Lhuan-dre Pretorius, 19, Smashes Record, Becomes Youngest Ever to Score 150 on Test Debut

South Africa has a new cricketing hero! Lhuan-dre Pretorius, a 19-year-old sensation, has rewritten the record books by becoming the youngest player to score 150 runs in a Test innings. His remarkable debut against Zimbabwe at the Queens Sports Club shattered a 48-year-old record previously held by Pakistani legend Javed Miandad.

Pretorius, at just 19 years and 93 days old, crafted a magnificent 153 from 160 deliveries. In 1976, Miandad was 19 years and 119 days old when he scored 163 on his debut against New Zealand in Lahore. Now, Pretorius also claims the title of the youngest South African to achieve a Test century and stands as the fifth-youngest overall to score a debut ton in Test history.

His aggressive innings was instrumental in rescuing South Africa from a precarious position, teetering at 23 for 3 and later 55 for 4. Pretorius forged a swift 95-run partnership in only 88 balls with fellow debutant Dewald Brevis. Brevis supported with a rapid 51 off 38 balls, including four impressive sixes, marking the fastest Test fifty by a South African debutant.

He reached his century in 112 balls and his 150 in 157 balls before being dismissed by Tanaka Chivanga, who ended the day with 4 for 83. Pretorius struck 11 boundaries and cleared the ropes four times during his innings.

South Africa concluded Day 1 at 418 for 9, with Corbin Bosch remaining unbeaten on 100 off 124 balls – his maiden century. Kwena Maphaka (9*) provided support, while Codi Yusuf contributed a valuable 27 during a 59-run partnership for the ninth wicket.

Despite the strong team performance, the day unequivocally belonged to Pretorius and his historic achievement.