Pretorius becomes SA’s youngest Test centurion

Monday, 30 June 2025 00:22 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Lhuan-dre Pretorius

Lhuan-dre Pretorius became the youngest centurion in South Africa’s Test history as he made a brilliant 153 on debut at the age of 19 years and 93 days.

The left-handed batter made a 100 off 112 balls on Day One of the first Test against Zimbabwe, which helped the Proteas reach 418-9 at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.

Pretorius eclipsed a record which had stood since December 1963 when Graeme Pollock made 120 against Australia in Sydney aged 19 years and 318 days.

The wicketkeeper-batter became the 10th youngest Test centurion of all time in a list headed by Mohammad Ashraful of Bangladesh, who was 17 years and 61 days old when he made a 100 against Sri Lanka in 2001. He is the fourth-youngest to do so on debut.

He is the youngest player to score 150 in Tests, bettering Javed Miandad, who was 19 years and 119 days old when he scored 163 against New Zealand in 1976.

Pretorius was eventually dismissed – after getting lives on 30, 54, 55, and 127 – when he pulled a short ball from Tanaka Chivanga, who took 4-83, into the hands of Masakadza at mid-on.

His knock of 153 off 160 balls included 11 fours and four sixes and was also his highest score in first-class cricket.

“It was amazing. I was quite nervous as 23-3 but it’s been a dream come true. I don’t think it’s sunk it yet. I’m glad today is over,” Pretorius said. “I just love batting; fortunately, it worked out for me today. It’s a real dream come true, and for my parents and family to be here, it tops it off.”