Pretorius becomes SA’s youngest Test centurion

Bulawayo’s first of five tests, on day one.

South Africa 418-9 (Pretorius 153, Bosch 100*, Chivanga 4-83)

Zimbabwe is yet to bat

Lhuan-dre Pretorius, who turned 19 years and 93 days old on his debut, recorded a brilliant 153 in South Africa’s Test history, making him the youngest centurion in the country.

The Proteas won 418-9 at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on day one of their first Test against Zimbabwe thanks to the left-handed batter’s 100 off 112 balls.

Pretorius broke the previous record set by Graeme Pollock, who had 19 years and 318 days to set a record against Australia in Sydney in December 1963.

The Bangladeshi wicketkeeper-batter, who was 17 years and 61 days old when he scored a century against Sri Lanka in 2001, became the 10th youngest Test centurion ever to do so. On debut, he was the fourth-youngest to do so.

Shortly before tea, he clipped off Hamilton Masakadza and brought up his century.

When Pretorius pulled a short ball from Tanaka Chivanga, who had taken 4-83, into Masakadza’s hands midway through, Pretorius was eventually dismissed after getting lives on 30, 54, 55, and 127.

His 153-run knock, which included 11 fours and four sixes, was also his highest first-class score in the game.

It was incredible, I said. Even at 23-3, I was a little anxious, but it’s been a dream come true. It hasn’t sunk, in my opinion. Pretorius expressed his satisfaction that today is over.

“I just adore batting, and fortunately it turned out well for me today. For my parents and family to be here, it makes a real dream come true, and it makes a fantastic end to it.

The stocky leftie looks set for great things thanks to a batting style and frame that have more than a hint of Graeme Smith’s influence.

He was educated in South Africa’s private schools system before moving on to the professional game in Potchefstroom in March 2006.

With 287 runs in six games and a 57.40 average, he was the Under-19 Cricket World Cup’s top run-scorer in 2024.

At the age of 17, he made his domestic T20 debut for the Titans in South Africa, and he immediately caught the eye with an 82 off 43 balls against Gauteng.

Pretorius then scored 120 on his first-class debut for the Titans against Warriors in December 2024 before an impressive knock on his SA20 debut earned him more respect.

In January 2025, Pretorius made his career-best 97 T20 franchise debut for the Paarl Royals, which impressed England captain Ben Stokes.

“One of the many things franchise cricket has done is give young, unproven, incredibly talented players opportunities to compete against the best players in the world and demonstrate their talent.” According to Stokes in a January post on X, “Lhuan-dre Pretorius is doing that right now.”

Pretorius appeared in one game as an impact player but did not bat when Rajasthan Royals called him up to the Indian Premier League in May 2025.