Lhuan-dre Pretorius, 19, Shatters Record: Youngest Ever to Score 150 in Test History

South Africa's Lhuan-dre Pretorius, a name now etched in cricket history, achieved a remarkable feat on Saturday. The 19-year-old became the youngest player ever to score 150 runs in a Test innings, surpassing a record that stood for 48 years.

Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Corbin Bosch celebrate a successful partnership.

The young debutant's incredible innings took place during the first Test against Zimbabwe at the Queens Sports Club. Pretorius, at 19 years and 93 days old, smashed a brilliant 153 off 160 balls, eclipsing the previous record held by Pakistani legend Javed Miandad. Miandad was 19 years and 119 days old when he scored 163 on debut against New Zealand in Lahore in 1976.

Pretorius now holds the distinction of being the youngest South African to score a Test century and the fifth-youngest overall to achieve a debut ton.

His aggressive, counter-attacking innings came at a critical juncture for South Africa, who were struggling at 23 for 3 and later 55 for 4. Partnering with fellow debutant Dewald Brevis, Pretorius forged a quickfire 95-run partnership in just 88 balls. Brevis contributed a blistering 51 off 38 balls, including four sixes, marking the fastest Test fifty by a South African debutant.

"There were nerves when I walked in," Pretorius admitted after the day's play. "We knew they had only two seamers, and we targeted the spinners. I just love batting. It worked out today."

Pretorius reached his century mark in 112 deliveries and his 150 in 157 balls before being dismissed by Tanaka Chivanga, who ended the day with figures of 4 for 83. His innings included 11 boundaries and four towering sixes.

South Africa concluded Day 1 at 418 for 9, with Corbin Bosch contributing an unbeaten 100 – his maiden century – off 124 balls. He received valuable support from Kwena Maphaka (9*), while Codi Yusuf added a useful 27 during a 59-run ninth-wicket partnership.

However, the day undeniably belonged to the record-breaking Lhuan-dre Pretorius, who has announced himself on the international stage in spectacular fashion.