Siyabonga Nkosi Lhuan-dre Pretorius has already made history within South African cricket. In doing so, he has made history, becoming the youngest Test centurion in the nation’s recorded history. As a 19-year-old making his World Cup debut, he certainly made an impact, scoring 153 runs. All this at the tender age of 19 years and 93 days. On that historic day, Pretorius came to the crease at an ignominious moment for South Africa. Their back was already against the wall at 23 for 3, and his impact was required immediately.
Pretorius made an immediate impact, hitting the fourth ball he faced for six over third man. This audacious stroke played a perfect prelude to an incredible underdog performance. He brought up his hundred just before tea, smoothly flicking a ball from Hamilton Masakadza to square leg to get there. Yet, this milestone was not just a testament to his artistic ability. It highlighted his calm demeanor in high stress situations.
Pretorius’s path to this historic moment included playing three matches for Hampshire in the T20 Blast. In those games, he mustered scores of 1, 37, and 28. Domestically, he had a profound effect on franchise cricket. In January 2025, he hit a career-high 97 on his T20 franchise debut for the Paarl Royals. His continual dominance earned the eye of the Rajasthan Royals, who picked him up as a substitute for the injured Nitish Rana in May of 2025. He played just a solitary Test, without having the opportunity to bat.
By surpassing Graeme Pollock’s long-standing record of 120 runs, set in December 1963 against Australia at the age of 19 years and 318 days, Pretorius has not only become South Africa’s youngest Test centurion but ranks as the tenth youngest Test centurion of all time. Additionally, he is now the fourth-youngest player to make a century on debut.
He went on to receive several awards and with a spectacular 153, became the youngest player to score 150 in Test cricket. This accomplishment broke Javed Miandad’s longstanding record of 163 runs, which he accomplished at the age of 19 years and 119 days against New Zealand in 1976. Pretorius’ innings included 11 fours and four sixes, his highest score in first-class cricket.
Looking back on his record performance, a relieved Pretorius said he was still in shock of his achievement.
“It was amazing. I was quite nervous as 23-3 but it’s been a dream come true. I don’t think it’s sunk in yet. I’m glad today is over,” – Lhuan-dre Pretorius
Ben Stokes praised Pretorius’s achievements, noting the impact of franchise cricket on young players’ development.
“I just love batting; fortunately, it worked out for me today. It’s a real dream come true, and for my parents and family to be here, it tops it off.” – Lhuan-dre Pretorius
Ben Stokes also praised Pretorius’s achievements, noting the impact of franchise cricket on young players’ development.
“One of the many things franchise cricket has done is put young/inexperienced but incredibly talented players opportunities on the biggest stage against the best in the world and show off how good they are. Lhuan-dre Pretorius is doing that right now,” – Ben Stokes
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