Teenage Star Lhuan-dre Pretorious Smashes 61-Year Record, Youngest South African to Score Test Century on Debut

Teenage Sensation Lhuan-dre Pretorious Shatters Record, Becomes Youngest South African Test Centurion on 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 score a Test century on debut.

Lhuan-dre Pretorious (Pic credit: CSA)

The 19-year-old achieved 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.

Pretorious arrived at the crease with South Africa in a precarious position at 23 for 3. Displaying remarkable composure and a fearless approach, he remained unbeaten on 128 off just 141 deliveries by the end of the second session. His innings included seven boundaries and four sixes, achieved at an impressive strike rate of 90.78. This helped stabilize a new-look Proteas side that had been in early trouble.

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

Furthermore, he formed 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 cusp of national selection following a stellar domestic season. He amassed 436 runs in five matches during the 2024/25 CSA 4-Day Series, averaging 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's score reached 248 for 6, with Pretorious (128) and Corbin Bosch (22) holding firm.