Teenage Sensation Lhuan-dre Pretorious Breaks 61-Year Record, Becomes Youngest South African Test Centurion

Lhuan-dre Pretorious, a teenage batting prodigy, has etched his name into the annals of South African cricket. On Saturday, he became the youngest South African ever to achieve a Test century on debut.

Lhuan-dre Pretorious celebrates his record-breaking century

The 19-year-old accomplished this remarkable feat during the first Test against Zimbabwe at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. He shattered a 61-year-old record previously held by the legendary Graeme Pollock.

Coming to the crease when South Africa was struggling at 23 for 3, Pretorious displayed remarkable composure and a daring approach. By the end of the second session, he had amassed an unbeaten 128 runs off just 141 deliveries. His innings included seven boundaries and four sixes, achieved at an impressive strike rate of 90.78, thus revitalizing a new-look Proteas team that was initially in trouble.

The young right-hander surpassed Pollock’s longstanding record, which was set in 1964 when Pollock scored a century at 19 years and 317 days against Australia in Sydney. Pretorious, at only 19 years and 93 days old, has now become the youngest centurion for South Africa in Test cricket history.

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

Pretorious had been on the verge of national selection following an outstanding domestic season. In the 2024/25 CSA 4-Day Series, he amassed 436 runs in five matches at an average of 72.66, including three centuries. He had also made a significant impact in the SA20 league earlier in the 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 their positions firmly.