Teenage Phenom Lhuan-dre Pretorious Smashes 61-Year Record, Becomes Youngest South African Test Centurion on Debut

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

Lhuan-dre Pretorious savors his historic moment.

The 19-year-old achieved 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.

Pretorious arrived at the crease with South Africa struggling at 23 for 3. Displaying remarkable composure and a fearless approach, he smashed an unbeaten 128 off just 141 deliveries by the end of the second session. His innings included seven fours and four sixes. He scored at a strike rate of 90.78, helping stabilize a new-look Proteas side in early trouble.

The young right-hander surpassed Pollock’s milestone. Pollock had scored a century at 19 years and 317 days against Australia in Sydney in 1964. 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 contributed an explosive 51 off 41 balls, including three fours and four sixes.

Pretorious had been on the cusp of national selection after a stellar domestic season. He amassed 436 runs in five matches during the 2024/25 CSA 4-Day Series at an average of 72.66, including three centuries. He also impressed in the SA20 league earlier this 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.