Teen Prodigy Lhuan-dre Pretorious Makes History, Breaks 61-Year-Old Record with Debut Test Century

Teenage Sensation Lhuan-dre Pretorious Shatters Record, Youngest South African to a Score a Century on Test Debut

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

Lhuan-dre Pretorious celebrates his record-breaking century.

The 19-year-old achieved this remarkable feat during the first Test against Zimbabwe at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. In doing so, he broke a 61-year-old record previously held by the legendary Graeme Pollock.

Coming to the crease with South Africa struggling at 23 for 3, Pretorious demonstrated remarkable composure and a fearless approach. By the end of the second session, he had smashed an unbeaten 128 off just 141 deliveries. His innings, which included seven fours and four sixes, came at a strike rate of 90.78, helping to stabilize a new-look Proteas side that had found itself in early trouble.

The young right-hander surpassed Pollock’s long-standing milestone, which was set in 1964 when the iconic left-hander scored a century at 19 years and 317 days against Australia in Sydney. 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.

Pretorius had been on the verge of national selection after a stellar domestic season. During the 2024/25 CSA 4-Day Series, he scored 436 runs in five matches at an average of 72.66, including three centuries. He had also made a strong impression in the SA20 league earlier this year, scoring 397 runs in 12 matches for the Paarl Royals.

At tea, South Africa had reached 248 for 6, with Pretorius (128) and Corbin Bosch (22) at the crease.