Historic Debut Ton Sets New South African Record at Queens Sports Club
South African teen Lhuan-dre Pretorius hits century on Test debut, creating history as the youngest South African to achieve the feat in the longest format of the game. The 19-year-old left-handed batter scripted this iconic moment during the first Test against Zimbabwe at Queens Sports Club on Saturday, June 28, 2025. His remarkable knock came at a critical juncture for the Proteas, who were struggling at 23/3 after a fiery spell by the Zimbabwean seamers.
Pretorius, just 19 years and 93 days old, displayed a level of maturity far beyond his years. Facing the new ball pressure and playing his first international red-ball match, he responded in a manner that seasoned cricketers would envy. He struck a six off the fourth ball he faced — bowled by left-arm spinner Wellington Masakadza — setting the tone for an aggressive yet composed innings.
Fearless Start Under Pressure
South Africa’s top-order collapse could have unsettled even the most talented debutants. But Pretorius walked in with confidence and clarity, instantly counterattacking the Zimbabwean bowlers with fearless strokeplay. He was supported briefly by Wiaan Mulder, with whom he built a small but steadying partnership.
Pretorius brought up his maiden Test century off just 112 deliveries — a knock that included seven elegant boundaries and two towering sixes. He reached the milestone just before tea, with the scoreboard reading 207/6. Not only did he rescue South Africa from early trouble, but he also energized the dressing room and fans watching from around the globe.
Breaking Graeme Pollock’s 60-Year-Old Record
Before this match, legendary South African batsman Graeme Pollock held the record for the youngest Test centurion for the country. Pollock had scored 120 against Australia at Sydney in the 1963/64 series at the age of 19 years and 318 days.
Pretorius, now the youngest to do so, shattered that 60-year-old record. His feat now stands as a defining landmark in South African cricket history. He also became the seventh South African to score a century on Test debut — joining an elite club that includes Jacques Rudolph, Alviro Petersen, and Temba Bavuma.
10th Youngest Centurion in Test Cricket History
Pretorius’s achievement also places him as the 10th youngest Test centurion in global cricket history. The youngest remains Mohammad Ashraful of Bangladesh, who was 17 years and 61 days old when he scored a century against Sri Lanka in 2001.
For context, other teen prodigies like Sachin Tendulkar (India), Hamilton Masakadza (Zimbabwe), and Mushtaq Mohammad (Pakistan) are part of this rare list. To see a South African join this club in the modern era, especially in such a competitive cricketing landscape, adds immense value to the feat.
A Rising Star in South African Cricket
This century didn’t happen in isolation. Pretorius has been on the radar of South African selectors since his prolific domestic form in late 2024. He first made headlines when he smashed a century on his first-class debut at just 18 years old. Since then, he has scored four centuries in only eight first-class games — a stunning conversion rate.
His strong performances in SA20 2025 for Paarl Royals, where he accumulated 397 runs in 12 matches, caught wider attention. He was later signed by IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals, though he didn’t feature in a match. Nonetheless, the experience of being in an elite T20 setup helped shape his mental toughness.
Reactions from the Cricketing World
Pretorius’s century drew widespread praise on social media. Former cricketers, commentators, and fans lauded his poise, technique, and shot selection. Proteas head coach Shukri Conrad described him as “a generational talent”, while former skipper AB de Villiers tweeted, “We’re watching something special. What a debut, Pretorius!”
What This Means for South Africa
South Africa’s red-ball team is in a transitional phase. With several veterans retiring or taking breaks, opportunities have opened for young talents to step up. Pretorius’s arrival adds energy, depth, and excitement to the batting order. Along with fellow teen Kwena Maphaka, who also debuted in this Test, the Proteas are building a bold new core for the future.
The team’s next challenge will be ensuring that this young talent is nurtured carefully. The burden of early success can be heavy, but Pretorius’s calm demeanor suggests he is up to the challenge.
A Century to Remember
South African teen Lhuan-dre Pretorius hits century on Test debut, not only setting records but also signaling the beginning of what could be a glittering international career. At just 19, Pretorius has shown the heart, temperament, and flair of a future superstar. For a cricketing nation hungry for fresh heroes, Pretorius’s knock could well be the defining story of the season.
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