Zimbabwe vs South Africa test: Teenage Sensation Lhuan-dre Pretorius Stuns the Cricket World with Historic Debut Knock – 2025
Bulawayo, June 29, 2025 – A new star was born on the opening day of the Zimbabwe vs South Africa Test match at Queens Sports Club, as 19-year-old Lhuan-dre Pretorius etched his name in cricketing history with a sensational debut knock of 153 runs. Displaying class, composure, and maturity well beyond his years, Pretorius broke a 48-year-old record to become the youngest cricketer ever to score 150 runs in a Test debut innings.
Zimbabwe vs South Africa – The South African team, having opted to bat first, found themselves in early trouble at 23/3 after a fiery opening spell from Zimbabwe’s Blessing Muzarabani and Tanaka Chivanga. However, what followed was a remarkable counter-attack led by the young left-handed wicketkeeper-batsman. Pretorius walked in under pressure and left the field hours later to a standing ovation, having guided his team to a commanding position at 418/9 by stumps.
Pretorius reached his half-century in just 61 deliveries and converted it into a maiden century off 112 balls, laced with elegant cover drives and fearless pulls. He went on to smash 153 off 160 deliveries, including 11 fours and 4 towering sixes. His innings not only bailed South Africa out of early trouble but also set several records tumbling.
Zimbabwe vs South Africa – The 19-year-old surpassed Pakistani legend Javed Miandad’s record, who previously held the title of the youngest debutant to score 150 in Test cricket, set in 1976. Pretorius, at 19 years and 93 days, now holds that honor. He is also only the fifth-youngest overall to score a Test century and the seventh South African to achieve the feat on debut.
Pretorius stitched together crucial partnerships to rebuild the innings. His 95-run stand with fellow debutant Dewald Brevis (51) was instrumental in steadying the innings. Later, a 108-run partnership with all-rounder Corbin Bosch, who also notched up a century, propelled the Proteas to a dominant total.
Zimbabwe vs South Africa – The day wasn’t without controversy. In the 30th over, Pretorius edged a delivery that was taken cleanly by the wicketkeeper, and Zimbabwe’s players erupted in appeal. Without DRS available in the series, the umpire ruled it not out. Zimbabwe’s players were visibly frustrated, with some even shouting, “You’ve got to walk for that!” Pretorius remained unfazed and went on to make Zimbabwe pay dearly.
Post-match, a visibly emotional Pretorius shared his thoughts:
“It was amazing… I was quite nervous at 23 for three… but I just told myself to play naturally. We knew they only had two seamers, so the plan was to attack and wear them out.”
Pretorius’s rise to the international stage has been meteoric. He was a standout performer in the U19 World Cup earlier this year, where he emerged as the top scorer with 287 runs. His domestic debut for Titans saw him score a century, and his impressive performances earned him contracts with Rajasthan Royals in the IPL and Hampshire in England’s T20 Blast.
His technique, adaptability, and fearless stroke-play have already drawn comparisons with modern greats. Cricket pundits are calling him the most exciting talent to emerge from South Africa since AB de Villiers.
As the Proteas look to build a new era following the retirements of senior players, Lhuan-dre Pretorius’s debut signals hope and excitement for fans and selectors alike. Day 1 belonged to this young prodigy, and if this innings is any indication, the cricket world will be watching him very closely in the years to come.
South Africa will look to press their advantage on Day 2, while Zimbabwe face an uphill battle, already trailing by over 200 runs and trying to contain a rampant new generation of Proteas.
Score Summary – Day 1 – Zimbabwe vs South Africa
South Africa: 418/9 (Lhuan-dre Pretorius 153, Corbin Bosch 101*, Dewald Brevis 51; Muzarabani 3/75)
Zimbabwe: Yet to bat
By: BiGG Sports News Desk
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