Teenage Lhuan-dre Pretorius Smashes 48-Year Record, Becomes Youngest Ever to Score 150 on Test Debut

South Africa's Lhuan-dre Pretorius, a name now etched in cricket history, achieved a remarkable feat on Saturday. The 19-year-old became the youngest player ever to score 150 runs in a Test innings, surpassing a record that stood for 48 years.

Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Corbin Bosch (Pic credit: CSA)

The sensational debut unfolded during the first Test against Zimbabwe at the Queens Sports Club. Pretorius, at 19 years and 93 days, crafted a brilliant 153 from 160 deliveries. This performance shattered the previous record held by Pakistani legend Javed Miandad, who was 19 years and 119 days old when he scored 163 on debut against New Zealand in Lahore in 1976. Furthermore, Pretorius now holds the distinction of being the youngest South African to score a Test century and the fifth-youngest overall in Test history to achieve a debut ton.

His aggressive innings arrived at a critical juncture, with South Africa struggling at 23 for 3 and later 55 for 4. Pretorius forged a swift 95-run partnership in just 88 balls with fellow debutant Dewald Brevis. Brevis contributed a rapid 51 off 38 balls, punctuated by four sixes, marking the fastest Test fifty ever recorded by a South African debutant.

"There were nerves when I walked in," Pretorius admitted after the day's play. "We knew they had only two seamers, and we targeted the spinners. I just love batting. It worked out today."

Pretorius reached his century in 112 balls and his 150 in 157 balls before being dismissed by Tanaka Chivanga, who ended the day with figures of 4 for 83. His innings included 11 boundaries and four towering sixes.

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

Ultimately, the day belonged to Lhuan-dre Pretorius, the record-breaking teenager who announced himself on the world stage in spectacular fashion.