Teenage Sensation Lhuan-dre Pretorius Smashes 48-Year Record, Becomes Youngest Ever to Score 150 in Test History

South Africa's Lhuan-dre Pretorius has made an indelible mark on cricket history. On Saturday, the teenage phenom became the youngest player ever to reach 150 runs in a Test innings.

The 19-year-old debutant achieved this milestone during the first Test match against Zimbabwe at the Queens Sports Club. He surpassed a 48-year-old record previously held by Pakistani legend Javed Miandad.

At 19 years and 93 days old, Pretorius crafted a brilliant 153 from 160 deliveries. Miandad was 19 years and 119 days old when he scored 163 on his debut against New Zealand in Lahore back in 1976. 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 crucial for South Africa, who were struggling at 23 for 3 and later 55 for 4. Pretorius partnered with fellow debutant Dewald Brevis to forge a rapid 95-run stand off just 88 balls. Brevis contributed a swift 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 deliveries 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 fours and four sixes during his innings.

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

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