Pretorius, 19, Smashes 61-Year Record, Becomes Youngest South African Test Centurion on Debut

Lhuan-dre Pretorious Shatters 61-Year-Old Record, Becomes Youngest South African Test Centurion on Debut

Teenage sensation Lhuan-dre Pretorious has etched his name into South African cricket folklore, achieving the distinction of becoming the youngest South African to score 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, surpassing a 61-year-old record previously held by the legendary Graeme Pollock.

Lhuan-dre Pretorious celebrates his record-breaking century

Arriving at 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 runs off just 141 deliveries. His innings, characterized by seven boundaries and four towering sixes, boasted an impressive strike rate of 90.78, providing much-needed stability to a new-look Proteas side facing early setbacks.

The young right-hander eclipsed Pollock's long-standing record, which was established in 1964 when the iconic left-hander scored a century at 19 years and 317 days against Australia in Sydney. Pretorious, at the tender age of 19 years and 93 days, now holds the title of 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, maintaining an impressive average of 72.66 and scoring three centuries. He also made a significant impact in the SA20 league earlier this year, accumulating 397 runs in 12 matches for the Paarl Royals.

At tea, South Africa's score stood at 248 for 6, with Pretorious (128) and Corbin Bosch (22) vững chắc.