Lhuan-dre Pretorious, 19, Smashes 61-Year Record to Become Youngest South African Test Centurion on Debut

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

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

Lhuan-dre Pretorious celebrates his record-breaking century.

The 19-year-old prodigy accomplished this milestone during the first Test match against Zimbabwe at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on Saturday. 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. Displaying remarkable composure and a fearless approach, he remained unbeaten with 128 runs off just 141 balls by the end of the second session. His innings, which included seven boundaries and four sixes, was played at an impressive strike rate of 90.78, providing much-needed stability to the Proteas side.

The young right-hander surpassed Pollock's long-standing record, which was set in 1964 when the iconic left-hander scored a century at the age of 19 years and 317 days against Australia in Sydney. Pretorious, at just 19 years and 93 days old, now holds the title of the youngest centurion for South Africa in Test cricket.

He also forged a crucial 95-run partnership for the fifth wicket with fellow debutant Dewald Brevis, who contributed an explosive 51 off 41 deliveries, including three fours and four sixes.

Pretorious had been on the cusp of national selection after a phenomenal domestic season. He amassed 436 runs in five matches during the 2024/25 CSA 4-Day Series at an average of 72.66, including three centuries. He also made a significant impact in the SA20 league earlier in the 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.