Teenage Phenom Lhuan-dre Pretorius Smashes 48-Year Record, Youngest Ever to Score 150 in Test Debut

South African cricket prodigy Lhuan-dre Pretorius has made history, claiming the title of the youngest player ever to score 150 runs in a Test innings. The 19-year-old achieved the milestone during his debut Test match against Zimbabwe at the Queens Sports Club, surpassing a 48-year-old record previously held by Pakistani legend Javed Miandad.

Lhuan-dre Pretorius celebrates his record-breaking innings alongside Corbin Bosch.

Pretorius, at 19 years and 93 days old, crafted a remarkable innings of 153 runs from 160 deliveries. Miandad was 19 years and 119 days old when he scored 163 on debut against New Zealand in Lahore in 1976. Furthermore, Pretorius now holds the distinction of being the youngest South African to score a Test century and the fifth-youngest overall to achieve a debut ton in Test history.

His aggressive innings proved vital for South Africa, who were struggling at 23 for 3 and later 55 for 4. He formed a swift 95-run partnership with fellow debutant Dewald Brevis, which came in just 88 balls. Brevis contributed a rapid 51 off 38 balls, including four sixes, marking 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, who ended the day with figures of 4 for 83. He struck 11 boundaries and four sixes during his innings.

South Africa concluded Day 1 at 418 for 9, with Corbin Bosch scoring an unbeaten 100 — his maiden century — off 124 balls. He received support from Kwena Maphaka (9*) and Codi Yusuf, who contributed a useful 27 during a 59-run ninth-wicket partnership.

Ultimately, the day belonged to the record-breaking Lhuan-dre Pretorius.