Teenage Sensation Lhuan-dre Pretorious Smashes 61-Year-Old Record With Debut Test Century

Lhuan-dre Pretorious Achieves Historic Milestone: Youngest South African to Score Century on Test Debut

Lhuan-dre Pretorious, a teenage batting prodigy, has etched his name into the annals of South African cricket history. On Saturday, he became the youngest South African ever to achieve a Test century on debut.

The 19-year-old accomplished this remarkable feat during the first Test against Zimbabwe at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. He shattered a 61-year-old record previously held by the legendary Graeme Pollock.

Coming to the crease with South Africa in a precarious position at 23 for 3, Pretorious exhibited remarkable composure and a fearless approach. By the end of the second session, he had amassed an unbeaten 128 off just 141 deliveries. His innings, punctuated by seven fours and four sixes, was executed at an impressive strike rate of 90.78, effectively stabilizing a new-look Proteas side that had encountered early setbacks.

The young right-hander surpassed Pollock's long-standing milestone, which was set in 1964 when the iconic left-hander scored a century at 19 years and 317 days against Australia in Sydney. Pretorious, at just 19 years and 93 days, now holds the distinction of being the youngest centurion for South Africa in Test cricket.

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

Pretorious had been on the verge of national selection following 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 reached 248 for 6, with Pretorious (128) and Corbin Bosch (22) firmly in control.