Pretorius, 19, Shatters Record to Become South Africa's Youngest Test Centurion on Debut

Lhuan-dre Pretorious, 19, Smashes 61-Year Record, Becomes Youngest South African Test Centurion on Debut

Teenage batting prodigy Lhuan-dre Pretorious wrote himself into South African cricket folklore on Saturday, achieving the distinction of becoming the youngest South African to score a Test century on debut.

Lhuan-dre Pretorious celebrates his record-breaking century (Pic credit: CSA)

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

Arriving at the crease with South Africa in a precarious position at 23 for 3, Pretorious exhibited 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, punctuated by seven boundaries and four towering sixes, was executed at an impressive strike rate of 90.78. This invaluable contribution stabilized a relatively inexperienced Proteas team that had initially struggled.

The young right-hander eclipsed Pollock's long-held record, established in 1964 when the legendary left-hander scored a century at the age of 19 years and 317 days against Australia in Sydney. Pretorious, at a mere 19 years and 93 days, now proudly holds the title of the youngest centurion for South Africa in Test cricket.

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

Pretorious's opportunity on the national stage followed a string of impressive performances in domestic cricket. He amassed 436 runs in five matches during the 2024/25 CSA 4-Day Series, maintaining an impressive average of 72.66, which included three centuries. He also shone in the SA20 league earlier this year, scoring 397 runs in 12 matches for the Paarl Royals.

At tea, South Africa's score stood at 248 for 6, with Pretorious (128) and Corbin Bosch (22) firmly in control.