Teenage Prodigy Lhuan-dre Pretorious Makes History, Breaks 61-Year-Old Record With Debut Test Century for South Africa

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

Lhuan-dre Pretorious, a teenage batting prodigy, has made history in South African cricket. On Saturday, he became the youngest South African ever to score a Test century on debut. The 19-year-old achieved this milestone in the first Test against Zimbabwe at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. He surpassed a 61-year-old record previously held by the legendary Graeme Pollock.

Lhuan-dre Pretorious celebrates his record-breaking century.

Pretorious came to the crease when South Africa was struggling at 23 for 3. He displayed remarkable composure and a fearless approach. By the end of the second session, he had smashed an unbeaten 128 off just 141 deliveries. His innings included seven fours and four sixes, with a striking strike rate of 90.78. He helped stabilize a new-look Proteas side that was in early trouble.

The young right-hander eclipsed Pollock's long-standing record, which was set in 1964. Pollock had 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.

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

Pretorious had been on the verge of national selection after a stellar domestic season. During the 2024/25 CSA 4-Day Series, he scored 436 runs in five matches at an average of 72.66. This included three centuries. He had also impressed earlier this year in the SA20 league, 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) at the crease.