Teenage Lhuan-dre Pretorious Smashes 61-Year Record, Becomes South Africa's Youngest Test Centurion on Debut

Lhuan-dre Pretorious: Teenage Sensation Shatters Record, Becomes Youngest South African Test Centurion on Debut

South African cricket has a new star as teenage batsman Lhuan-dre Pretorious wrote his name into the history books on Saturday. He became the youngest South African to achieve a Test century on debut.

The 19-year-old prodigy accomplished this remarkable feat during the first Test against Zimbabwe at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. In doing so, he broke a 61-year-old record previously held by the legendary Graeme Pollock.

Pretorious arrived at the crease with South Africa struggling at 23 for 3. He demonstrated remarkable composure and a fearless approach. By the end of the second session, he had struck an unbeaten 128 off just 141 deliveries. His innings included seven fours and four sixes. He played at a strike rate of 90.78, helping to stabilize a new-look Proteas side in early difficulty.

The young right-hander surpassed Pollock’s milestone. Pollock scored a century at 19 years and 317 days against Australia in Sydney in 1964. At just 19 years and 93 days, Pretorious is now the youngest centurion for South Africa in Test cricket.

He also formed a crucial 95-run partnership for the fifth wicket with fellow debutant Dewald Brevis. Brevis contributed an explosive 51 off 41 balls, including three fours and four sixes.

Pretorious had been on the verge of national selection after an exceptional domestic season. He amassed 436 runs in five matches during the 2024/25 CSA 4-Day Series at an average of 72.66, including three centuries. He also made a significant impact in the SA20 league earlier this year, scoring 397 runs in 12 matches for the Paarl Royals.

At tea, South Africa had reached 248 for 6, with Pretorious (128) and Corbin Bosch (22) at the crease.