South Africa National Cricket Team Sees Youngest Centurion
This historic feat places Pretorius as the 10th youngest Test centurion of all time, a distinction that underscores his exceptional talent and the future prospects for the South Africa national cricket team, with Pretorius and Bosch leading the charge with their centuries.
Lhuan-dre Pretorius, at just 19 years old, has become the youngest centurion in South Africa's Test history, scoring an impressive 153 on debut against Zimbabwe, breaking a record that stood since 1963.
Pretorius's achievement is all the more remarkable given the challenging circumstances in which he came to the crease. With his team struggling at 23-3, he demonstrated maturity and skill beyond his years, compiling his century off just 112 balls, including 11 fours and four sixes. His eventual dismissal for 153 off 160 balls left South Africa in a strong position at 418-9.
The debutant was not alone in his success, as Corbin Bosch also made his maiden Test hundred, remaining unbeaten on 100. This impressive display of batting from the newcomers helped South Africa stage a remarkable recovery from a precarious 55/4, ultimately breaching the 400-run mark against Zimbabwe on the opening day of the first Test.
Pretorius's batting style has drawn comparisons to that of Graeme Smith, a testament to his potential and talent. Having made his first-class debut at 18 and played for the Titans and Hampshire in domestic T20 cricket, Pretorius was recently called up to the Indian Premier League in May, indicating a promising career ahead.