Teenage Sensation Lhuan-dre Pretorious Makes History with Record-Breaking Debut Test Century

Lhuan-dre Pretorious, a teenage batting prodigy, has carved 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.

This remarkable achievement occurred during the first Test match against Zimbabwe at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. The 19-year-old broke a 61-year-old record previously held by the esteemed Graeme Pollock.

Lhuan-dre Pretorious celebrates his record-breaking century

Pretorious arrived at the crease when South Africa was struggling at 23 for 3. Displaying remarkable composure and a fearless approach, he remained unbeaten on 128 runs from just 141 deliveries by the end of the second session. His innings included seven boundaries and four sixes, achieving a strike rate of 90.78. This helped stabilize the Proteas side.

Previously, the milestone was held by Pollock, who scored a century at 19 years and 317 days against Australia in Sydney in 1964. Pretorious, at the age of 19 years and 93 days, now holds the record for 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, who contributed an explosive 51 off 41 balls, including three fours and four sixes.

Pretorious's selection for the national team followed a stellar domestic season. He accumulated 436 runs in five matches during the 2024/25 CSA 4-Day Series, averaging 72.66 with 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) at the crease.