South African cricket witnessed the rise of a young star in Bulawayo as Lhuan-dre Pretorius stole the spotlight on Day 1 of the first Test against Zimbabwe. Making his debut on the international stage, the teenager displayed remarkable temperament and flair. With every stroke, he grew in confidence and stature, leaving spectators in awe. As wickets tumbled around him, Pretorius stood tall, anchoring the innings. His remarkable effort quickly became the central story of the day.
Lhuan-dré Pretorius makes history with remarkable performance on Test debut
Pretorius became the youngest South African to score a Test century at just 19 years and 93 days, breaking Graeme Pollock’s 61-year-old record set in 1964. The right-hander played with maturity beyond his years, constructing his innings with calculated aggression and composed shot selection. He reached his fifty in just 52 balls and accelerated with authority, hitting seven boundaries and three sixes en route to a fluent 112-ball hundred.
Pretorious knock came at a time when South Africa were struggling at 23/3, and he stitched vital partnerships with Wiaan Mulder and Dewald Brevis to revive the innings. Pretorius dominated spin and pace alike, timing the ball sweetly and rotating strike effectively. His celebration after reaching the milestone was modest, but the significance was monumental. The dressing room erupted, the crowd applauded, and a new hero had arrived. In one innings, he not only broke records but also cemented hope for South Africa’s batting future. His ability to handle pressure and lead a revival was striking, announcing his arrival with conviction.
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South Africa recover from early collapse against Zimbabwe on Day 1 of Bulawayo Test
After winning the toss and electing to bat first, South Africa got off to a disastrous start, losing Tony de Zorzi, Breetzke and David Bedingham cheaply. At 23/3, Zimbabwe’s bowlers, led by Tanaka Chivanga, had the visitors reeling with precise seam movement and disciplined lines. Mulder and Pretorius briefly steadied things before Mulder was run out after a mix-up. The innings turned when Brevis joined Pretorius, as the duo launched a counterattack with a 95-run partnership, punctuated by Brevis’ explosive 51 off 41. After his dismissal, Kyle Verreynne added 31 more with Pretorius, who remained the bedrock. When Verreynne departed for 10, Corbin Bosch held firm at the other end, ensuring no further damage. South Africa had reached 231/6 in 55.5 overs, with Pretorius unbeaten on 115 and Corbin Bosch on 18. Despite Zimbabwe’s early dominance, the visitors have clawed back impressively, led by their debutant sensation.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Lhuan-dre-Pretorius becomes scores 100 on test debut. The last SA batter was Steven Cook against England in Jan 2016.#ZIMvSA #Lhuandrepretorious
— Arpit Rastogi | Cricket (@arptrastogi) June 28, 2025
Maiden Test Hundred for 19 year old Lhuan-dre Pretorious. 🔥💯
A remarkable debut and what a wonderful start to his international Test career, truly a knock to remember for him! 🙇♂️#LhuandrePretorious #ZIMvSA #zimvssa #SAvsZIM pic.twitter.com/gCEsikd9T7
— Saabir Zafar (@Saabir_Saabu01) June 28, 2025
Lhuan-dre Pretorius – remember the name.
Century on Test debut at 19 years of age at a strike rate of 87.
Had some luck early but played brilliantly.#ZIMvSA
— CricBlog ✍ (@cric_blog) June 28, 2025
Hopefully first of the many for LDP!
Well played, debut ton at 18 is always special! 👏#ZIMvSA
— Nikhil 🏏 (@CricCrazyNIKS) June 28, 2025
Lhuan-dre Pretorius just looks completely at home at every level he plays. What a talent.
Dream debut#ZIMvSA #CricketTwitter
— Kelly R (@KelRo736) June 28, 2025
Well done on Maiden Test 100 on debut Lhuan-dre Pretorious 👏#ProteaFire #ZIMvSA
— Mosibudi Madidimalo (@SibuuuM) June 28, 2025
Top Knock From Lhuan Dre Pretorius 🔥👌🏻
100 On Debut 💪🏻#ZIMvSA
— Rahul ! 🇮🇳 (@CricketRahul7) June 28, 2025
Lhuan-dre Pretorius what a talent.
The youngest South African to bring up a test Century Debut.
Steering his team to a comfort zone #SAvZIM | #SSCricket pic.twitter.com/v8t0WWdYsG
— David Bugzy Muwonge (@Dave_Bugzy) June 28, 2025
Lhuan-dre Pretorius is 19 years batting with an aggression of a 26 year old. He just got his century too.
— Nick’s Pizza (@agobakwe_m) June 28, 2025
Maiden Test hundred on debut by Lhuan-dre Pretorius 🌟💯#Cricket #ZIMvSA #LhuandrePretorius pic.twitter.com/3xKP3EG2u7
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) June 28, 2025
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