Teenage Sensation Lhuan-dre Pretorious Makes History, Breaks 61-Year-Old Record With Debut Test Century

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

In a historic moment for South African cricket, Lhuan-dre Pretorious, a prodigious talent at just 19 years old, has become the youngest South African to achieve a Test century on debut. This remarkable feat occurred during the first Test against Zimbabwe at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, rewriting a 61-year-old record previously held by the legendary Graeme Pollock.

Lhuan-dre Pretorious celebrates his record-breaking century.

Pretorious entered the game when South Africa was struggling at 23 for 3, but he showed remarkable poise and a daring attitude. By the conclusion of the second session, he had amassed an undefeated 128 off only 141 balls. His innings, which included seven boundaries and four towering sixes, had a strike rate of 90.78, helping to stabilize a Proteas side that was in early difficulty.

The young right-hander eclipsed Pollock's long-standing record, which was set in 1964 when the famous left-hander hit a century against Australia in Sydney at the age of 19 years and 317 days. At the age of 19 years and 93 days, Pretorious 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, who blasted 51 off 41 balls, including three fours and four sixes.

Pretorious has been a strong candidate for the national team after a fantastic domestic season. During the 2024/25 CSA 4-Day Series, he amassed 436 runs in five matches at an average of 72.66, including three centuries. He also shone in the SA20 league earlier this year, scoring 397 runs in 12 games for the Paarl Royals.

South Africa reached 248 for 6 at tea, with Pretorious (128) and Corbin Bosch (22) holding the line.