South Africa’s Test debutant Lhuan-dre Pretorious delivered a sensational performance on Saturday in Bulawayo, breaking multiple national records and anchoring a South African fightback against Zimbabwe in the first Test of the series. At just 19 years and 93 days old, Pretorious became the youngest South African to score a Test century, surpassing the legendary Graeme Pollock’s 61-year-old record.
The teenager’s composed and counter-attacking 153 off 160 balls, laced with 11 fours and four sixes, came at a critical moment after South Africa collapsed to 23/3 in the opening session. Demonstrating maturity far beyond his years, Pretorious launched a remarkable recovery, helping his side post a commanding 418/9 by stumps on Day 1. His strike rate of 95.62 underlined the authority with which he approached his maiden Test innings.
Pretorious’s 153 now stands as the third-highest score by a South African on Test debut. Only Jacques Rudolph (222* vs Bangladesh, 2003) and Andrew Hudson (163 vs West Indies, 1992) have achieved higher scores in their first outings in whites. The innings also saw him put on a 95-run stand for the fifth wicket with fellow debutant Dewald Brevis, who played a blistering knock of 51 off just 41 balls, including three fours and four sixes.
South Africa’s batting depth shone through as the lower order built on Pretorious’s platform. Corbin Bosch, who remained unbeaten on 100 at stumps, formed crucial partnerships with skipper Keshav Maharaj (21), Codi Yusuf (27), and tail-ender Kwena Maphaka (9*), driving South Africa past the 400-run mark after they had earlier stumbled to 55/4.
Pretorious’s arrival on the international stage was long anticipated following a stellar run in domestic cricket. He had a breakout season in SA20 with Paarl Royals, amassing 397 runs in 12 matches, and carried that form into the Cricket South Africa (CSA) 4-Day Series 2024–25, where he scored 436 runs in five games at an impressive average of 72.66, including three centuries.
Zimbabwe’s bowling effort was led by Tanaka Chivanga, who picked up 4/83, while Blessing Muzarabani chipped in with 2/59. Despite their early breakthroughs, Zimbabwe’s attack struggled to contain the middle and lower order once Pretorious seized control of the innings.
At Tea earlier in the day, South Africa were 248/6, with Pretorious unbeaten on 128 and Bosch on 22. By the end of the day’s play, their partnership and individual milestones had shifted the momentum entirely in the Proteas’ favour.
South Africa’s playing XI included: Tony de Zorzi, Matthew Breetzke, Wiaan Mulder, David Bedingham, Lhuan-dre Pretorious, Dewald Brevis, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj (capt), Codi Yusuf, and Kwena Maphaka.
Zimbabwe fielded: Brian Bennett, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Nick Welch, Sean Williams, Craig Ervine (capt), Wessly Madhevere, Tafadzwa Tsiga (wk), Wellington Masakadza, Vincent Masekesa, Blessing Muzarabani, and Tanaka Chivanga.
Pretorious’s debut not only signals the rise of a new star in South African cricket but also injects fresh energy into a young and evolving Test side looking to build momentum in the new World Test Championship cycle.