• South African teenager Lhuan-dre Pretorius delivered a performance for the ages on his Test debut against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo.

  • The 19-year-old smashed a scintillating century to achieve a special feat in men's Test cricket.

ZIM vs SA: Fans erupts as Lhuan-dre Pretorius scripts history with a brilliant century on his Test debut
ZIM vs SA (Image Source: X)

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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:

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About the Author:
AMAR PAL SINGH BHALLA
Amar is a sports enthusiast and a talented writer who has found the perfect career that combines his two passions. As a valuable member of Cricket Times, Amar brings his passion for cricket and his talent for writing to the fore, providing readers with insightful and engaging content. Cricket lives rent-free in his mind. A person who views cricket as a metaphor for life. You can connect with Amar at amar.bhalla@crickettimes.com and also follow him on LinkedIn.