Pretorius, 19, Smashes 61-Year-Old Record, Becomes Youngest South African Test Centurion on Debut

Monday - 04/08/2025 15:05

Lhuan-dre Pretorious, a 19-year-old prodigy, etched his name in South African cricket history by becoming the youngest player to score a Test century on debut against Zimbabwe. He surpassed Graeme Pollock's 61-year-old record with an unbeaten 128, rescuing the Proteas from an early collapse.

Lhuan-dre Pretorious Makes History: Youngest South African to Score a Century on Test Debut

Lhuan-dre Pretorious celebrates his record-breaking century.

Lhuan-dre Pretorious (Pic credit: CSA)

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

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

Coming to the crease with South Africa in a precarious position at 23 for 3, Pretorius exhibited remarkable composure and a fearless 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 towering sixes, demonstrating a striking rate of 90.78. This stellar performance helped stabilize a new-look Proteas side that had faced early setbacks.

The young right-hander surpassed Pollock’s long-standing milestone, which was set in 1964 when Pollock, then 19 years and 317 days old, scored a century against Australia in Sydney. Pretorius, at the tender age of 19 years and 93 days, now holds the distinction of being the youngest centurion for South Africa in Test cricket.

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, further bolstering the South African innings.

Pretorius's selection for the national team was highly anticipated following a remarkable domestic season. During the 2024/25 CSA 4-Day Series, he amassed 436 runs in five matches at an impressive average of 72.66, which included 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 reached 248 for 6, with Pretorius (128) and Corbin Bosch (22) holding firm.