Pretorious Shatters 61-Year-Old Record, Youngest South African to Score Test Century on Debut

Lhuan-dre Pretorious, a prodigious talent, 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 record-breaking century.

The 19-year-old's remarkable feat occurred during the first Test against Zimbabwe at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. 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 situation at 23 for 3. He demonstrated remarkable composure and a fearless approach. By the end of the second session, he had amassed an unbeaten 128 runs off just 141 deliveries. His innings included seven boundaries and four towering sixes, achieved at an impressive strike rate of 90.78. This helped stabilize a new-look Proteas side that had been in early trouble.

The young right-hander surpassed Pollock's 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 forged a crucial 95-run partnership for the fifth wicket with fellow debutant Dewald Brevis. Brevis contributed an explosive 51 off 41 balls, including three fours and four sixes.

Pretorious had been on the cusp of national selection following an outstanding 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 had also impressed 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) at the crease.