Teenage Sensation Lhuan-dre Pretorius Makes History, Breaks 48-Year-Old Test Record

South African cricket witnessed the emergence of a new star as Lhuan-dre Pretorius etched his name into the record books. The 19-year-old debutant became the youngest player ever to score 150 runs in a Test innings, achieving the milestone against Zimbabwe at the Queens Sports Club.

Pretorius, at 19 years and 93 days, surpassed 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 1976. Miandad's record stood for 48 years. The young South African's innings of 153 came off 160 balls, solidifying his place in cricket history.

This achievement also marks Pretorius as the youngest South African to score a Test century and the fifth-youngest overall to achieve a debut ton.

His aggressive innings was crucial for South Africa, who were struggling at 23 for 3 and later 55 for 4. Pretorius formed a formidable partnership with fellow debutant Dewald Brevis, adding 95 runs in just 88 balls. Brevis contributed a rapid 51 off 38 balls, including four sixes, setting a new record for the fastest Test fifty 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. His innings included 11 fours and four sixes.

South Africa concluded Day 1 at 418 for 9, with Corbin Bosch also scoring a maiden century, finishing unbeaten on 100 off 124 balls. Kwena Maphaka (9*) provided support, while Codi Yusuf contributed a useful 27 during a 59-run ninth-wicket partnership.

While Bosch's century was significant, the day undoubtedly belonged to Lhuan-dre Pretorius, whose record-breaking performance will be remembered for years to come.