Pretorious Shatters 61-Year Record, Youngest South African to Notch Test Century on Debut

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

Teenage sensation Lhuan-dre Pretorious has written his name into the annals of South African cricket, becoming the youngest South African to achieve a Test century on debut.

Lhuan-dre Pretorious celebrates his record-breaking century

The 19-year-old accomplished this feat in the first Test against Zimbabwe at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, surpassing a 61-year-old record previously held by the legendary Graeme Pollock.

Coming to the crease with South Africa in a precarious situation 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 included seven fours and four sixes, achieved at a striking strike rate of 90.78, thus stabilizing the Proteas.

The young right-hander eclipsed Pollock’s milestone, which was set in 1964 when Pollock scored a century at 19 years and 317 days against Australia in Sydney. Pretorious, at only 19 years and 93 days, now holds the record as 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 contributed an explosive 51 off 41 balls, which included three fours and four sixes.

Pretorious has been on the verge of national selection after a successful domestic season. He amassed 436 runs in five matches during the 2024/25 CSA 4-Day Series, averaging 72.66, including three centuries. He 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 Pretorious (128) and Corbin Bosch (22) at the crease.