Lhuan-dre Pretorious Makes History: Teenage Sensation Becomes Youngest South African Test Centurion, Shatters 61-Year Record

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

Lhuan-dre Pretorious celebrates his historic century.

The 19-year-old accomplished this remarkable feat during the first Test 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.

Pretorious arrived at the crease with South Africa in a precarious position at 23 for 3. However, he demonstrated remarkable composure and a fearless approach, ultimately smashing an unbeaten 128 off just 141 deliveries by the end of the second session. His innings included seven fours and four sixes, achieved at a striking strike rate of 90.78. This helped stabilize the Proteas side, which featured several new faces and was facing early difficulties.

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, 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, including three fours and four sixes.

Pretorious had been on the verge of national selection following an exceptional domestic season. He amassed 436 runs in five matches during the 2024/25 CSA 4-Day Series, maintaining an impressive average of 72.66, and scoring three centuries. He also made a significant impact in the SA20 league earlier this year, scoring 397 runs in 12 matches for the Paarl Royals.

At tea, South Africa reached 248 for 6, with Pretorious (128) and Corbin Bosch (22) holding firm.