Lhuan-dre Pretorius, a South African teenage sensation, made history on Saturday by becoming the youngest player ever to reach 150 runs in a Test cricket innings.
Lhuan-dre Pretorius celebrates his record-breaking innings with Corbin Bosch.
The 19-year-old debutant achieved this remarkable feat during the first Test against Zimbabwe at the Queens Sports Club, surpassing a 48-year-old record previously held by Pakistani legend Javed Miandad.
Pretorius, at 19 years and 93 days old, scored a brilliant 153 off 160 balls. Miandad was 19 years and 119 days old when he scored 163 on debut against New Zealand in Lahore in 1976. Pretorius also now holds the title of youngest South African to score a Test century and the fifth-youngest in Test history to score a debut ton.
His counterattacking innings proved crucial, as South Africa was struggling at 23 for 3 and later 55 for 4. Partnering with fellow debutant Dewald Brevis, Pretorius forged a rapid 95-run stand in just 88 balls. Brevis contributed a swift 51 off 38 balls, including four sixes, achieving the fastest Test fifty by a South African debutant.
"There were nerves when I walked in," Pretorius admitted after the day's play. "We knew they had only two seamers, and we targeted the spinners. I just love batting. It worked out today."
Pretorius reached his century off 112 deliveries and his 150 in 157 balls before being dismissed by Tanaka Chivanga, who ended the day with figures of 4 for 83. His innings included 11 fours and four sixes.
South Africa concluded Day 1 at 418 for 9, with Corbin Bosch scoring an unbeaten 100—his maiden century—off 124 balls. He was supported by Kwena Maphaka (9*), while Codi Yusuf added a useful 27 during a 59-run ninth-wicket partnership.
Ultimately, the day belonged to the record-breaking Lhuan-dre Pretorius.
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