Pretorious, 19, Smashes 61-Year Record to Become Youngest South African Test Centurion on Debut

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

Teenage sensation Lhuan-dre Pretorious has made history, becoming the youngest South African cricketer to score a Test century on debut. The 19-year-old achieved the remarkable feat in the first Test against Zimbabwe at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.

Lhuan-dre Pretorious (Pic credit: CSA)

Pretorious broke a 61-year-old record previously held by the legendary Graeme Pollock.

Arriving at the crease with South Africa struggling at 23 for 3, Pretorious showed remarkable composure, scoring an unbeaten 128 off 141 balls by the end of the second session. His innings included seven fours and four sixes, achieved at a strike rate of 90.78, helping to stabilize the Proteas side.

The young right-hander surpassed Pollock’s record, set in 1964 when Pollock scored a century at 19 years and 317 days against Australia in Sydney. Pretorious, at 19 years and 93 days, is now the youngest South African to achieve this milestone 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 had been gaining attention after a strong domestic season. He scored 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 mark in the SA20 league earlier in the 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) at the crease.