Teen Pretorius Sets Record with 150 in Debut Test

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    In Bulawayo, a spectacular performance unfolded as South African teenager Lhuan-dre Pretorius carved his name into the cricket history books at the Queens Sports Club. The 19-year-old sensation achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the youngest cricketer to score 150 runs in a test match during the opening test against Zimbabwe.

    Pretorius, making his debut at the age of 19 years and 93 days, scored an impressive 153 runs, surpassing the previous record set by Pakistan’s Javed Miandad, who accomplished this feat at 19 years and 119 days against New Zealand in 1976. Not only did Pretorius become the youngest South African to score a century on debut, but he also joined the elite ranks as the fifth youngest player globally to do so.
    Adding to the South African triumph, Corbin Bosch, participating in his second test, also reached a century milestone just before the end of the day’s play. As the first day came to a close, South Africa boasted a strong position with a total of 418-9.
    Reflecting on his performance, Pretorius shared his excitement, “It was amazing. I was quite nervous when I walked in. I’m glad the debut is over. We knew they only had two seamers and that we could take the spinners out of the attack. I just love batting, and fortunately, it worked out for me today.”
    This test marked South Africa’s return to Zimbabwe after a decade-long absence. Notably, only four players involved in their recent World Test Championship final victory at Lord’s were selected. Absent were key figures such as captain Temba Bavuma, final standout Aiden Markram, and the formidable Kagiso Rabada. Stepping in as captain was spinner Keshav Maharaj, who opted to bat first, fielding a team featuring three debutants: Pretorius, Dewald Brevis, and Codi Yusuf.
    Facing early challenges, South Africa found themselves at 23-3, elevating the pressure on Pretorius, who entered at 55-4. Teaming up with Brevis, the duo put together a crucial 95-run partnership across 88 balls to stabilize the innings. Without video reviews, controversy arose as Pretorius survived an edge behind at 30, sparing Tanaka Chivanga from claiming a fourth wicket. Again, on 127, Pretorius seemed to nick behind but endured.
    Showcasing remarkable composure, Pretorius reached his half-century in 53 deliveries, followed by Brevis smashing the fastest 50 by a South African debutant in 38 balls, finally bowing out at 51. Shattering records, Pretorius surpassed Graeme Pollock to become the youngest South African to notch up a century, achieving his hundred off 112 balls and later reaching 150 off 157 deliveries.
    Chivanga eventually dismissed Pretorius, producing a short ball that was caught at mid-on. Pretorius concluded his innings with an impressive 153 from 160 balls, featuring 11 boundaries and four sixes. Contributing to the cause, Yusuf added a valuable 27 runs in a 59-run stand with Bosch for the ninth wicket.
    Bosch, who narrowly escaped being caught on 2 and 97, reached his century in the final over by pushing a single toward backward square leg. His hundred was scored in 124 balls, complemented by 10 boundaries. South Africa’s innings ended with support from No. 11 batter Kwena Maphaka, unbeaten on 9. Chivanga completed the day with figures of 4-83.