South African Teen Sensation Lhuan-dre Pretorius Annihilates 48-Year-Old Record with Historic Test Debut Century

South Africa's Lhuan-dre Pretorius has etched his name into cricketing folklore, becoming the youngest player to achieve a score of 150 runs in a Test innings. The remarkable feat occurred during his debut match against Zimbabwe at the Queens Sports Club, rewriting a record that stood for 48 years.

Lhuan-dre Pretorius celebrates his record-breaking innings with Corbin Bosch.

The 19-year-old surpassed the legendary Javed Miandad, who set the previous benchmark in 1976. Pretorius, at 19 years and 93 days, crafted a magnificent 153 from 160 deliveries. Miandad was 19 years and 119 days old when he scored 163 on debut against New Zealand in Lahore. Pretorius now holds the distinction of being the youngest South African to score a Test century and ranks as the fifth-youngest overall to achieve a debut ton in Test history.

His aggressive innings proved pivotal, arriving when South Africa faced early setbacks at 23 for 3 and later 55 for 4. He formed a dynamic 95-run partnership with fellow debutant Dewald Brevis in just 88 balls. Brevis added a quickfire 51 off 38 balls, including four towering sixes, marking the fastest Test half-century by a South African debutant.

"There were nerves when I walked in," Pretorius admitted following the day's play. "We knew they had only two seamers, and we targeted the spinners. I just love batting. It worked out today."

Pretorius reached his century in 112 balls and his 150 in 157 balls before being dismissed by Tanaka Chivanga, who ended the day with figures of 4 for 83. His innings included 11 boundaries and four sixes.

South Africa concluded Day 1 at 418 for 9, with Corbin Bosch scoring an unbeaten 100 off 124 balls — his maiden century. He was supported by Kwena Maphaka (9*), while Codi Yusuf chipped in with a handy 27 during a 59-run ninth-wicket partnership.

The day, however, undeniably belonged to the record-shattering Lhuan-dre Pretorius.