Division 1, he amassed 436 runs in just five matches at an average of 72.66, including three centuries and a fifty.
Lhuan-dre Pretorious Smashes 153 on Debut, Records Third-Highest Test Score by South African Debutant
Teenage batting prodigy Lhuan-dre Pretorious continued his fairytale debut by registering the third-highest Test score by a South African debutant, scoring a dazzling 153 against Zimbabwe on the opening day of the first Test in Bulawayo. The 19-year-old walked in with South Africa in trouble at 23/3 and responded with a composed yet aggressive knock that firmly turned the tide.
Pretorious reached his 153 off just 160 deliveries, striking 11 boundaries and clearing the ropes four times, all at a brisk strike rate of 95.62. His innings now ranks only behind Jacques Rudolph’s unbeaten 222 against Bangladesh in 2003 and Andrew Hudson’s 163 against West Indies in 1992 among debut scores for South Africa in Tests.
Earlier in the day, Pretorious had already etched his name into the record books by becoming the youngest South African to score a Test century, reaching the landmark at 19 years and 93 days, surpassing the legendary Graeme Pollock, who was 19 years and 317 days when he made his maiden hundred in 1964.
His mature innings anchored South Africa’s recovery after a shaky start. Following a collapse to 55/4, Pretorious found a reliable partner in fellow debutant Dewald Brevis. The pair added a counterattacking 95-run stand for the fifth wicket, with Brevis hammering 51 off 41 balls, including three fours and four sixes.
Pretorious’s call-up to the national side came on the back of stellar form in domestic cricket. He impressed in the 2024/25 CSA 4-Day Series Division 1, scoring 436 runs in five matches at an average of 72.66, with three hundreds. He also stood out in this year’s SA20 for Paarl Royals, amassing 397 runs in 12 games.
At stumps on Day 1, South Africa had posted an imposing 418/9 in 90 overs. Corbin Bosch was unbeaten on a century of his own (100* off 124 balls), alongside Kwena Maphaka (9*). The lower-order chipped in vital runs, with captain Keshav Maharaj contributing 21 and Codi Yusuf adding 27.
For Zimbabwe, Tanaka Chivanga was the most successful bowler, claiming 4/83, while Blessing Muzarabani also impressed with figures of 2/59.
Playing XIs
South Africa: Tony de Zorzi, Matthew Breetzke, Wiaan Mulder, David Bedingham, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Dewald Brevis, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj (capt), Codi Yusuf, Kwena Maphaka
Zimbabwe: Brian Bennett, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Nick Welch, Sean Williams, Craig Ervine (capt), Wessly Madhevere, Tafadzwa Tsiga (wk), Wellington Masakadza, Vincent Masekesa, Blessing Muzarabani, Tanaka Chivanga.
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